Introduction

THE original western horse had its beginning as a Spanish horse of war, then as a horse trained to work cattle on the ranchos of Mexico, Texas, and the Southwest. American cattlemen further developed the western horse.

The original western saddle horse had but one function, and that was working livestock. Some horses were highly trained in the art of cutting out cattle, others as calf-roping animals, and the ordinary horses were found in the strings of night herders. Today the western horse exhibits his abilities in many fields. His life is a far cry from that of his ancestors on the ranchos. Before selecting a western horse the horseman should determine the purpose and choose a type to fit the particular need. However, this does not mean merely owning a horse and going through the act of riding. Yes, there is much today that goes into the making of a unit, and it isn't all on the horse's back. There is nothing more beautiful than the coordination of a rider and horse. Too many people buy a horse with no idea of how to take care of it. The desire is there but not the understanding. A lot of thought must go into the care, the grooming, and the training as well.

If attention is not paid to all these things the owner is disappointed, the animal is frustrated, and neither the owner nor the horse is helped or happy. So many books on the technical side of riding have been written that the everyday problems and the detailed care of the horse have been neglected. These questions and the answers are what the new horseman is looking for.

It is certain that the person who owns, loves, and cares for one particular animal for any length of time, sufficient to learn the animal's character, will derive ten times more pleasure if there is complete understanding.

In this day of planes, fast cars, and streamlined ships the horse still holds a great fascination for us. Horses still perform important work even in this mechanical age, but the pleasure horse has tripled in number in the last five years, and the real worth of this animal is now being appreciated. Thousands go to the races, polo matches, rodeos, and horse shows. Those who own a horse can tell of the delightful companionship. It is a challenge to the horse owner, solving the problems, curing bad habits, and spending hours in training for the show ring. But the horse is only as good as its rider.

Horses have personalities. The traits and characteristics that make the animal an individual must be recognized and developed. The best approach must be studied. When an amateur climbs into a saddle and picks up the reins it is rather a sad thing to see, and the sympathy is most certainly with the horse. It is also sad to see an animal confined to a small corral without room to trot and with a little hay thrown any time the owner thinks of it; to see the ribs begin to show and the coat lose its gloss; to see a manure-laden corral with flies annoying the animal. This book is purposely written in the hope of doing away with these things.

Remember, the horse is a somewhat helpless animal inasmuch as he depends on his owner to care for him, make all his decisions, and do his reasoning. The horse is timid and nervous by nature. He is not normally vicious but will fight what he does not understand. He can think of only one thing at a time. He can reason a little but makes up for the lack of reasoning by cleverness if given the chance.

I have written with some detail on the selection of the proper horse, the best stabling for the money at hand, the care and training of the individually owned animal, and the treatment of bad habits. I have broken down the cost of feeding and the necessary equipment.

For the lover of horses who wants an animal of his own this handbook on the western horse will bring a better understanding of what is needed from both horse and rider. The primary rules for learning to ride and to train a colt are set forth. With the help of a parent these chapters should guide a child toward a reasonable and pleasant mount.

This book is offered as an aid to buying, handling, and maintaining a horse and to understanding how a horse thinks and why he performs as he does. Finally, through these pages I hope to increase the love for the western horse to the extent that the reader will want to have and to care for his own. And may it encourage the horse lover to try the pleasure and satisfaction of being his own stableman and trainer.

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