io8 Curb, Snaffle, and Spur. 



attacks, and she is now at least fifteen years 

 old. 



The best time for teaching the horse to bear 

 the spur is during the early lessons in the double- 

 reined bridle; for by that time the animal has 

 learned something of the indications of the 

 rider's heels, and should have great confidence 

 in its trainer. On some occasion when the hind 

 quarters require stimulating, the rider should 

 give a slight scratch with the rowel of one 

 spur, and then calm the horse if it shows sur- 

 prise or excitement. Later, it should, under 

 similar circumstances, be given a slight scratch 

 with the other spur, and again be calmed. 

 Gradually it should be taught to take the spur 

 attacks, first of one spur, and then of both 

 together, with the same complacency with 

 which it bore the pressure of the bare heels ; 

 the opportunity for doing this can be found 

 in the exercises on two paths, and in those 

 for demanding the various forms of collection. 

 After the horse has been taught to receive 

 the spur attacks quietly, the aid may be applied 

 by pressing the side of the heel against the 

 flank of the horse, and the spur-scratch should 



