Control animal that's kicking its hindquarters (4)
I believe the answer is:
rein
'control' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rein that I've seen before include "Animal controller" , "Free ... is carte blanche" , "Restriction" , "A means of control" , "Hold back" .)