256 Outdoor Vices and Whims 



give the command ^'steady" and pull him to his 

 knees rather severely. Hold him in this position 

 until the excitement passes away. Continue the 

 process until he submits. 



Next take two long poles, secure one end of each 

 on either side at the shaft tug, and allow the other 

 end to drag on the ground behind the horse. Now 

 drive him about, and if he offers to kick, command 

 ^^ steady," and if he continues, pull him to his knees 

 and hold him there a moment. If he fights this 

 appliance too much, attach the thro wing-harness and 

 lay him down or use the tail-rope (p. 219) to stupefy 

 him. After he becomes submissive to the poles drag- 

 ging on either side of him, then place them between 

 his hind legs and continue as before. Care should be 

 exercised at this time, for the animal may injure him- 

 self. Do not continue to drive him with the poles 

 between the hind legs, for the poles will rub the legs 

 sore. If he resents this or kicks, give him the same 

 treatment as before. Continue until he submits. 



If the horse is a very stubborn and confirmed 

 kicker, if he bucks as well as kicks, or if he has a tend- 

 ency to get his head down on his breast so as to 

 render the lines ineffective, then attach the kicking 

 reins (p. 202) instead of common lines. These reins 

 provide good leverage and are very efficient in con- 

 trolling such a horse. 



After the horse becomes perfectly submissive to 

 the poles dragging both on the outside and between 



