288 Stable Vices and Whims 



to the right partition, and in a similar way train 

 him to admit the attendant on the right side. This 

 is important, for the horse that is trained only from 

 one side is very likely to cause trouble when one 

 attempts to enter the stall from the opposite side. 

 Repeat this work until the horse will stand over and 

 admit one to either the right or left at the command. 



Difficult to groom. — Not only are some horses 

 difficult to approach, but they resist grooming by 

 arching the back, stamping and striking with the 

 forefeet, trying to lie down, pressing the groom 

 against the stall, and when loose in a box stall by 

 turning around and kicking. This is a very dan- 

 gerous habit, and one often difficult to overcome. 

 In most cases, it is due to lack of proper training. 

 To punish the animal only increases the difficulty. 

 Gentleness, caresses, kind treatment and the feeding 

 of some dainty will have a much better effect on 

 the animal with such a disposition. 



To overcome the habit when once established, 

 give the horse a course in general submission by 

 taking him from the stable and using either the 

 tail-rope (p. 219) to stupefy him, or by laying him down 

 with the throwing harness (p. 212). Next pole him 

 thoroughly as suggested for the kicker (p. 254), 

 exercising due care about the abdomen and legs. 

 If he fights the poling process, either stupefy him 

 or lay him down and continue the work while in 

 the helpless condition. After he becomes perfectly 



