INTRODUCTION. 



One day at stables, I requested one of the ser- 

 geants in charsre of a troop to jn'epare a list for me 

 of all the various points I had, from time to time, 

 insisted on in the interest of the horses under his 

 charge. The following day I was presented with a 

 document, from which it apj^eared that over a 

 hundred points required more or less constant 

 attention. 



This led me to the conclusion tiiat it might be 

 well to write out, in as simple terms as possible, 

 short instructions for the care of horses in the 

 stable and in the tield. For several years I had the 

 opportunity of observing the troubles and mishaps 

 which occur amongst horses picketed in the open, 

 and of dealing with the evils resulting from ex- 

 posure to wet. from overwork, aud from short 

 rations. Latterly, I have had some experience of 

 home service, where rough and ready methods are 

 no longer admissible. 



Coujitant observation of horses living under 

 varied conditions, and made use of for many 

 different purposes, has impressed on me that, whether 

 at home or abroad, the utmost care and system are 

 required to keep them in good condition, and 

 capable of standing hard work. 



