88 The Art of Biding. 



Nothing looks more awkward than to see a rider 

 pulling his horse's head round in the direction he 

 is desired to turn. The gentlest feel of his mouth 

 in the right direction is sufficient. Indeed, an 

 accomplished rider will guide his horse almost 

 entirely from the seat, by throwing his thoughts 

 in the direction he wishes to go, and using the 

 necessary muscular action. 



I have spoken above of using the spurs, but 

 of course it is not at all times safe to use them, 

 nor do some horses require them. The heels, 

 with high-couraged horses, are sufficient, until a 

 man can ride well he had better not wear spurs, 

 unless his animal is very sluggish. He is apt, at 

 times, when going over rough ground, to use them 

 at the wrong time, and so enhance his chances of 

 coming to grief. 



