82 KICKING WHILE SHOEING. 



foot is pulled away when taken up, or the horse is excited 

 and injured in some way while the foot is held, fear of 

 injury is produced and associated with the requirement, 

 which, by the usual pulling,- hauling and kicking practices 

 of the shop, makes the horse worse. The least indication 

 of ability to resist control of the foot, inspires to greater 

 resistance, hence, the horse by persistence in such a course is 

 confirmed in the habit. If only a little irritable and restless 

 at being shod, put on the war bridle, draw tight, and tie in 

 a half hitch. The foot can now be handled. Untie in a 

 few minutes, and let the cord be pulled upon a little when 

 disposed to resist, which will distract the attention and 

 cause submission. If the resistance is determined, take up 

 the fore foot and have it held by an assistant; tie the end 

 of the long web around the hind foot above the fetlock. 

 This done, request the assistant to let go the foot and hold 

 by the head; while standing opposite the shoulder, pull 

 upon the strap until the foot is brought well forward, giving 

 loose the instant there is an effort to jerk or kick. Repeat 

 pulling and letting go, until submitted freely. Now step 

 directly behind and pull back, giving, as before, until sub- 

 missive; then bring the web over the back around across 

 the breast, pulling short enough to bring the foot well for- 

 ward ; pass the end back under the part over the back, and 

 pull tight. 



Let the assistant now grasp the web, holding firmly a.s 

 ever, with the left hand holding the head by the bridle. 

 This brings the leg forward, where it can be handled at 

 will. If this will not do, tie the end of the web or rope 

 around the neck, near the shoulders, in the form of a run- 

 ning noose ; pass the other end back between the fore legs, 

 around the hind leg, below the fetlock and back through 

 the loop, around the neck, drawing it through short enough 

 to bring the foot well forward. Pass the end back under to 

 prevent sliding, and retain in the hand. The horse will 

 now be very likely to struggle to get the foot loose. Should 

 his resistance be so great as to endanger injury, you can 

 give loose on the end of the rope. When the horse ceases 

 trying to get the foot loose, rest the left hand upon the hip, 

 with the right pull upon the foot forward and outward. If 

 there is great resistance, pull around by the head, which 

 will enable you to keep him in such limits as you wish. 



