Connecticut western news., 1893-11-09
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FOR KICKING HORSES.
Some Lessons Which Will Break Them
 Their Bad Habit.

Some Lessons Which Will Break Them of
 Their Bad Habit.
 Dr. James Law writes: There isno in- fallible cure applicable to all hckers alike, as much depends on the temper of the animal, it's past habits and experi- ence. and not little on the man who un- dertakes the cure. Some nervous mares given to twitching, holding the rein un- der the tail and kicking may be cured by simply driving with an overdraw check, kept rather short. and by rolling the crupper with strip of flannel until 1t is three inches thick and will not allow the tail to settle down closely enough to hold the rein tightly, or fixing the tail to the breeching straps at each side so as to prevent it from getting over the rein may suffice.
 If it is from nervous sensitiveness when touched on the quarters or hind limbs by harness, shafts, whip or hand, Magner's method of turning in a narrow circle to render the horse dizzy and sub missive may be tried. A strong hitching strap or stout hemp cord is carried from one ring of the bit back on one side of the body through an opening made in the hair above knot tied on the end of the tail and back through the other ring of the bridle. This may be drawn so tight ly as to bring the nose near to the tail and tied with running moose, which may be loosened in a moment by pulling on the fore end; or, in place of tying, 1t may be held in the hand tightly, but ready to be slackened when necessary. Most horses in these circumstances will turn rapidly around toward the side to which the head and tail are turned, and the more rapid the turning, the sooner will the animal become dizzy. and will fall on the opposite side if the process Is too long continued.
 If the horse declines to turn or turns slowly, 1t may be made to do it more actively by striking the nose gently with the whip. It is not necessary, however, to whirl it till it falls; it needs only to be made giddy. After few turns touch its quarters, trump, thighs. hooks and shanks with q light pole. It may kick or try to at first, but the pole must be applied lightly again and again, and it will soon dismiss all thought of kicking. The pole must be repeatedly brought in contact with all parts of the hind legs inside and out until it no longer fears or resents it, but takes it as a matter of course.
 As the effect of turning to one side is liable to be, temporary, 1t is best to loosen the horse in few minutes, tie 1t on the other side and let it turn for awhile in that direction. The pole can now be brought more effectively in con- tact with the whole of the other hind quarter and leg, so that the horse be- comes educated to bear 1t at all points without fear or retaliation. The rule with an ordinary horse is to continue the lesson 15 to 30 minutes until the watch ful, resentful eye becomes quiet and sub dued and the tense muscles of the face relaxed, the ears, eyelids and lips placid and the general expression calm, except as manifested in the hurried breathing and precipitation. But if after a severe lesson the animal shows only nervous terror or fury is is better to suspend the lesson and wait some days for second.
 When subdued, the horse may be al- lowed to smell and examine harness and may be carefully harnessed and hitched, at first into shafts, or directly to a wagon, encouragement and reward be- ing made with sugar or apples, and a confident, commanding but kind voice and manner being employed. Several lessons are usually demanded, and it may be needful to drive in harness sim ply and then in shafts before he can be trusted in wagon. It is all important that everything be done safely, thnt n due stage of submission be reached be- fore the animal be placed where it can by any chance be tempted to repeat its vice. as a relapse will only fix the habit more firmly and give it to realize that the control secured by the turning oper- ation is only temporary.