THE REASONED EQUITATION 



a limb except at the intelligent command of its 

 master. 



On the other hand, we must not forget the great 

 principle, already accepted, that every impression 

 made upon the animal loses its effect progressively 

 as the impression is continued. If legs or spurs are 

 held steadily against the horse's sides, it shortly be- 

 comes quite insensible to them. It must, then, have 

 its sensitiveness reawakened by repeated attacks. 



For this purpose, while the horse is walking, 

 trotting, or galloping, the rider, taking a firm seat, 

 closes his legs progressively until he presses with his 

 full strength, the hand meanwhile being firm and 

 steady, and the rider cool-tempered and calm, con- 

 fident in himself and his seat. These conditions 

 realized, the rider turns his toes outward, the spurs 

 touch the flanks near the girths, pinch, and then 

 release, while the legs press with the same force as 

 before the spurs were applied. 



The spurs do not remain in contact with the 

 flanks. The touch is brief, but the pressure is 

 repeated again and again, in about the tempo of a 

 quarter-note in music, until the horse, calm and 

 obedient, in a state of equilibrium, stands still or 

 moves forward at the same speed and gait as at the 

 beginning of the attack. If, however, the horse, at 

 the attack, backs or refuses to go forward, then 

 the tempo of the application of the spurs is increased, 

 until such time as the horse advances, always upon 

 the hand, with the bit in contact with the bars. 



124 



