394 PRACTICAL HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 
wrong that may never be forgotten or forgiven by the victim, 
who will often on subsequent occasions give striking proofs of 
his unwillingness to have his head handled, fearing a repetition 
of the suffering. There are many, I regret to say, who apply 
the twitch on every available opportunity. Some men are not 
content with placing it on the lips, but include each ear in 
the coils of this horrible invention. Now, as far as my ex¬ 
perience has gone I have found that when even a young horse 
rebels, it is generally from fear, and would point out that 
should we at once proceed to torture him we confirm what 
he has already dreaded, that he would be hurt by us; whereas 
if, on the other hand, we send for a little grass or a feed of corn, 
and let it be given to him by his usual attendant, his fears are 
quieted, and he will usually allow us to perform any minor 
operation that we may wish. If, however, this fails to quiet 
him sufficiently, strapping up one fore foot and giving him a 
run on three legs for a while, still feeding him when halted, will 
invariably succeed, and for all important operations we can 
hobble or cast him ; or, where we have such an appliance, we 
can put him in the travis or stocks, as they are sometimes called, 
and thereby secure to ourselves an immunity from any danger 
whatever. 
Horses (or any other animals) should never be beaten, kicked, 
or maltreated in any way. If the horse requires correction 
while under tuition or subsequently, it should be administered 
with judgment, and not extend beyond reducing him to obedi¬ 
ence, and one should make friends with him again as soon after 
as possible. 
Harness .—By ensuring the fit of the head collar with the eye 
fringe, and taking care that the clothing and the body roller or 
surcingle be properly adjusted, also that the head and heel ropes 
are of a comfortable length (of the use of the latter I disapprove 
as a rule) one can add materially to their comfort when in the 
stable. 
Of the harness, the fit of the collar, pad, saddle, bridle, breech¬ 
ing, breastplate, crupper, and kicking strap, should also be care¬ 
fully attended to, for this will enhance the comfort of the horse 
when at work, and keep him serviceable, by in this manner pre¬ 
venting chafes and galls that would on their occurrence throw 
him out of work. 
Marching .—During a long march the rider often injures the 
back of his horse, by lolling and rolling about in his saddle, 
especially if the pace be so slow as to tire both man and animal 
from sheer monotony. 
I would at this portion of my subject impress on the minds 
of all the necessity that always exists for heedful supervision in 
