Tue Horse. 39 
kicking or rearing, plunging or bolting, or in any way that 
threatens danger to the rider or the horse, it rarely admits of 
cure. <A determined rider may, to a certain extent, subjugate 
the animal; or the horse may have his favorites, or form his 
attachments, and with some particular person he may be com- 
paratively or perfectly manageable; but others can not long 
depend upon him, and even his master is not always sure of 
him. 
2. Backing or Balking—Some horses have the habit of 
backing at first starting, and that more from playfulness than 
desire of mischief. A moderate application of the whip will 
usually be effectual. Others, even after starting, exhibit con- 
siderable obstinacy and viciousness. This is frequently the 
effect of bad breaking. 
A large and heavy stone should be put behind the wheel be- 
fore starting, when the horse, finding it more difficult to back 
than to go forward, will gradually forget this unpleasant trick. 
It will likewise be of advantage as often as it can be managed, 
so to start that the horse shall have to back up-hill. The dif- 
ficulty of accomplishing this will soon make him readily go 
forward. A little coaxing or leading will assist in accomplish- 
ing the cure. : 
8. Biting.—This is perhaps sometimes the consequence of 
natural ferocity, but is more frequently acquired from the fool- 
ish teasing play of hostlers and stable-boys. At first his biting 
is half playful and half in earnest, but finally becomes habitual 
and degenerates into absolute viciousness. It is seldom that 
anything can be done in the way of cure. Kindness will agera- 
vate the evil and no degree of severity will correct it. “I have 
seen,” Professor Stuart says, “ biters punished until they trem- 
bled in every joint and were ready to drop, but have never in 
any case known them cured by: this treatment or by any other. 
The lash is forgotten in an hour, and the horse is as ready and 
determined to repeat the offense as before. He appears unable 
to resist the temptation, and in its worst form biting is a spe- 
cios of insanity.” 
