260 Outdoor Vices and Whims 



'^whoa" and allow him to stand until he becomes 

 steady. If he seems frightened, turn around and 

 approach the object as before. Continue this pro- 

 cess until the timid horse will face everything that 

 formerly caused him fright, and shows no fear either 

 in approaching or leaving. 



Running away. — This is a vice in which the horse 

 usually breaks suddenly into a gallop and rushes 

 forward with all the speed of which he is capable. 

 Once started he seemingly no longer sees, hears or 

 smells. Blind to objects likely to injure him, deaf 

 to threats, insensible to blows and to pulling on the 

 bit, he no longer realizes danger. Efforts made to 

 stop him only serve to increase his fright and he 

 stops only when utterly worn out in strength and 

 wind, or when he is checked by colliding with a tele- 

 phone pole, fence or vehicle. 



The habit often results from bad education, such 

 as the improper use of the bit, or from the use of 

 severe bits which destroy the natural sensitiveness, 

 and from vicious tempers. It is excited in much the 

 same manner as shying. On the other hand, one 

 will occasionally meet with what seems to be an ex- 

 tremely gentle and high-spirited horse that is addicted 

 to this habit, due to some internal impulse not clearly 

 understood. In such cases it is probably lack of 

 exercise, and when the horse is driven he becomes 

 intoxicated at the chance to extend himself. He 

 begins as in play, but soon ^4oses his head" and be- 



