196 KICKING. 



Kicking and Biting While Grooming. 



The habit of kicking and biting while grooming, is in 

 all cases the result of bad treatment. A sharp currycomb 

 or card is usually raked recklessly over the legs and belly, 

 regardless of cutting into the skin. The horse may snap, 

 kick, and almost lie down upon the ground in the effort to 

 avoid or relieve the pain ; but no more attention is given 

 to this than to kick and pound as a means of compelling to 

 stand quietly. Sharp currycombs, or any instrument that 

 will hurt, should not be used upon such horses. Should 

 the horse be over-sensitive, the result of former bad treat- 

 ment, restrain a little with the War Bridle until he will 

 submit to being cleaned as directed. In such cases, it is 

 always advisable to commence at an insensible part, and 

 work gradually to the part at wdiich the grooming is re- 

 sisted. 



Bad to Bridle. ^ 



Most horses will submit readily to be bridled by giving 

 a short lesson with the War Bridle, and tying down as ex- 

 plained, when the bridle can be put on or off as desired. 

 Care should be taken to have the bridle large and easy-fit- 

 ting. As there is submission, give more freedom until 

 there is no resistance. Should the horse show viciousness, 

 and resist this treatment, then subject to Second Method, 

 and while tied, handle the head and put on the bridle. 

 When untied, restrain with the cord, being careful in such 

 cases to work gently, rewarding liberally for obedience. 

 Able once to take off or put on the bridle without force, 

 repeat for some time, holding the attention by giving ap- 

 ples, etc. Such a horse should be bridled with care for 

 some time to outgrow the sensibility. 



