WHIMS AND VICES OF THE HORSE 393 



the mouth the same as a bridle bit. Now should the 

 horse attempt to bite the corners on the gag cut his gums. 

 A few lessons, one each day, will serve to overcome most 

 biters. 



Tearing blankets. — When standing in the stable many 

 horses have the habit of biting and tearing their blankets. 

 To overcome this, attach one end of a bar' to the halter 

 and the other end to a surcingle. As this prevents the 

 horse from turning the head to either side, he cannot 

 reach the blanket, with his teeth. Another device is 

 made by using a noseband and suspending small, short 

 chains from the front, back and side in such a form, that 

 when the horse turns to get hold of the blanket with his 

 teeth, the chain appliance prevents him from doing so. 

 This has the advantage of the muzzle in that the animal 

 can eat with it attached. 



Gorging grain. — There are many methods of overcom- 

 ing the horse that eats greedily, often swallowing his grain 

 without mastication. A very good plan is to feed the 

 grain in a large, flat-bottomed grain box, as this prevents 

 the horse from getting much grain at a mouthful. Some 

 persons feed the grain on hay, and others recommend 

 placing round stones in the grain box, but the confirmed 

 grain gorger is usually an adept at throwing stones out 

 before eating the grain. 



Rolling. — To overcome the habit of rolling in the stall, 

 secure a small ring and sew it in the top of the halter. 

 Suspend a small rope from the ceiling so that it will hang 

 directly over the horse's neck when standing at the man- 

 ger. Attach a snap to the lower end of the rope, and snap 

 into the ring at the top of the halter. This rope should 

 be long enough to allow the horse to get his nose to the 

 ground. This will permit him to lie down, but as he 

 cannot place the top of his head on the ground he is un- 

 able to roll. 



Difficult to shoe. — Because of improper training many 

 horses are difficult to shoe. To overcome this habit, 



