SHYING 77 



the habit of kicking at the side of his stall differ- 

 ent measures must be used. 



The simplest method and one which, in the 

 majority of cases, is as good as any is to fasten 

 a plank or timber securely across the stall about 

 an inch above the horse's hips. With this ar- 

 rangement he cannot kick, as, the moment he at- 

 tempts to throw up his hind parts, he is checked 

 and disconcerted by the plank. 



TAIL SWITCHING 



This habit is always unpleasant and sometimes 

 very dangerous, as some horses will throw their 

 tails clear over the reins and then kick or run or 

 both. The best plan is to tie down the horse's 

 tail whenever he is driven and keep this up for 

 several months, if necessary, until he forgets the 

 habit. Make a few strands of hair on the inside 

 of his tail into a braid about the size of a clothes- 

 line and finish it in such a way that it will not 

 come undone. Pass a shoe-string through this 

 braid and tie it firmly to the breeching. This ar- 

 rangement will effectually stop the switching and 

 is so inconspicuous that the majority of people 

 will not notice it. This scheme is applicable in 

 all cases where tail-switching is strongly estab- 

 lished. 



