THE SPURS AND THEIR EFFECTS 



add progressively the contact of the spurs. Hold 

 for a few steps, and then release, but continue the 

 pressure of the legs. Again make contact with the 

 spurs; hold it as before for a few steps; then cease 

 the touch of the spurs, but continue the grip of the 

 legs. Once more touch and release. Finally, make 

 contact with the spurs, lean back, finger the reins, 

 stop the horse, caress again and again, remove the 

 spurs, ease the grip of the legs, dismount, and send 

 the pupil to the stable. 



There should be six such lessons at the walk, 

 the legs pressing constantly, but the spurs making 

 and breaking contact every few steps. After six 

 lessons at the walk, give six lessons at the slow trot. 



Now that the horse supports the spurs at both 

 walk and trot, it is time to begin the attacks. If 

 the preliminary work has been well mastered, the 

 next step will be easy. 



The horse is standing. The rider, by means of his 

 legs, makes the contact with the bit, the horse upon 

 the hand and light. The rider shuts his hand and 

 holds his fingers closed. As soon as the legs are 

 fixed, their pressure begins. The spurs then make 

 contact; and at the same time, the fingers open. 

 Then come: fixity of hand fixity of legs the 

 horse at the w*alk caresses fixity of hand 

 fingering fixity of legs caresses. The horse is 

 walking: make contact with the spurs shut your 

 fingers lean back the horse stops. Forward 

 again: open your fingers spur lean forward 



137 



