274 CONFESSIONS OF A HOR3B DEALER. 



before they give a decided opinion, the system finds 

 favour, but no man whose knowledge of the system is 

 not perfected by his own observations and practical expe- 

 rience is qualified to give an opinion upon its merits or 

 failings. "No idea can be formed as to the practical work- 

 ing of the plan, unless it is seen and explained to them 

 in every particular. 



There are scores of ways at present in vogue for the 

 training or rather breaking of colts, many of which are 

 diametrically opposed to each other, every horse-breaker, 

 of course, thinking and asserting that his plan is the 

 best. 



How many horses are regularly spoiled by these vari- 

 ous ways of breaking, my readers can form some idea, 

 if they are colt buyers or breeders. Still I am proud 

 (as an Englishman) to admit that we have many pa- 

 tient and skilful horse-trainers in England and the sister 

 country, (notwithstanding what Mr. Earey may say to 

 the contrary ; and the fact of that gentleman having to 

 advertise and " compensate parties liberally" for the 

 supply of vicious horses, to exhibit their violent strug- 

 gles for the pleasure of "his patrons," is a proof that we 

 are not so ignorant in the science of horse-training after 

 all.) We have many horse-trainers on this side of the 

 Atlantic who turn colts out of their hands perfect pat- 

 terns of gentility and obedience to the correspondence 

 of their own hands and legs. But I appeal to these indi- 

 viduals whether they are not frequently mortified be- 

 yond the endurance when these colts are returned to 



