The writer of this little volume deems it only fair to forewarn his
readers that he is not, and never has been, an inhabitant of that
variegated region in creation commonly called "the sporting world."
He has never bred, raced, steeple-chased, nor betted sixpence on any
colt, filly, horse, or mare. He has never seen, nor been seen by, the
Jockey-Club. He has never been on the turf. He does not belong to "the
ring."
Nevertheless, sometimes in the performance of public
duties,--sometimes from private inclination,--sometimes for the
benefit of his health,--sometimes for recreation,--sometimes for
rumination,--sometimes to risk his life,--and more than once to save
it, he has, throughout a long and chequered career, had to do an amount
of rough-riding, a little larger than has fallen to the lot of many men.
His observations and reflections on horses and horsemen he now ventures
to submit to that portion only of the community who, like himself,
preferring a long tether to a short one, take exercise on four legs,
instead of on two.