STABLE VICES 175 



and it is seldom that such a patient can be 

 brought into good condition. 



As it is almost impossible to know if a horse 

 cribs — when you examine him — it is necessary to 

 ask the purchaser ; and a horse that has been 

 guaranteed sound can be immediately returned 

 and the money refunded, if it can be proved by 

 a vet that he cribs, although sound in all other 

 respects. 



Kicking. — Some horses, and particularly 

 mares, will kick all night and not uncommonly 

 kick down any partition which is not made of 

 extra stout material. Such animals generally 

 have capped-hocks and other blemishes as signs 

 of this their favourite pastime. 



A popular remedy is to strap a leg with a 

 chain attached to one of their hind legs, yet it 

 often fails to check this pet vice. Violent 

 punishment has no good effect whatsoever. 

 Although patience and perseverance may do a 

 great deal with young animals — especially when 

 the vice has been created througrh ill-usasfe — - 

 nothing will cure an aged and confirmed 

 kicker. 



When being groomed underneath their bellies, 

 many horses try to kick and bite their grooms, 

 stretch out their fore and hind legs until they seem 

 bound to slip up in their stall or loose box — yet 

 rarely actually do so. This is in consequence of 

 their having delicate and, therefore, very sensitive 

 skins. When the brush hurts or irritates them, 

 they vent their feelings by flinching, then kick 



