Bibliothèque mondiale du cheval

« The mind of man — the capacities of the horse and other animals, have emanated from the same Creator; and when thoroughly understood, will be found to be wisely adopted to the external world. The horse possesses, in common with man, and most of the animal species, the five external senses, by which he appreciates the existence, presence, and properties of qualities of objects which present themselves. Controlled by intellect, he is impulsive, and under the guidance of his senses, he is cautious and disposed to be distrustful. Unusual sounds put him on the alert. He snuffs the air to wind the object which has startled him. His eye cautiously scans every object within its range, and he shrinks from, or defends himself against the approach or touch of that which has addressed his caution or combattiveness.
There is as great a variety in the disposition and character of horses as exists in the human family; and this, in both, depends upon the individual organization and temperment. The disposition of a horse, and his peculiar traits of character, may be determined as certainly by a practiced eye as that of any human being. The principles of phrenology and physiognomy are applicable to the horse and other animals as well as to man. To understand these principles and their application, is one design of this book, which, when thoroughly understood, will enable any one to manage with facility, any domestic animal he may wish to control. » Présentation de l’éditeur (1854)

« Une 4 e édition datée de 1860 (autoédition, Louisville, Ky.) est la dernière rencontrée. Offut vendait les secrets de sa méthode pour quelques dollars lors de tournées de démonstrations comme cela se pratiquait à l’époque. La Librairie du Congrès possède une page datée de 1843 enregistrée sous le titre Best & cheapest book on the management of horses, mules, &c. / by Denton Offutt. Mr. Denton Offut, will instruct persons in his peculiar method of gentling horses, mules, &c .... (Wm. Greer, printer, corner of E and 10th streets, Washington, D. C.). Elle regroupe des témoignages positifs. Offut semble avoir été également à l’origine d’un livret d’une vingtaine de pages, paru vers 1846, vendu sous le titre Denton Offutt’s method of gentling horses, and curing their diseases , signalé dans le catalogue de l’Université du Michigan. » Bibliothèque Mondiale du Cheval