90 KICKING IN THE STALL. 



and down the head to the nose piece of the halter, and you 

 are safe, as the horse cannot now kick, strike or bite you. 

 I have repeatedly got tc the shoulder of horses in this way 

 that would kick and strike the stall just after I passed, yet 

 not be struck ; it is a feat, however, that must not be at- 

 tempted unless necessary. In going out, the rule is the 

 same — pull the head towards you, looking at the eye stern- 

 ly ; this will throw the quarters fror«i you, and at the instant 

 you let go, glide out and you are safe. 



If the horse is very dangerous, the best and safest course 

 is subjective treatment, following up witl the war bridle, 

 sharply until mindful of your commands, or if you wish to 

 work dead sure, leave the war bridle on. Lead the animal 

 into the stall, then step back opposite the *hips and say, 

 *'get around." If there is not prompt obedience, give a 

 sharp jerk, which will throw the hind part from you. Re- 

 peat this, and in a short time the horse will learn to step 

 around promptly when cojnmanded, and allow being ap- 

 proached. If the horse is persistent, leave the cord on, the 

 small loop being left larger and passed through the rings of 

 the halter. As you now step out, retain the cord in the 

 hand and hang or tie the end to a nail on the post, leaving 

 sufficient length to permit the horse entire freedom to the 

 halter. Now when you desire to go into the stall, if the 

 horse does not step around when commanded, untie or un- 

 hook the end of the cord and give a jerk upon it, which 

 will bring the animal to his senses. Leaving this on a few 

 days, caressing and giving presents of sugar, apples, or 

 anything of which the horse is fond, will soon not only 

 break up the confidence, but so enlist the attention that 

 your approach will be looked for, and eagerly invited to him 

 by stepping around, and endeavoring to reach toward you 

 for the present. 



I would here observe that there are very many men who 

 are not fit to have anything to do with a sensitive, well-bred 

 horse. They are either so coarse and harsh as to excite 

 resentment, and hate, or so dull and ignorant that they 

 cannot or will not see that they must both conceal fear and 

 avoid danger. They will not do either. They abuse and 

 show so much fear as both to excite and encourage resist- 

 ance, and 'Without the genius or tact to correct the cause 

 of mischief they attribute all the trouble to the natural 

 viciousness of the animal. 



