204 KICKINa. 



scarcely ever cures them. The lash is forgotten in an hour, and 

 the horse is as ready and determined to repeat the offense as 

 before. He appears unable to resist the temptation, and in its 

 worst form biting is a species of insanity. 



Prevention, however, is in the power of every proprietor of 

 horses. While he insists upon gentle and humane treatment, 

 he should systematically forbid this horse-play. 



KICKING. 



This, as a vice, is another consequence of the culpable habit 

 of teasing the horse. That which is at first simply an indica- 

 tion of annoyance at the 

 pinching and tickling of 

 the groom, and without 

 any design to injnre, gradually 

 becomes the expression of anger, 

 and the effort to do mischief. 

 The horse, also, too soon recog- 

 nizes the least appearance 

 of timidity, and ^ ^^ 

 takes advantage of 



PAETICDLABLT DANGEROUS, 



the discovery. 



Some horses acquire, from mere irritability and fidgetiness, 

 a habit of kicking at the stall or the bail, and particularly at 

 night. The neighboring horses are disturbed, and the kicker 

 gets swelled hocks, or some more serious injury. This is a 

 habit very difficult to correct, if it is allowed to become estab- 

 lished. Mares are much more subject to it than horses. 



Before the habit is inveterately established, a thorn -bush or 

 a piece of furze fastened against the partition or post will some* 



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