60 Faults and Tricks. 



covered with a blinker. In riding a long journey on a shying 

 horse, a pocket handkerchief can be tied across one eye and 

 thereby lessen the discomfort of frequent shies. 



N.B. — A nervous rider soon makes his horse nervous. 



STUMBLING. An inveterate stumbler should be only used 

 for harness. If horse suddenly commences to stumble, dismoimt 

 at once and examine all feet carefully, next see saddle has slip- 

 ped forward or if legs have marks of cutting or brushing. Ride 

 the horse on curb, lightly, with saddle well back. Expensive 

 Arabs trequently trip and stumble at a walk, though quite safe 

 at a gallop over rough ground. 



TEARING CLOTHING. Fasten a short stick with ring at 

 either end from the surcingle to his headstall, so that the horse 

 can't get his head round ; or put on a "cradle. " 



TOSSING HEAD UR If a horse, otherwise free from this 

 trick, does it directly the bridle is put on, you may be sure his 

 mouth has a sore in it, or tlie bit is unsuitable. If it is a confirmed 

 habit, tne horse may koock your teeth out, so always use a 

 martingale. 



VICE. A vicious stallion may be greatly improved by castra^ 

 tion. For real downright vice Rarey's plan is the only cure. 

 Throw the animal several consecutive times daily, as des- 

 cribed imder REMEDIES. A good, yet simple, plan to make a 

 horse temporarily docile is the American onf» of oonnerting the 

 tail to the headstall, as described under KICKING, and then 

 letting the horse loose on any soft ground ; he whirls slowly 

 round and round ; and in a quarter of an hour orso appears 

 completely cowed and submits to his rider. 



WIND-SUCKING. Treat similarly as for crib-biting- 

 Saddlers sell straps for prevention of this trick, which, if not 

 cured, spoils the animal's digestion. The symptoms are pressing 

 head against wall, or else sticking it straight out and then 

 sucking in air. 



