PREFACE. IN OFFERING the present volume to the public, I will briefly state, the object is to encourage a more general knowledge of and a deeper insight into the history of the horse in this country, more especially that relating to our standard breed called thoroughbred; to point out errors that have been committed in the breeding of our horse which have prevented, and ever will prevent, his attaining to a complete and satisfactory degree of excellence. I ask for a patient perusal of its pages, in the hope that many may see the subject in the same light with myself, and the necessity of action in the matter. Long and constant study of the horse and his history, which from early youth has been a labour of love, only increasing with years, added to considerable practical experience gained in many parts of the world, has convinced me of existing faults, and also led me to see the only way in which a true and useful breed of thoroughbred horses can be established. I more readily put forward the opinions I entertain, A 2 |