KICKING IN STALL. 79 



many horses that are gentle, but a little peevish, will not 

 bear being approached without a little care in attracting 

 attention. The motion of the ears and lips, and expres- 

 sion of the eye, will always notify of danger. And here 

 let me warn the reader, that, however careful he may be 

 in not going too near the horse, there must not be a 

 semblance of fear shown in language or actions. The 

 command must be low and positive, indicating power. If 

 the horse will not move round and seem to be distracted 

 from a positive intention, stand still, or walk off, carelessly 

 whistling, in such a way that the horse does not see that 

 you feel defeated. 



If you have his attention, repeat the words " get around, 

 or over," with a positiveness that must be obeyed, looking 

 at the eye as if you could and would overcome all opposi- 

 tion. When you see the horse shrink from your gaze, glide 

 up to the shoulder, before the mind can be made to act, 

 and the next instant let the left hand be passed along the 

 neck and down the head to the nose-piece of the halter, 

 and you are safe, as the horse cannot now kick, strike, or 

 bite you. I have repeatedly got to the shoulder of horses 

 in this way, that would kick and strike the stall just after 

 I passed, yet not be struck : it is a feat, however, that 

 must not be attempted unless necessary. In going out, 

 the rule is the same. Pull the head towards you, looking 

 at the eye sternly ; this will throw the quarters from you, 

 and at the instant you let go, glide out, and you are safe. 



If the horse is vicious and dangerous, he should be 

 subjected to the regular treatment until there will be no 

 trouble ; or, put on the war-bridle. Lead the animal into 

 the stall, then step back opposite the hips and say, " Get 

 around." If there is not prompt obedience, give a sharp 

 jerk, which will throw the hind part from you. Repeat 

 this, and in a short time the horse will learn to step around 

 promptly when commanded, and allow being approached. 

 If the horse is persistent, leave the cord on, the small 

 loop being left larger and passed through the rings of the 

 halter. As you now step out, retain the cord in the hand 

 and hang or tie the end to a nail on the post, leaving 

 sufficient length to permit the horse entire freedom to the 

 halter. Now, when you desire to go into the stall, if the 



