98 CHAPTER 9. 



192. Kicking in the stable. 



Some horses, by kicking in the stable, are constantly laming or dis- 

 figuring themselves, and endangering the lives or linibs of their atten- 

 dants or of other horses, besides smashing partitions and walls. Kicking 

 is a very troublesome vice, and many plans may perhaps be tried, before 

 one can be found which will stop it in any particular animal. There is, 

 in fact, no one recipe to stop kicking, but among many remedies which 

 may be tried, some one will generally be found to be effectual. 



When the common remedies, such as a log fastened to the hind leg, or 

 a piece of furze hung up in rear, have failed, it is well to try the effect 

 of a strap connecting one or both hind legs with one fore-leg ; or both 

 hind legs may be strapped together, but some horses, notwithstanding 

 their hind legs are tied together, manage to kick by raising both hind 

 legs at the same time. A block of wood or gutta percha, made to fit 

 exactly into the hollow of the heel, and fastened in front by a strap fre- 

 quently effectually prevents kicking in the stable. 



Most horses may be stopped from kicking, when being groomed, by 

 strapping up one fore-leg in the manner recommended some years back 

 by Mr. Rarey ; but in this case it is essential that a good substantial bed 

 should be kept under the horse, as otherwise he may injure himself by 

 slipping or falling on his knees. 



It is not uncommon to find, that horses, which have been stopped from 

 kicking by the use of one of these plans, learn after a time to kick in 

 spite of it. Another plan must then be tried. 



In the great majority of cases, however, where horses are vicious, the 

 servants are the real culprits. Ill tempered or idle or even timid servants 

 cause horses to be, or allow them to become vicious. With good servants 

 and gentle treatment very few horses give, or at least long continue to 

 give trouble. 



193. Sleeping, when standing in the stable. 



Some horses sleep when standing and rarely lie down, and seem to do 

 well. It appears to be natural to them. But others, who indulge in this 

 habit, are apt to fall down and cut their fetlocks. In such cases the 

 habit has probably arisen from the horse having, at some time or other, 

 been cast in the stall. 



The remedy is of course to induce the horse, if possible, to lie down. A 

 loose box offers the best chance of effecting this object. If this fails, the 

 only preventive to injury is a thick padded boot running completely 

 round the fetlock, in addition to a good substantial bed in front, so that 

 the parts may not be injured, even if the animal falls. It is essential 

 that the boot should go completely round, because a boot covering only 

 the anterior part may slip, and thus leave unprotected the part which 

 needs protection. If the horse suffers in his legs from not lying down, 

 he may be put in slings at night, or a very broad strap may be fastened 

 from one heel post to the other, against which the animal may lean. 



