KICKING WHILE HABNSSSING. 179 



of a doubtful horse without getting hurt. (See chapter on "Stall- 

 ions.") By observing closely, the intentions of the horse will always 

 be revealed by the expression of the eye and his actions. Danger is 

 shown by the ears being thrown back, eyes partly closed, lips drawn 

 back, and mouth perhaps partly open. If the horse will not move 

 when Commanded, but holds his position firmly, especially if one 

 having a dark, lurking eye set well into the head, thick eyelids, and 

 heavy ears, the character is treacherous, and needless risks should not 

 be hazarded. What such a horse does he will do quickly without 

 warning. But if he seems to yield, no matter how bad he is, and 

 there is quickness in getting into the stall, as explained, thefe will 

 be but little danger. 



I have frequently been able to go into the stalls of horses that 

 were very dangerous* and have never been 

 kicked or hurt while doing so. Many times 

 the horse would kick the stall, but by a sharp, 

 ringing command sufficient to disconcert, and 

 by jumping quickly, I could always get to the 

 shoulder or head without being touched. In 

 many cases I have been compelled to take the 

 chances from necessity ; but by observing 

 these precautions, and calculating my chances 

 carefully, I would be able to get by, though at 



the instant of doing so the horse would' kick 



.. t „ , , . , • Fig. 240.— Crupper as 



the stall behind me. Wound , preve|) , Ca , ch . nfl 



When desiring to get out, pull the head the Rein. 



around after; bringing the hind . parts well 



around to the opposite side. The instant the halter is let go, step 



or spring beyond reach. 



While Harnessing. 



The habit of kicking while harnessing is always the result of 

 carelessness or bad treatment. Were the horse treated kindly > and 

 the harness put on gently until accustomed to it, there would be no 

 trouble. Not being accustomed to the breeching or the crupper 

 under the tail, a sensitive horse is liable to kick when feeling press- 

 ure upon those parts. I have frequently found horses gentle after 

 the harness was on, yet they would kick violently when the attempt 

 was made to put it on ; while others would kick only after it was 

 on. All that is necessary to do in such cases, is to put on the War 

 Bridle, and after giving a few sharp pulls with it, hold firmly in the 

 left hand, and While keeping it taut upon the month, with the right 



