22 HORSEMANSHIP. 



his descent, making the dissolution of partnership a certainty. 

 A kicker such as this — a refractory, resolute and deter- 

 mined animal, with confidence in his abiUty to get rid of 

 his load — will lash out furiously and soon tire himself. The 

 rider must sit firm and sit fast, keeping the heels or spurs 

 away from his sides, and rate him soundly in a loud voice. 

 Horses are very knowing in finding out, whether their master 

 is on their back or not, if he be nervous or "full of fight." 

 The contest must be one as when Greek meets Greek. Get 

 his head up at once, by mere strength of arm or by a sudden 

 and severe snatch at the bridle, and punish his mouth till 

 he ceases his antics ; do not use the spurs, they do more harm 

 than good, but let him feel the whip severely over his ears 

 and neck. He will fight hard for his head, determined, if 

 possible, to get it down ; but it must be kept to a point of 

 elevation at which it is impossible for him to kick with both 

 heels at once. Draw the bridoon through his mouth — in 

 the case of an animal of this sort it should have a sharp 

 twist on it — and back him. If a big field, ploughed for 

 choice, be handy, turn him into it, urge him into a gallop, 

 and let him have his kick out. By hauling his head in 

 (here the McKenny attachment again comes in very handy), 

 placing your hands with a firm clench on the bridoon rein 

 on the withers, and getting up in your sthrups, jockey 

 fashion, your seat being clear of the saddle, you may let 

 him kick himself straight almost without your feeling 

 the jar. When he is thoroughly tired, take him back to 

 the place where the exhibition of temper commenced, and 

 force him, by fair means or foul, to pass the spot ; let him 

 thoroughly understand that he has met his master. Though 

 a horse is rarely cured of the propensity to kick, this one 

 will understand that with that particular rider on his back 

 the game is not worth the candle, and so will not tiy the 



