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MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
horse from raising them to kick. But even this is no 
security, as by violent efforts on the part of the animal the 
strap may break, and no one can tell what may be the con- 
sequence. I had a particularly handsome and powerful 
mare which possessed this vice, and although I adopted 
every means to break her of it, I found it impossible. I 
sold her, and the person who bought her was sure he could 
effect a cure ; but he was mistaken, and he parted with her. 
Her fine form soon found a ready purchaser, and in six 
months she was in the hands of eight different persons. 
Never trust a kicker. 
BITING. 
This trick often proceeds from play, and is taught by the 
folly of grooms or stable-boys teazing the animals. But 
what they have thus acquired as sport, becomes a fixed 
habit; and when thwarted in any manner, they will some¬ 
times bite with great severity. Like other vices, this is 
difficult of cure, and it is but seldom they can be really 
broken of it. Teazing a horse should be strictly forbidden, 
and the groom or stable-boy severely punished when detected 
in the act. Biting, like other vices, should never be taught 
the animal, as it is easier to avoid it than to effect a cure. 
Gentle treatment is the best suited for all our domestic 
animals, and the surest way to command their affections. 
Bad-tempered and tricky grooms ought to be scouted by 
every one ; and any master giving such a person a cha¬ 
racter, is highly culpable, and ought to be held up to public 
scorn. 
SEIZING THE CHEEK OF THE BIT. 
Some horses are so cunning as to get the cheek of the bit 
into their mouth, which gives them a great command over 
