136 



METHODS OF HORSE-CONTROL. 



of the hand on the hamstring which is composed of two 

 tendons stimulates their muscles to contract, and thus to 

 keep the hock extended. In this operation, we should 

 follow the principles, already laid down, of removing the 

 cause of any pain or irritation inflicted by us on the horse, 

 the moment he yields to our wishes. If the horse over- 

 powers the grip of our hands on his hind leg and kicks out 



Fig. 57. Lifting up horse's hind leg. 



behind, he can do us no harm ; for we are then in front of 

 his hind leg. If he will not submit, we may apply the rope- 

 twitch (see page 121) ; and by its aid and a little " gentling," 

 proceed as before described. Instead of lifting up the hind 

 leg with the hand, we may, while the fore leg of that side is 

 tied up, place on the hind pastern a hobble with a D attached 

 to it (see Fig. 62), and after the fore leg has been let down, 

 lift up the hind leg with a rope or stirrup leather (see Fig. 63). 

 If the horse be too bad a kicker to allow a hind leg to be 



