SEAT, LEGS AND SPURS 



control when a trained horse is very excited, 

 and inclined to get the better of the rider, the 

 latter can tie him up between the spurs and 

 the bit by turning his knees and toes out 

 and pressing in both spurs gently and with 

 absolute calm quite close to the girths 

 whilst feeling the horse's mouth lightly, but 

 with unyielding firmness, the reins being 

 held short. 



In the case of untrained horses, the steady 

 gentle pressure of both calves, or intermittent 

 touches of the spurs, by driving the horse into 

 his bridle, generally suffices to bring him under 

 control. 



Steady graduated pressure of sharp spurs 

 and the bit " immobilize " and calm a horse, or 

 when the hand is eased, force him to move for- 

 ward in the desired direction. Intermittent 

 touches of the spurs mobilize the hind quarters, 

 and animate and collect a horse. A touch on 

 the elbow from the toe will make a horse extend 

 himself in the gallop. 



When punishing with the spurs, the rider 

 must consider the sensibility of the horse, and 

 not the gravity of the fault committed, nor his 

 own feeling of anger ; and the punishment 

 should commence while the horse is misbe- 

 having. If the horse kicks on feeling the spur, 



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