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 instinctive, and is the animal's method of protecting itself from other creatures. But although the kick is considered a defense of the horse, and indeed is so when it involves the refusal to move forward, it is not in the least dangerous. For a rider with an accurate seat, it is like a wave to a sailboat. It does, however, sometimes make trouble for young riders, if they let the horse repeat the kick too often, until it becomes a habit, called forth by the slightest annoyance or provocation. In this case, it does become a defense.

We here are concerned with the horse which kicks when mounted, and uses this action to resist our means of control. This may result from weakness,