164 METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP. 



tion. Horses that are thus stopped, set 

 themselves against the bit, extending their 

 neck, and require an arm of iron and a 

 most violent opposing force. Such is the 

 custom of the Arabs, for example, in halt 

 ing suddenly their horses, by making use of 

 murderous bits that break the bars of their 

 horse s mouths. Thus, notwithstanding the 

 wonderful powers with which nature has 

 gifted them, are these excellent animals in 

 jured. The use of the spur must not be 

 commenced till by gathering him we get 

 the horse well in hand ; then the first touch 

 of the spur should be given. We will 

 continue to make use of it, at long inter 

 vals, until the horse, after his bound for 

 ward, presents no resistance to the hand, 

 and- avoids the pressure of the bit, by bring 

 ing in his chin towards his chest, of his own 

 accord. This submission once obtained, we 



