Faults and Tricks. 59 



KICKING in stable may be stopped by hobbling hind fetlocks 

 together, or fastening one or both hind feet by a strap to one 

 fore-foot. With an inveterate kicker let one person lead it, while 

 another follows with a long whip to apply the lash smartly under 

 the belly every time the heels are in the air. The American plan 

 for kicking or bucking horse is to ' ' pass a light rope around the 

 front jaw above the upper teeth, cross it in the mouth and secure 

 the ends back to the neck." This is stated to act as an immediate 

 preventive. If kicking suddenly commences at work, first look 

 for and remove any external cause, such as a loose strap or sting- 

 ing fly. Remember that placing a hand suddenly on the loins 

 behind the saddle will make many animals, specially mares, kick 

 at once. If in harness, holding up or tying up one fore-leg tem- 

 porarily prevents the kicking whilst you search for the cause. A 

 kicking strap should be used with any horse known to kick in 

 harness. To shoe or examine the hoof of a kicking horse, fasten 

 one end of a light rope to its tail and the other end to the bit, 

 sufficiently tightly to incline the horse's head to one side ; he 

 cannot then kick on that side. 



MASTURBATION. In no book, whether published in Eng- 

 land or India, have I ever seen the slightest reference to this 

 fault, though common in India. A horse whilst in stable, or 

 standing anywhere, flaps his penis against his belly till semen is 

 ejected. This causes loss of condition and energy. The remedy 

 is to twist his ear directly he commences, which stops him at 

 once. Give plenty of work, and at night tie any prickly sub- 

 stance on his belly, rough side outwards, to prevent the trick. If 

 health is seriously impaired, castration may be necessary. Horses 

 learn the trick quickly from others in same stable. A decoction 

 of kuteela leaves is used by natives to cause a temporary cessa- 

 tion of this habit. 



REARING. Usually stallions who indulge in this vice. If 

 so, put a loose noose of tape round testicles and connect it by 

 strap to the bit. This causes such pain each time he rears as to 

 induce him soon to abandon the habit. 



SHYING. If the object the horse dislikes be on the right, turn 

 his head to the left (never towards the object) and press with left 

 spur lightly, or vice versa. If horse is really frightened, pet and 

 pat him, and speak encouragingly till pass the object, but never 

 do so after shying, or he will think you approve, and will soon 

 repeat the performance. If horse shies simply from fun, take no 

 notice beyond a harsh word or two. In no case is flogging or 

 severe punishment for shying either desirable or justifiable. If 

 it arises from defective vision or buckeye, of one eye, it may be 



