KICKING. 455 



press against the corners of the mouth and thus induce 

 him to keep up his head. The same effect can be obtained 

 with the gag snaffle, which has the advantage that, 

 when one's object is gained, one can ease off the gag 

 reins and take up the other reins, which are used in the 

 ordinary manner. When a horse bores to one side, or 

 when he bores with his head stuck straight out, the 

 standing martingale will often be useful for correcting 

 this unpleasant fault. I have seen in trotting matches 

 a bearing-rein (called in America an " over-draw check- 

 rein ") passing between the animal's ears, going- 

 down the top of his head and attached to the pommel 

 of the saddle, effectively employed to correct this fault. 

 It would, of course, be too unsightly to be used by 

 a lady, but her groom might employ it advantageously 

 in teaching a borer to carry his head in correct 

 position. 



KICKING. 



If practicable, we should first of all see that the 

 saddle does not hurt the horse in any way. If this 

 be all right, we may " shake him up " with the snaffle 

 reins and make him carry his head high. If this be not 

 effective, he should be given a few cuts with the whip 

 on the shoulder. Making him hold up his head 

 and touching him on the shoulder are done to " lighten " 

 his forehand, and to put more weight on his hind 

 quarters. Also, we may with much advantage give 

 him some practice at reining back, within judicious 

 limits, either when we are in the saddle, or with the 



