EXERCISES IN HANDLING 53 



to give the animal confidence. If needful, the near 

 fore leg can be held up when you are touching these 

 parts, but it is much better to do without this if 

 possible. Should the animal prove restive, a slight 

 jerk on the halter- twitch will probably do all that 

 is necessary to make him quiet. 



Underneath the belly and flanks is generally a very 

 ticklish part, and some resistance to handling in this 

 region is only what is to be expected. You should 

 remember, however, that patience, kindness and 

 firmness will do much more than " bullying " in 

 getting an animal to stand quiet. 



When handling the belly, stand well away from 

 the side of the hind leg in case of a " cow kick ; " 

 keep close up to the ribs, however, with the left hand 

 resting on the horse's back, while the right one gentles 

 the belly. 



The Quarters and Tail. — When handling 



these regions it is advisable to have up a fore limb, 

 as by doing so a certain amount of protection to one- 

 self is assured. Swishing of the tail is a suspicious 

 sign, and sometimes indicates a kicker. In order to 

 guard against this and other dangers, one must be 



