92 ROAD, PARK, AND SCHOOL 



CHAPTER VII L THE SPUR. 



THE horse should at this stage of its education 

 be taught to receive the attack of the spur with 

 calmness. Until the horse will answer the ap- 

 plication of the rowel, without disordering its pace 

 . and without the slightest hesitation, it is not under 

 the control of the rider, as we are to understand 

 the meaning of control. The most nervous and 

 spirited horses may be taught to take the spur 

 without flinching in the course of a few lessons, 

 but it must be understood that this powerful aid 

 should always be given with discretion, and until 

 the rider has a seat that permits him to measure 

 the pressure with which the spurs are applied he 

 should mount the horse without them. 



The lessons in collecting and suppling the croup 

 have prepared the horse for the spur. Towards 

 the close of a day's lesson the rider should put on 

 spurs with rowels of medium size and sharpness. 

 As the horse is marching in a straight line the 

 rider will collect him between the hand and legs, 



