THE SPURS AND THEIR EFFECTS 



leg against the barrier or injure itself by kicking. 

 He then closes his legs with all his might, pressing 

 the horse's flanks near the girths, while the reins, 

 held in the left hand, make their effect. The toes 

 are now turned outward, and the right spur is 

 brought close to the right flank, within perhaps a 

 tenth of an inch. The rider soothes the horse with 

 his voice, and as soon as the animal is perfectly 

 calm, he applies the spur progressively very 

 progressively and holds it against the flank, 

 meanwhile caressing the right side of the animal 

 with the right hand, and encouraging him with the 

 voice. Be generous with this, not economical. Put 

 your heart into your voice, and your horse will 

 understand your meaning. Very well! The spur 

 has remained a moment. Begin again with further 

 progression. The horse has felt the iron of your 

 spur, and look at his ears! Ah! Ah! They are 

 immobile. He thinks. He thinks something new, 

 a new sensation. Take care, take care, young 

 esquire. Voice! Voice! You have it again; I see it 

 in your face. You smile. Now encourage with the 

 voice; put your heart in it. Caress with the right 

 hand the nearest possible to the spot where the spur 

 has made contact. 



Change now the reins to the right hand, and 

 begin the same progression with the left spur, with 

 the same generosity and the same care. You have 

 it on the left as well as on the right. Now ride 

 your horse at a walk, or even at a trot, for dis- 



135 



