372 MANUAL OF MODERN FAllKIERY. 



and unpleasant fault. The use of a deep curb and sharp 

 bit will, in some instances, cause even a quiet horse to rear, 

 and when 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 

 soft piece of ground. This has ruined many horses, some 

 having had their necks broken, or their spine so severely 

 injured as to render them ever afterwards useless. If 

 rearing proceeds from determinedly vicious habits, it is a 

 hopeless case, as the animal seldom abandons it. Sometimes 

 horses rear from playfulness, which is, however, very differ- 

 ent from that which proceeds from passion. 



BACKING, OR GIBBING. 



It is not an unfrequent occurrence for horses in harness 

 to back instead of drawing when first started, and some add 

 to this considerable viciousness, combined with obstinacy. 

 In this case soothing and persuasive coaxing should be tried, 

 and some patience exercised ; and it is not until these have 

 failed that the whip should be applied, and this must be 

 exercised with moderation. In nine cases out of ten, if 

 severely punished with the whip, the animal becomes obsti- 

 nately determined not to move, or he may proceed a short 

 way on his journey, and probably he will again stop at the 

 first hill he comes to on the road. 



In breaking, great care should be taken not to start the 

 horse uphill when using the break, because he feels the 

 entire weight of the machine at once, whereas if he were 

 put in motion on a level road, the heavy pull would be less 

 perceptible. Some trainers are so foolish as to teach the 

 horse backing by placing his head uphill, and making the 



