THE REASONED EQUITATION 



A rider is said to " apply the spurs" when he 

 brings them against the horse's flanks and holds 

 them there. Oftentimes during the horse's educa- 

 tion, the rider needs to bring back the animal's 

 attention, which has been distracted by some sight 

 or sound, or has simply lapsed. This moral state 

 of the animal should never be tolerated, lest the 

 horse come to think that he can get away from the 

 rider's control at his own will or because of what 

 he sees and hears. It is essential that the man shall 

 be master of the animal, always and in every 

 circumstance. To apply the two spurs at the 

 slightest distraction is highly efficient, provided 

 their use is moderate and progressive. The legs 

 should be closed first, and the spurs applied without 

 shock, as the legs alone prove insufficient. 



A great many poets and other writers speak of 

 riders who "bury their spurs in their horse's 

 flanks," and thereby start them off like lightning. 

 But the fact is that to bury the two spurs brusquely 

 is precisely the best way to stop a horse running 

 at full speed. The prick of the spurs makes him 

 kick out with the hind legs, which, getting no 

 support from the air, can no longer drive the body 

 forward. The horse ought to bear the touch of the 

 spurs as calmly as he bears the pressure of the legs. 

 It is the repetition of the contact that produces 

 the effect, not the single brusque application. 



Burying the spurs has nevertheless its place. 

 Certain horses are thoroughly vicious by nature, 



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