326 MISCELLANEOUS HABITS. 



Kicking in Stall. 



Kicking with one foot against the side of the stall is a 

 habit which many horses are liable to learn, and, like paw- 

 ing, it is sometimes exceedingly annoying; therefore it is 

 important to be able to prevent or overcome it. In the 

 first place, it is rare that a horse will learn to kick against 

 the side of the stall if it be large and roomy. Large stalls 

 are, in all cases, very important for the health and comfort 

 of the horse, as well as for convenience in going around 

 him. The simplest and best way of preventing this habit 

 is to pad the side of the stall, which will prevent the sound 

 of the striking, when the inclination to kick will soon be 

 overcome. Or, attach a clog or piece of chain to the foot, 

 as explained for pawing. 



Another method is to tie some thorny bushes together, 

 and suspend them over the place kicked, so as to swing 

 freely when struck. When the horse kicks, the rebound 

 will bring the bushes against the legs, so frightening and 

 hurting him that the attempt to kick will be repeated but 

 a few times. A clog may also be hung over the place 

 struck or kicked, which, when struck, would react in the 

 same way, and thus prevent a repetition of the habit. 

 Making the stall wide, and padding the sides as explained, 

 are the most simple and practical methods for preventing 

 this habit. 



Getting Cast in the Stall. 



This is also caused by being confined in a stall that is 

 too small. When the horse rolls and turns upon his back, 

 he is so cramped and restrained by the narrow walls that 

 he is unable to roll himself back to regain his feet. Some- 

 times the division of the stall is so short that in the effort 

 to roll, his body comes across, and in contact with, the 



