156 



KICKING. 



a horse by chance is made to kick, and in trying to break 

 up the habit is excited and badly managed, each repetition 

 of treatment, if unsuccessful in overcoming the habit, only 

 aggravates and tends to confirm it. 



The key of success is in being able to combat the habit 



directly until all inclination 

 to resist is overcome. But 

 the method of doing this 

 must in a great measure be 

 governed by the peculiar- 

 ity of disposition, and the 

 intensity with which the 

 habit is fixed . If the nerv- 

 ous system is so greatly 

 deranged and weakened 

 * that kicking is in a great 

 measure involuntary, and 



tMg ^^^ ^ Q overcome by 



subjective treatment, then such means must be used as will 

 disable and restrain the kicking in harness until the inclin- 

 ation is fully overcome. So far as the act of kicking is con- 

 cerned, it is about the same in all cases ; but the energy 

 of resistance and the persistence of the habit depend upon 

 the sensibility, pluck, and endurance of the horse, and the 

 degree to which the nervous system has been shaken or 

 broken down by fear or abuse. A very little lack of good 

 judgment here may sometimes cause a great deal of trouble 

 and needless cruelty, and make the horse's subjection far 

 more difficult. I pay particular attention to this point, and 

 do not make a move until sure of the proper course. I 

 have learned by long experience to take no false step if 

 avoidable, knowing what trouble may result therefrom. 



For instance : Is the horse a wild, reckless runaway, or 

 simply one that, save the habit of kicking, is otherwise 



FIG. 129.-Sensitive. Will not bear abuse. 



