294 Stable Vices and Whims 



sary tie up one foreleg or put him in the straight- 

 jacket (p. 221). After placing the gag in his mouth 

 give him every opportunity to bite, for as he does 

 so the sharp corners on the gag cut his gums. Keep 

 nagging him until he ceases to bite the gag. A few 

 lessons, one each day, will serve to overcome most 

 biters. In case the horse is a confirmed biter, it is 

 a good plan to put him through a course of sub- 

 jection with either the tail-rope or throwing harness 

 as suggested for the kicker (p. 254), and teach him 

 to be thoroughly obedient to the command '^ steady.'^ 



Tying the horse up short by the head, or the use 

 of such appliances as the muzzle, necklet or neck- 

 cradle (Fig. 91), effectively prevent him from biting, 

 but in no manner serve to overcome the habit. 

 Such methods may be useful in protecting the 

 attendant while he curries, harnesses or gentles the 

 horse, but they are not severe enough to effect a cure. 



To prevent a horse from biting his mate when 

 hitched double, attach the modified war bridle un- 

 der the common bridle and run the lead rope back 

 to the vehicle. When the horse attempts to bite, 

 punish him severely with the war bridle, at the 

 same time giving the command '^steady." Con- 

 tinue the method until he ceases the habit and 

 quiets at the command. If he fights the method, 

 attach the double safety and severely jerk him to 

 his knees at the same time you jerk the war bridle. 



Striking. — This habit is acquired in much the 



