153 STABLE ECONOMY. 



Stall without obtaining substantial evidence of their prowess in 

 this respect. An experienced biter gives no warning. He 

 knows the extent of his reach, and abstains from all demon- 

 stration of hostility until the man comes up to the proper place ; 

 then, quick as lightning, he darts at the intruder, and generally 

 succeeds in tearing off some part of his clothing. Many are 

 content with this triumph, and crouch into a comer of the 

 stall, trembling, and expecting the accustomed punishment. 

 Others, however, are not so easily satisfied. A single snatch 

 is not sufficient. A ferocious horse makes repeated efforts 

 to seize the man, and he is not content with a tug at the 

 clothes, even when he can carry off half a yard of fustian. 

 He takes a deeper and firmer hold ; he will struggle to seize 

 his enemy ; he will shake him, lift him off the ground, and 

 perhaps throw him down, and then attack him with the fore- 

 feet, striking and trampling upon him. There are several 

 instances of men having been killed in this way, generally by 

 stallions. 



I have seen biters punished till they trembled in every 

 joint, and were ready to drop ; but have never, in any case, 

 known them cured by this treatment, nor by any other. The 

 lash is forgotten in an hour, and the horse is as ready and 

 determined to repeat the offence as before. He appears un- 

 able to resist the temptation. In its worst forms biting is a 

 kind of insanity. There are various degrees of the com- 

 plaint. Constant and laborious work often converts a fero- 

 cious into a very tame biter. So far as 1 know, there are no 

 means of effecting a complete cure ; but, by careful manage- 

 ment, mischief may be prevented, even in the worst cases. 

 When not very resolute, the horse may be overawed by a 

 bold groom. He may warn the horse by speaking to him ; 

 and he may enter the stall with a rod, held in view of the 

 horse, and ready to fall should he attempt to bite. After get- 

 ting hold of the head, the man is safe. He may then apply 

 a muzzle, or tie the horse's head to the hay-rack, if there be 

 anything to do about him, such as dressing or harnessing. 

 When grain or water is to be delivered, muzzling or tying 

 up is not necessary. The man has only to be upon his 

 guard till he get hold of the head, and retain his hold till he 

 get clear of the horse. That he can easily manage by push- 

 ing the horse back till he can clear the stall, by one step, 

 after he lets go the head. 



When the rod is not sufficient to intimidate the horse, a long 

 rope must be fastened to his halter. This must run through 



