Author’s Foreword

When I undertook to produce this book I did so with a light heart, having the greatest confidence in the technical knowledge and literary ability of my friend and collaborator, Colonel Hugh Jagger.

One day we made out our list of contents; a few days later—quite suddenly—he died. This, I am convinced, was the only unkind thing he ever did in his life.

His ready sympathy, his sense of humour and his understanding of our troubles must have left a lifelong impression on the memory of those who were fortunate enough to come in contact with him, whether professionally or in private life.

It was not until, left to myself, I started to write this book that I realised how numerous were the diseases that could render our mutual friend the horse temporarily or permanently useless to man.

More poignantly still I realised, in spite of my long association with horses, how meagre was my knowledge of their various ailments.

It was the very early realisation of this deficiency that confirmed my resolution to seek the aid of some of the most expert veterinary surgeons in the country. To those, therefore, who have most kindly helped me
by their criticisms of my efforts I am more grateful than I can express. The book is the richer for many practical and useful hints thanks to Mr. L. F. Hill, Mr. Ernest Clipston and Mr. H. Oldham.

My last acknowledgments I am keeping for Captain Jack Grant Ives and Captain Humphrey Dixon, without whose timely help at the most critical stage and up to the time of its going to the printers this book would not now be in your hands.

For those who wish to probe deeper into the know- ledge of veterinary science I recommend Black's "Veterinary Dictionary," Fitzwygram's "Horses and Stables," and Hayes' "Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners," which have been invaluable to me as books of reference.

Just as no medical treatise could possibly take the place of your local practitioner or surgeon, so this book makes no claim to deputise for your veterinary surgeon. I dare to hope, however, that it may prove to be an
efficient understudy where professional aid is neither an urgent necessity nor perhaps easily procurable.

W. E. L.