THE GRIP 81 



will, but whips never. But whether the edict is 

 passed or not, I am convinced that if owners issue 

 those orders to the jockeys they will win more 

 races, and I trust that in itself will be sufficient 

 inducement. 



The importance of the blunt spur applies equally 

 to the show-ring. A horse does not require the 

 application of the rowel, and I have yet to meet 

 the rider who can get round without a mark if he 

 wears sharp spurs. And, after all, what is the 

 good of it ? 



Has any one ever seen a horse in a race go 

 faster because the spurs were applied? We know 

 the answer is in the negative. But has any one 

 seen a horse (especially mares) go slower on being 

 touched with the spur? To this question we 

 equally know the reply will be affirmative. A 

 " nappy " horse inclined to refuse may sometimes 

 be induced to jump by their application, but I 

 am very doubtful on this point. Personally, I 

 prefer a tap on the shoulder and a firm pressure 

 of the legs to any other form of persuasion, and 

 my opinion is, that a horse in a race seldom, if 

 ever, requires any further assistance. Similarly in 

 the hunting field or the show-ring, I am convinced 

 that the sharp spur is unnecessary and inflicts 

 needless discomfort, not to say actual pain. 



We are told, "It is no use fighting against the 

 pricks," but I trust for once the adage may prove 

 false. I sincerely hope that, in however small a 

 way, my efforts in this direction may do some good. 



