THE USE OF THE SPUR. 37 



the rowels quite close to liis sides ; so that on the 

 word "iS};i^;'" (given in a quiet voice), he merely 

 touches his horse's sides, retaining at the same time a 

 steady feeling of the bit reins, so as to present an oppo- 

 sition equal to the impulse connnunicated by the spur. 



Then make much of the horses and quiet them, 

 taking care to square them, should they have stepped 

 to either side with their hind-legs. 



When the spur is applied on the move, halt them 

 to quiet them. 



You increase by degrees the use of the spur, until 

 the horse will stand its application without throwing 

 any weight on the hand, without increasing his pace, 

 or without moving, if applied when standing still. 



If the horse kicks at the spur, it is a sign that his 

 weight is too much forward ; if he rises or capers, his 

 weight is too much on the haunches. The rider's 

 mind must, therefore, be directed to keeping the 

 weight between the two, and when it is there his 

 horse is properly balanced. 



This lesson, if well carried out, has a moral effect on 

 the horse, which accelerates its results. 



If the impulse given by the leg or spur is always 

 controlled by the hand, the pain the animal suffers is 

 at all times in proportion to the resistance he offers ; 

 his instinct will soon teach him, that he can diminish 

 and even avoid it, by yielding at once to what is 

 required of him ; he will not only submit, but soon 

 anticipate our Welshes. 



