9 2 Horse and Ma n . 



spur freely when in brisk movement, but 

 you must not suppose that he is therefore ne- 

 cessarily prepared to endure it while kept 

 collected and motionless. Begin by ascertain- 

 ing that he does not mind the gradual closing 

 and pressure of your legs and heels. Then 

 try him with a pair of spurs whose rowels are 

 covered with cloth or leather; and when he 

 bears their application with indifference, put 

 on a pair of ordinary heel spurs. 



When he has learnt not to resist the spurs, 

 he must next be taught to spring from them. 

 Get him well in hand, and touch him lightly 

 but firmly on both sides. If he kicks or 

 winces, you are getting on too fast, and must 

 return to the covered rowels, if not to the 

 bare heels. If he continues calm and indiffer- 

 ent, increase very gradually the force of the 

 application, or if necessary, which it seldom 

 or never will be, use a pair of sharp hunting 

 spurs. But if he tries to move forwards, 

 carefully restrain him by the bridle, and then, 

 dropping both your legs and hands, caress 

 him and let him stand at ease. Repeat the 

 lesson until the slightest pressure of your legs 

 is sufficient to make him promptly collect 



