ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOGY. 187 



this is the case, immediate recourse must be had to the snaffle 

 bridle. 



"As in kicking, however, this is seldom or never cured. 

 Horse-breakers have attempted it by absurd and dangerous means 

 — namely, that of pulling the horse backward on a piece of soft 

 ground. This has ruined many horses. If rearing proceeds 

 from determinedly vicious habits, it is a hopeless case, as the 

 animal seldom abandons it. Sometimes horses rear from play- 

 fulness, which is, however, very different from that which pro- 

 ceeds from passion. 



"Kicking. — The vice of kicking is too often caused by 

 horses being teased, tickled, and pinched by grooms from wanton 

 mischief or thoughtless folly. The habit becomes habitual with 

 the animals, and what was at first only done in play is exercised 

 in anger, and often too when one leasts expects it. In short, it 

 is a dangerous and incurable vice. 



"Horses with an irritable or fidgety disposition kick the 

 stall or bail, and especially during the night. This is a great an- 

 noyance to other horses in the stable and breaks their rest. Be- 

 sides, the animal is liable to injure himself seriously, and bring 

 on swelled hocks or other malady. Mares are more given to 

 this than horses; and in either^ it is difficult to eradicate if once 

 confirmed. 



"The vice is seldom eradicated. Never trust a kicker. 

 "Biting. — This trick often proceeds from play, and is 

 taught by the folly of grooms or stable-boys teasing the animals. 

 But what they have acquired as a sport becomes a fixed habit; 

 and when thwarted in any manner they will sometimes bite 

 with great severity. Like other vices, this is difficult of cure, 

 and it is but seldom they can be really broken of it. Teasing a 

 horse should be strictly forbidden. Biting, like other vices, 

 should never be taught the animal, as it is easier to avoid it 

 than to effect a cure. Gentle treatment is the best suited for all 



