RIDING AND TRAINING. 93 



and at the same time give the side a scratch with 

 one of the spurs. The hand will restrain any 

 increase of speed, and the voice, accompanied* by 

 caresses, will pacify the animal. If the horse kick 

 at the spur, a very unusual thing if the first lessons 

 are given as I have directed, the rider will raise 

 the head of the horse, correct it with his voice, and 

 gently apply the spur again. When the horse will 

 answer the spur by increased vigour of action from 

 the hind-quarters without an effort to force the hand 

 or to increase the speed, the rowel will be applied 

 in bringing the horse to a halt from the walk, and . 

 to a walk from the trot. 



It is not well to use the spurs too freely, and 

 after the horse has been taught to accept the 

 rowel the leg will not require the assistance of the 

 severer form of the aid unless the horse be slow 

 in obedience. 



Should the horse endeavour to break away from 

 the rider or endeavour to force the hand at the 

 application of the spur, the rider should bring the 

 animal to a halt and make it back a few steps; 

 then repeat the movement in which the horse 

 exhibited its want of discipline. 



The spur must never be given with violence, for 

 such a shock will not only arouse the resentment 

 of the horse but must throw the animal into dis- 



