174 THE HOME, FAEM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPEDIA. 



times out of a hundred it will render a jibber restive, mischievous, or ob- 

 stinate. Experience only can dictate the management of such animals 

 Some will start after waiting for a short time, having their head free ; 

 coaxing is generally the best means, and, as before said, have patience, 

 and do not be in too great a hurry to start. Some may be started by 

 being turned round, and others, by being backed for a short distance. 

 Many think it a good plan to punish a jibber when he is once started 

 our experience proves the contrary, for, depend upon it, he will recollect 

 this next time, and will not fail further to exercise your patience for fear 

 of the flogging. Kindness and good driving may cure a horse who is not 

 a confirmed jibber ; but when once this vice has become habitual, you can 

 never depend upon the horse ; as we have said before, get rid of him. 



KICKING. An experienced eye can generally tell if a horse is likely to 

 kick, and also when he is about to kick. We, however, always drive 

 with a kicking-strap, and would recommend the practice. When a horse 

 attempts to kick, you must hold him well in hand, and lay the whip well 

 into him about the ears, rating him at the same time with a loud voice ; 

 this plan we have generally found effective. 



REARING. Little can be done in harness with a determined rearer. 

 When he tries to rear, if you have room, give him half a turn ; this will 

 make him move his hind-legs, and will consequently bring him down; 

 you will find a series of turns punish and surprise him more than any- 

 thing else. When you have got him on the move, with his head the right 

 way, you can punish him with the whip, if he is one that you are sure 

 you can manage ; if not, you had better leave well alone. With respect 

 to rearing in double harness, we will here observe, the best way to act is, 

 to push the other horse forward, and soothe the restive one, until you 

 have fairly got him on ; you can then punish or not, according to your 

 judgment, but not without reference to your ability to manage the 

 horses. 



SHYING. Before a horse starts at anything on the side of the road, or 

 lying on the road, he usually gives some notice of his intention, by cock- 

 ing his ears, and bending his head towards the object. As soon as the 

 driver perceives these signs of uneasiness, he should be upon his guard to 

 prevent a sudden turn round, or flying to one side, which would evidently 

 be dangerous ; and not only on this account should he be attentive, but 

 because each time the horse violently shies, the habit is in progress of 

 being confirmed. As soon, therefore, as a horse, accustomed to shy, gives 

 notice of uneasiness, he should be coaxed up to the object of his terror, so 

 that he may perceive its harmlessness ; let him deliberately stand and 



