Preface

This reference book is designed for the non-professional rider, the casual rider, those with a curiosity about and an interest in horses— especially beginners—boys and girls, men and women. The author has endeavored to present in a medium-sized volume essential basic information concerning the principal equestrian activities in the United States and Canada, and some fundamentals concerning the anatomy, nature, care and history of the horse. This information might be used by a beginner to learn the scope of his contemplated activity and its basic terminology; by spectators of horse events and friends (and relatives and admirers) of equestrian enthusiasts to learn something of the background, terminology and meaning of what they are watching; by experienced horsemen and horsewomen who wish to acquaint themselves with other equestrian activities in which they seldom participate, or perhaps as a refresher on some aspect of their favorite pastime; by leaders of riding groups as a basis for instruction and the preparation of test questions; by Pony Club-ers to assist in preparing for their tests, especially the oral and written ones; and perhaps even by the professionals, just to see what someone else says about what they know so well!

Know About Horses is not an encyclopedia—or a dictionary. It does attempt a sufficiently broad coverage to be really useful to the average horseman without being technical, exhaustive or overly precise. For example, some horses have nineteen ribs, but most—by a large margin —have eighteen; so in this book you will find eighteen given as the number of a horse's ribs. Again, it is well known by most knowledgeable horse people that a horse's "knee" is really not a knee joint; it corresponds to a human wrist, it is the next joint below the horse's elbow and it is at the end of the horse's forearm; the joint, anatomically, is correctly the carpal joint or carpus. But nearly all horsemen refer to this joint as the "knee"—so, in this book, the horse's carpal joint is his "knee."

The coverage is purposefully broad. Basic things about the horse-history, anatomy, ailments, stable management, shoeing, characteristics —come first; then the most usual horse activities on the North American continent—horse shows, foxhunting, steeplechasing, flat and harness racing, polo, cowboys and the West; and then some reference material generally only available in obscure manuals—mounted games, a test of horsemanship and horsemastership. Although our armed forces no longer include horse cavalry, it is included for sentimental reasons. Under "General," there is an outlined plan for a 100 mile ride (over other than mountainous country), and under "Horse Shows" there is a brief planning guide for horse show managers.

It may seem strange to find beagling and bassetting in a book about horses. This subject was included because it is very closely allied with foxhunting (mounted) and because many who follow the fox hounds on a horse also follow beagles on foot. Also, because of the great similarity of the two sports, youngsters are introduced to the technique, etiquette, conventions, traditions and lore of fox hunting through first hunting with a beagle pack in quest of a hare. It seemed, that in view of the nature of this book, a chapter on beagling was essential for completeness. I am indebted to Dr. Joseph Conolly, Master of the Buckram Beagles, for preparation of the material in this chapter.

Under each major subject, the material is organized in logical order and natural association and, with an eye to easy reference and rapid reading, key words are in bold face. There is a bibliography and an abbreviated index.

Each section has been reviewed by authorities in that field. While, unhappily, I cannot guarantee there are no errors, I believe there are none. Controversial matters have generally been excluded and with regard to a few items in which there are known differences of opinion, either both views are stated or the book includes the one which the weight of experience, sound judgment, knowledge, general acceptance and objectivity indicates is preferable.

Change and progress are a certainty. To the greatest extent, therefore, information, data and records which might require bringing them up-to-date in a relatively short time have been excluded.

Jean Bowman's attractive and expressive illustrations materially enhance the usefulness as well as the appearance of Know About Horses, and Captain Sydney R. Smith, squire of Bouldernoll in the pleasing Old Chatham hunting country, was most helpful and patient in assisting with a really good bibliography. To the several individuals and horse associations who painstakingly read portions of the manuscript and offered helpful suggestions, I am most grateful and appreciative.

HARRY DISSTON

Hidden Hill Shadwell, Virginia

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