VICE OUTSIDE STABLE 143 



upon as really cured. This form of kicking, indeed, 

 is frequently a preliminary of worse to follow, for 

 a horse that is given to kicking in harness cannot l^e 

 trusted to draw the line at running away. 



As to whether this is or is not an ineradicable vice, 

 it may be laid down that notorious trap smashers are 

 incurable, and no amount of breaking will have the 

 least permanent effect upon them. 



Milder forms of kicking, however, can be cured 

 under proper management. Some such treatment 

 as the following ought to prove effective. 



The kicker should be kept on short commons, and 

 his training of the most regular description, extend- 

 ing over at least three months. 



Before so much as thinking of putting him in the 

 shafts, you should drive and circle him with the 

 long reins, having an assistant at hand with a leading 

 rein. 



Having done this, put him between the shafts of 

 either a common cart, or one in which the shafts are 

 so long as to allow the horse to kick without hitting 

 the vehicle. If you make use of an ordinary gig for 

 this purpose then it is advisable to put a stout kicking 

 strap on the animal before yoking him. This should 



