190 KICKING. 



undercurrent of the positive or sullen nature, and are very 

 provoking when irritated. They seem difficult to manage 

 because there is no way of forcing that will not react in 

 trouble. During my early experience I used the foot-strap 

 with much success in the management of this habit. At 

 the instant of touching sharply with the whip, pull the 

 foot from under, which not only disconcerts the horse, but 

 prevents the kicking. Indeed, this alone will enable the 

 perfect control of most of these cases. 



KICKERS IN STALL. 



In the first place, for the management of kickers in the 

 stall, a great deal depends upon the size of the stall and 

 adroitness of the man in approaching the horse. A very 

 narrow stall makes it somewhat difficult, if not dangerous, 

 to approach even many gentle horses. Such stalls are not 

 only an abomination for the increased danger and incon- 

 venience they cause in going around a horse, but for not 

 affording sufficient freedom for the horse to lie down and 

 step around. It is no reason for stalls being so constructed 

 because somebody who should know better makes them so. 

 If the stall is large, there will be better opportunity to 

 keep out of reach, and, unless the horse is very vicious, 

 there will be no difficulty in going around him with com- 

 parative safety. 



Then, much depends upon the character of the man. 

 A courageous, determined horse soon learns to become ag- 

 gressive toward a naturally timid man who seems afraid 

 to approach him. If a horse is very vicious in his stall, 

 he is like any other dangerous brute upon which nothing 

 short of a thorough course of subjective treatment will pro- 

 duce any impression. But if irritable or cunning, a sharp 

 lesson with the War Bridle until he will follow promptly 



