IN FIELD. 203 



Every horse should be taught to do this, as it makes him haudy, 

 and prevents his beiug taught to kick by timid hesitating 

 approaches. 



460. — A horse that has acquired the habit of kicking at the 

 stall can be checked in the same way. For this purpose a very 

 loose, easy loop bridle may be kept on day and night until the 

 habit is checked. 



461. — Kicking in the field or at any one who approaches 

 him is a very dangerous vice. A horse liable to do this should 

 be severely checked without delay. Turn him out with an easy 

 loop bridle on, to which a very long and light rope may be 

 attached. The rope may be kept so that the horse cannot tread 

 on it by supporting it with the mane and the tail. Tie a strong 

 lock of each with a piece of waxed string, and dividing it in the 

 middle pass the line through it. In this way the line may trail 

 so far behind the horse that you can get hold of it, and effectually 

 order him to stop, and to turn the right end towards you. Do 

 this very often, and somewhat severely, whilst the bridle is on 

 him, always using the same words, and he will soon learn to 

 understand and obey the words, even when you have no means 

 to enforce your commands. 



462. — The same means may be used with a horse that runs 

 away when you approach him, and for that purpose the line may 

 be left any length that you may know to be necessary. If the rope 

 is very small, and the loop loose round the jaw, it will not greatly 

 interfere with his feeding. Of course the dragging end of the rope 

 must be well bound to prevent it unravelling. The horse will 

 soon learn to drag it carefully, and it will make him for a long 

 time afterwards more gentle and submissive in his grass rambles. 



REARING. 



463. — High conditioned and lively horses that are least 

 liable to kick, are often most liable to rear, or stand on their 

 hind legs. They are most likely to do this when roughly handled 

 or checked with a curbed bit. With most horses gentle, sensible 

 treatment, and a mild bit will prevent this. "With all mild cases, 

 and with all young horses that remedy should I)e patiently tried. 



