PRE FA CE 



Few domesticated animals have been so much concerned with the 

 interests and enjoyments of mankind as the horse. It may be 

 said, indeed, that no animal has been more usefully associated 

 with the human race, as its services have been required at some 

 stage or other of almost every great undertaking that man has 

 been engaged in, whether concerned with the arts of peace or war. 

 Also its aid is alike valuable to the poor as to the rich, all grades 

 of society having requisitioned its assistance in the affairs of life. 



In such circumstances surely it is only just that mankind 

 should carefully study the characteristics of an animal that he is 

 so much indebted to. The horse is an animal with many phases 

 of disposition and character j but in far too many instances its 

 master is apt to allow his mind simply to dwell on one aspect 

 only, namely, its great strength, forgetting all the time that the 

 animal is liable to many ailments and weaknesses. Also forgetting 

 that when it gets fair play, so to speak, it generally is a noble 

 animal, highly endowed with many of the best attributes, such 

 as gratitude for kindnesses, a strong desire to excel, extreme 

 sensitiveness to harsh and unjust treatment, a high spirit that 

 overcomes obstacles, and many other beautiful features of 

 character. 



With regard to these features of temperament referred to, and 

 many others, for the horse is as varied in character as its master. 



