THE ABUSE OF THE SPUR. 6l 



against this emblem of knighthood before we decide. 

 In the riding-school, and particularly for military pur- 

 poses, when the dragoon's right hand is required for his 

 weapon, these aids, as they are called, seem to enhance 

 that pressure of the leg which acts on the horse's 

 quarters, as the rein on his forehand, bringing his whole 

 body into the required position. Perhaps if the boot 

 were totally unarmed much time might be lost in 

 making his pupil understand the horseman's wishes, 

 but any one who has ridden a perfectly trained charger 

 knows how much more accurately it answers to the 

 leg than the heel, and how awkwardly a horse acquits 

 himself that has been broke in very sharp spurs ; every 

 touch causing it to wince and swerve too far in the 

 required direction, glancing off at a tangent, like a 

 boat that is over ready in answering her helm. Patience 

 and a light switch, I believe, would fulfil all the pur- 

 poses of the spur, even in the manege; but delay is 

 doubtless a drawback, and there are reasons for going 

 the shortest way on occasion, even if it be not the 

 smoothest and the best. 



It is quite unnecessary, however, and even prejudicial, 

 to have the rowels long and sharp. Nothing impedes 

 tuition like fear ; and fear in the animal creation is the 

 offspring of pain. 



