7^ 



STATIONARY MOVEMENTS OF THE HORSE 



When striking out in front, the horse will generally do so 

 with one foot; for the blow can be deHvered with greater 

 speed when the other fore foot is on the ground, than if 

 both were off it If he strikes out with both fore feet, he will 

 do so with a quick, short effort, with the object of giving 

 a blow ; or he will make a greater or less attempt at rearing, 

 so as to bring his feet or legs on the top of the offending 

 person or animal with the view of knocking it down. The 

 governing idea, more or less developed, of thus overthrowing 



Fig 54 — KicraNG 



his enemy is, evidendy, to kneel on him and to bite him. 

 This mode of attack is seldom seen in its complete form, 

 except in the case of entires, which are more prone to bite 

 and strike out with both fore feet than are mares and 

 geldings. Mules usually kick out behind with greater 

 freedom than horses, but are not so much inclined to bite or 

 to strike out in front. Mares, from sexual causes, are more 

 inclined to kick with their hind legs than are the other two. 

 Horses sometimes kick with a hind foot in a good-tempered 

 way, not with the purpose of inflicting pain, but merely to 

 push the object of the attention out of the way, as we may 

 occasionally see a mare do to her foal. Horses often kick 



