86 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



kicks he throws his own head up. A strap is also 

 used in double harness, but it is of Httle value. A 

 back strap that is too short, or a saddle that is too 

 narrow may make any horse kick, but this he ceases 

 when relieved of his discomfort, and he is not to be 

 condemned for the action. Nothing but a strap will 

 absolutely and certainly cure this vice. Lots of 

 hard work will usually prevent it. 



If horses kick the stall partitions at night, they 

 are afraid of the dark, and a light left in the stable 

 is a sure preventative. 



An animal who kicks at people in the stable 

 should be kept in a box stall, and " whip-broken " 

 always to face instantly any one who enters. To do 

 this with a stout whip cut him about the hind legs 

 until he faces you — when stop and caress him. 

 Repeat until he always faces you promptly. If he 

 must be kept in a single stall, arrange his halter 

 with two ropes, one tying on the heel-post, the other 

 running through the ring in the manger, and then 

 back to the same place. Tie both to the post, and 

 get him out by casting both off and hauling on the 



