CHAPTER IV. 



KICKING. 



KICKING is in all cases the result of ignorance or bad man- 

 agement. As explained in Colt Training and Fear, mak- 

 ing one side of the body gentle and submissive to contact, 

 will give no assurance in respect to the opposite side. Now 



V. EMC 



FIG. 122. The effect of bad treatment. 



when a colt or horse is broken as ordinarily done, and goes 

 off all right when put in harness, it is taken for granted 

 that he is as gentle and safe as can be expected ; but, if 

 by carelessness or accident the rein is caught under the 

 tail, or the cross-piece or whiffletree should come suddenly 

 against the quarters, those parts being practically unbroken, 

 or not accustomed to such contact, the horse is liable to be 

 so excited and frightened as to kick ; and once started in 

 this habit there is increased inclination to do so until con- 

 firmed in it. Now all this could be prevented without the 



(152) 



