THE SPURS AND THEIR EFFECTS 



center of gravity also shifts forward. The equilib- 

 rium becomes unstable. The tendency is to fall 

 forward. The front legs advance to prevent the fall, 

 attract to their aid the hind limbs, and the walk 

 or trot begins. Then, if walking or trotting, the 

 equilibrium becomes disturbed, fixity of the hand 

 and a light attack of the spurs will reestablish it, 

 while fingering on the reins will maintain it. 



When the horse has so far advanced in its 

 education as to understand well the attack of spurs 

 of the first degree, the work is exactly repeated with 

 spurs of the second degree. Following these, spurs 

 of the the third degree will still further augment the 

 effects of the legs, without affecting the pupil's 

 equanimity. 



Finally, to student and novice, I give this advice. 

 As you carry on your progressive work with the 

 attacks, certain imbeciles stable boys, riding- 

 masters, the ignorant public will want to know 

 what you are about, and whether you are afraid of 

 your horse. Do not care. Let them criticize: it is 

 very easy. But if you find one of these expert 

 hunters or polo-players who think they have a seat, 

 get them to try the work that you have been doing, 

 keeping their seats while applying and holding 

 their spurs exactly, precisely, justly, equally, and 

 accurately. Then, if they make the attempt, ob- 

 serve them for your amusement! 



