PREFACE 6 



these inquiries point out a well-defined want and 

 it is concerning these practical matters — matters 

 in which every horse-owner is sure, sooner or 

 later, to want help — that this book is chiefly 

 written. 



Perhaps, too, in writing the book, I have been 

 influenced, in some degree, by another and more 

 sentimental reason — which is none other than my 

 love for the horse and a desire to promote horse- 

 manship in the true sense of the word. For in all 

 the vicissitudes of my life I have found the horse 

 one of its greatest blessings, an added joy in times 

 of prosperity and happiness and a comfort and 

 solace in days of disappointment and sorrow. 

 Surely such an animal deserves that comprehen- 

 sion of what he really is, that insight into his 

 nature, and that knowledge of what to expect of 

 him and how to manage him and care for him and 

 bring out the best that is in him that constitute 

 true horsemanship. 



David Buffum. 



Prudence Island, R. I. 



