388 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES 



the horse, as the command is given. Repeat the process 

 of stopping, starting and snapping the whip several times. 

 '"Jse the guy line, and use it severely, on the slightest 

 intimation that the horse does not want to go when com- 

 manded. After a few such lessons there should be no 

 further trouble. 



Kicking. — To overcome the habit of kicking, give the 

 horse a thorough course in poling (p. 380). If he resists 

 attach the guy line and double safety, pull him to his knees 

 and continue the poling process. At first refrain from 

 touching the hind legs, gradually working the pole back 

 along the body. When he becomes submissive while down, 

 let him up and continue the poling as before. Now place 

 the harness over the double safety, arranging the breast 

 band and breeching rather loosely, and placing the traces 

 through the rings on the breeching, so that the ends will 

 flap about the hind legs and quarters. If he resents the 

 pressure on the harness and attempts to kick, give the 

 command "steady" and pull him to his knees rather 

 severely. Hold him in this position until he becomes 

 calm. Continue the process until he submits. 



Procure two long poles, secure one end of each on 

 either side at the shaft tug, and allow the other end to 

 drag on the ground behind the horse. Drive him about, 

 and if he attempts to kick, command "steady" and pull 

 him to his knees as before. After he becomes submissive 

 to the poles dragging on either side, place them between 

 his hind legs and continue as before. At this time care 

 should be exercised, for the horse may injure himself. 

 Do not continue this part of the lesson long, as the poles 

 will rub the legs sore. If he resents this, however, pull 

 him to his knees. Repeat until he submits. 



Running away. — To overcome the habit of running 

 away first make the horse thoroughly obedient to the com- 

 mands and uses of the bit, much as suggested in the case 

 of a balking horse. \A'ith the guy line and the double 

 safety still attached familiarize him with strange objects, 



