310 



Stable Vices and Whims 



long, so that it will hang about the middle of the 

 cannon (Fig. 93). When the horse attempts to paw, 

 the block strikes him. In case the horse is very 

 sensitive, substitute a corn-cob for the block. An- 

 other good plan is to use a heavy strap provided 

 with a buckle at either end and buckle the two fore- 

 legs together. This strap should be of the proper 

 length to permit the horse to stand normally. With 

 this appliance he can lie down, get up, move back- 

 ward and forward, but is unable to paw. Some 

 horses that paw badly in a common stall will cease 

 if placed in a box stall, particularly if bedded with 

 sawdust. 



Rubbing the tail. — Many horses acquire the habit 

 of rubbing the tail against the sides of the stall or 

 other surrounding objects. This is very undesir- 

 able as the hairs soon become tangled, break off and 

 disfigure the tail. While there may be several causes 

 for it, the principal ones are intestinal troubles, mange 

 or unclean skin, causing intense itching, and infirmi- 

 ties of temper. To overcome the habit the treat- 

 ment will vary according to the cause. If due to 

 intestinal worms they must be removed, when the 

 horse will cease to rub his tail ; if due to mange 

 or dirty skin, the disease must be cured and the 

 skin kept clean-; whereas if due to temper other 

 means must be employed. Some horsemen recom- 

 mend the applying of a bandage around the dock, 

 while others suggest tying two or three separate 



