These means may be used to break horses of rearing, plunging, or bucking under the saddle. In this case the surcingle is dispensed with; the rider holds the straps and exerts sufficient force when the horse is refractory to bring him to his knees. The same means may be used to discipline horses which refuse to carry double, the man in the rear holding the straps. TO BREAK THE HORSE OF KICKING. The horse is thrown and one end of each of the long straps is made fast to the bit-rings; the other ends are passed through the rings on the leather surcingle and secured to the hind pasterns. When thus secured, all means should be resorted to in order to make the horse kick, and this should be repeated until he no longer struggles or attempts to move his hind legs under any provocation whatever. TREATMENT AND CARE OF HORSES. Horses require gentle treatment. Docile, but bold, horses are apt to retaliate upon those who abuse them, while persistent kindness often reclaims vicious animals. A horse must never be kicked in the belly, or struck about the head with the hands, reins, or any instrument whatever. Never threaten, strike, or otherwise abuse a horse. Before entering a stall speak to the horse gently, and then go in quietly. Never take a rapid gait until the horse has been warmed up by gentle exercise. Never put up a horse brought to the stable or line heated, but throw a blanket over him and rub his legs, or walk him until cool. If he is wet, put him under shelter and wisp him against the hair until dry. Never feed grain to a horse, or allow him to stand uncovered, when heated. Hay will not hurt a horse no matter how warm he may be. Never water a horse when heated, unless the exercise or march is to be immediately resumed. A few mouthfuls of water, however, will do no harm, and should ordinarily be given him. Never throw water over a horse coming in hot, not even over his legs or feet. Never allow a horse's back to be cooled suddenly by washing or even removing the blanket unnecessarily. To cool the back gradually, the blanket may be removed and replaced with the dry side next the horse. At least two hours' exercise daily is necessary to the health and good condition of horses; they should be marched a few miles when cold weather, muddy ground, etc., prevent drill. Horses' legs will be often hand-rubbed, particularly after severe exercise, as this removes enlargement and relieves or prevents stiffness. In mild weather the sheath will be washed out once a month with warm water and castile soap and then greased; during the cold season the intervals between washings should be longer.