274 Outdoor Vices and Whims 



saddle horse as the spurs are used in perfecting the 

 gaits. To overcome this habit, pole the horse much 

 as suggested for kicking (p. 254). After he becomes 

 perfectly familiar with the pole applied to any part 

 of the body, then take the whip and rub it over him 

 in a similar way. If he resists, attach the throw- 

 ing harness, lay him down and rub him with the 

 whip ; when he becomes steady, let him up and con- 

 tinue as before. Repeat until he becomes thor- 

 oughly submissive to the whip and will let you flick 

 it about his body. 



To overcome the habit of resisting the use of the 

 spurs give special attention to poling the flanks, 

 then touch him gently with the blunt spur and next 

 with the rowel. If he resists, lay him down and 

 familiarize him with it on the ground, caressing him 

 frequently. When he becomes steady, let him up 

 and continue the work until he becomes submissive. 



Difficult to mount. — Some horses are exceedingly 

 difficult to mount. While this habit may be due to 

 many causes, the two chief ones are improper train- 

 ing and tender or sore back. In the latter case, the 

 first thing to do is to heal the sore. To overcome 

 the habit when due to lack of training or nervousness, 

 give the horse a thorough lesson in submission. 

 Attach the thro wing-harness (p. 212), lay him down 

 and hold him there until he becomes quiet, then 

 place an empty bag across his body. After he 

 becomes accustomed to the empty bag, fill it half 



