60 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



human frame seems certainly to contract rather than 

 expand its muscles, with instinctive repugnance at the 

 stab of a sharp instrument, or even the puncture of a 

 thorn. It is not while receiving punishment but ad- 

 ministering it that the prize-fighter opens his shoulders 

 and lets out. There is no doubt that many horses, 

 thoroughbred ones especially, will stop suddenly, even in 

 their gallop, and resent by kicking an indiscreet applica- 

 tion of the spurs. A determined rider who keeps them 

 screwed in the animal's flanks eventually gains the 

 victory. But such triumphs of seventy and main force 

 are the last resource of an authority that ought never to 

 be disputed, as springing less from fear than confidence 

 and good-will. 



It cannot be denied that there are many fools in the 

 world, yet, regarding matters of opinion, the majority 

 are generally right. A top-boot has an unfinished look 

 without its appendage of shining steel ; and, although 

 some sportmen assure us they dispense with rowels, it 

 is rare to find one so indifferent to appearances as not 

 to wear spurs. There must be some good reason for 

 this general adoption of an instrument that, from the 

 days of chivalry, has been the very stamp and badge of 

 a superiority which the man on horseback assumes over 

 the man on foot. Let us weigh the arguments for and 



