HoRvSe: Training by Modern Me:thods. 29 



legs is produced, he is said to be ''behind the bit" and Hke- 

 wise "behind the legs.'' A horse in this state is beyond 

 the control of the rider, and every means should be ex- 

 erted to force the horse with the legs up into the bit 

 again. 



The Spur. — The spur should not be; used until the 

 seat is secure. If the pressure of the calves of the legs 

 is sufficient to command impulsion, the spur should not 

 be resorted to. 



Resistances are provoked if the spur remains in the 

 side continuously, and the animal becomes disobedient 

 and on the defensive. Continued contact should be, re- 

 placed by repeated contacts of short duration of an inten- 

 sity to fit the case. 



The length of the spur varies with the length of the 

 stirrup-leathers, the length of the leg of the rider, and 

 the form of the horse. A general rule is that the spur 

 should be of such a length as to be easily used with- 

 out danger of unintentional usage during sudden dis- 

 placements. 



