KICKING 



It often happens, however, that a horse, while 

 not actually kicking, is, as the French say, crou- 

 pioner, an expression which, though not correct 

 French, is the usual word among horsemen. 



In this state, at the least touch of legs, spurs, or 

 whip, or even at the approach of another horse, the 

 animal checks the action of its fore legs, flexes 

 its coupling downward, lifts its croup with both 

 hind legs, and makes ready to shoot out its feet 

 behind. 



The condition affects some mares at certain sea- 

 sons of the year, on account of a too great sensibility 

 of the muscles of the loins and more or less of the 

 kidneys. It may occur in any animal from the 

 memory of soreness occasioned by a badly adjusted 

 saddle, or by too heavy a weight, which has over- 

 worked the loin muscles. In a great many instances, 

 however, the annoying habit results from nothing 

 more than the inexperience of the rider, who has 

 employed his spurs without understanding their 

 proper use, and because of the instability of his 

 seat and his want of control over his legs, is always 

 tickling his horse's flanks. Or the trouble may arise 

 simply from improper attacks of the spurs, made 

 too early in the training or without accuracy and 

 decision. 



The horse which is croupioner, though annoying 

 enough, is not dangerous except to riders who come 

 too near. He is, however, undecided and unwill- 

 ing to carry himself forward strongly. Mares are 



359 



