218 THE USE OF THE SPUR. 



and if his haunches are thrown out, they must be 

 brought back again by applying the outward leg ; 

 thus gradually led on, the horse will learn to go about 

 to both hands, on his haunches; when the horse is 

 broken, it will be sufficient to carry the bridle hand 

 to the side, you wish to turn to/' 



THE USE OF THE SPUR. 



* " The spur, is not only used to inflict punish- 

 ment, when a horse refuses to obey the pressure of 

 the leg ; but, it is also, combined with a good hand, 

 a most powerful agent in bringing into subjection the 

 most intractable, and in infusing spirit into the most 

 sluggish animals ; it requires great prudence, and a 

 thorough knowledge of the horse, to use the spur so 

 as to obtain the proper results. 



"The object is to unite the horse's powers at 

 the centre of gravity, that is, between the fore-hand, 

 and haunches ; and it is by the combined use of the 

 hand and leg, that we attain this. 



" Suppose your horse at a walk bearing the weight 

 of five Ibs. on your bridle hand ; when you close your 

 legs to him, you will feel the effect of the impulse com- 

 municated in the additional weight thrown on your 

 hand, and this weight augments, in proportion to the 

 impulse given. 



" On feeling this additional weight on the bridle 

 hand, do not give way to it, but keep the bit hand 

 low and steady, and play with the right snaffle rein ; 

 the horse finding the bit an insurmountable obstacle, 

 will by degrees learn, instead of throwing his weight 



* Training of Cavalry Remount Horses by Captain Nolan. 



