VIOLENT FEAR. 215 



without unfastening a curb chain, or in such a way as to twisfe 

 the bit in his mouth, hitch it in liis teeth, or in any way to inflict 

 serious pain upon him, he will often repeat the mischief, in his 

 impatience to avoid it, until it becomes a habit dangerous to 

 himself, and to those who handle him, from the violence with which 

 he will throw up his head, rush back, rear, and sometimes even 

 strike with his fore legs. When it comes to this it is a very 

 serious business, and one that will get worse if the horse continues 

 to hurt himself at ic. 



50;3. — The safest and quickest way to get over this habit 

 is to put the horse down (353), and hobbling his legs so that he 

 can only rise to a natural lying position, put the bridle carefully 

 on and ofl" him for an hour. After that, use a bridle on him in 

 which the bit can easily be unbuckled, and dropped quietly out 

 of his mouth, before the bridle is taken oif his head. 



504. — A tall horse that will not let you quietly handle his 

 ears, his eyes, or any part of his head, or body, should be put 

 down in the same way, and kindly, but perseveringly handled 

 until he loses all fear of your hand or your brush upon him. 



^W^^ 





