STABLE VICES 109 



Wind-sucJcing has such a strong family likeness to crib- 

 biting that it may properly be considered a modification of 

 it ; as it is accompanied by a want of condition, and the 

 same bending of the neck, with the head drawn inward, is 

 exhibited, and the horse alternately opens and closes his 

 lips, and a sound is produced similar to sucking air. The 

 horse presses his muzzle against the manger, quietly sucking 

 in the air, without the noisy gulping which accompanies 

 crib-biting. The remedies attempted have been tying up 

 the head of the horse, except when feeding ; and the 

 application of a muzzle with sharp spikes bending towards 

 the neck, which will prick him when drawing in his head. 



Pawing is a continual working away of the litter by the 

 fore-feet. A simple remedy is at hand in a pair of padded 

 shackles with a connecting chain, twelve inches in length. 

 These are placed round the smaller pastern bone, and must 

 be taken off at night, or the horse will be afraid to lie 

 down. 



Weaving is a restless habit of swaying the head from 

 side to side, somewhat after the fashion of a polar bear 

 in confinement. It is unsightly, and evinces a restless 

 disposition. '* Weavers " are generally poor feeders and low 

 in flesh. The remedy indicates itself ; a short head-rein, 

 and a little relaxation of the restraint while feeding. 



Getting Loose is a very troublesome vice, and many 

 horses are so cunning as almost to defy the efforts of the 

 groom and saddler. If, however, a head-stall is made with 

 a strong throat-lash, and this tightly buckled, no horse can 

 get it off, because the circumference of the head at the jaw 

 is alwaj^s greater than that of the neck from the back of 

 the ears to the throat. If the horse bites his halter a chain 

 must be substituted ; but as this makes a constant noise it 

 should be avoided if possible, as other horses are readily 

 kept awake by it. 



Hanging Back is an attempt to get free, by bursting the 

 throat-lash or collar-rein, and in some cases great force is 

 applied in this way, so much so, that many horses have 

 broken their hips from, the sudden giving way of the halter 

 letting them back, so that they fall over and irremediably 

 injure themselves. The only cure is a strong chain and a 

 bead-stall that no force will break ; after trying to burst 

 which a few times the horse will almost always desist. If 

 the manger is not very firmly placed, another ring should 



