Handling Vicious Horses 83 
While down it is often a good plan to crack a whip 
close to him, and, when he struggles, to hold him firmly, 
by keeping his head down. After he ceases struggling 
and gives up, the horse should be allowed to get up. 
Then try him with the lesson again. If he refuses, 
throw him down at once, and repeat the process until 
he is ready to do what is required of him. 
Another method that works well in some cases and is 
less trouble, is to strap up one fore leg and make him 
go on three legs. This is a good plan when the horse 
has a tendency to run or to kick. After he is satisfied 
that he eannot get loose and is under complete control, 
the strap can be removed. If, when hitching a horse 
up, there is fear that he may run or act in a vicious 
manner, straps with rings should be buckled below the 
fetlock on each fore leg, a small rope tied securely in 
the ring of the strap on the right leg, passed up over 
the belly-band and down through the ring on the left 
fore leg, then passed up over the belly-band again 
and held by an assistant who walks or rides with the 
trainer. In ease of trouble, the assistant, by pulling on 
the rope, can hold up one or both fore feet. If a horse 
shows a tendency to kick, a sharp twitch on the lines 
will often distract his attention and prevent kicking. 
Frequently, when a horse is nervous and irritable, 
placing a blindfold over the eves will direct his attention 
elsewhere. 
BALKY HORSES 
Balking is refusal on the part of a horse to do his 
required work when he understands fully what is 
