336 



FAULTS OF TEMPER. 



to hang some soft object, such as a large bag filled with 

 hay, behind the animal, so that, when he kicked, it would 

 give to the stroke, and would then swing back and hit 

 him, without hurting him ; the effect being that the horse 

 would get tired of kicking the inoffensive object, and he 

 would accordingly drop the habit. If this method be 

 adopted, I would suggest that the animal should, before 



Fig. 124. Tail tied with tapes to prevent horse rubbing it. 



being left for the night, be accustomed to the stuffed bag, 

 or whatever else is used, touching him. Tying up one 

 fore leg, or applying the rope-twitch, will keep him quiet 

 while this is being done. I take for granted that he has 

 been previously made thoroughly docile, with the excep- 

 tion of this particular vice. The strait-jacket, loosely put 

 on, would, I have no doubt, prevent the kicking. If it was 

 properly applied, and gradually let out, say, a hole or two 

 each night, it would, in all probability, break the horse of 



