THE ABUSE OF THE SPUR 



nance at the stab of a sharp Instrument, or even 

 the puncture of a thorn. It is not while receiving 

 punishment but administering" it that the prize- 

 fighter opens his shoulders and lets out. There 

 is no doubt that many horses, thoroughbred ones 

 especially, will stop suddenly, even in their gallop, 

 and resent by kicking an indiscreet application of 

 the spurs, A determined rider who keeps them 

 screwed in the animal's flanks eventually gains 

 the victory. But such triumphs of severity and 

 main force are the last resource of an authority 

 that ought never to be disputed, as springing 

 less from fear than confidence and goodwill. 



It cannot be denied that there are many fools 

 in the world, yet, regarding matters of opinion, 

 the majority are generally right. A top-boot 

 has an unfinished look without its appendage of 

 shining steel ; and, although some sportsmen 

 assure us they dispense with rowels, it is rare to 

 find one so indifferent to appearances as not to 

 wear spurs. There must be some good reason 

 for this general adoption of an instrument that, 

 from the days of chivalry, has been the very 

 stamp and badge of a superiority which the man 

 on horseback assumes over the man on foot. 

 Let us weicrh the arguments for and aoainst this 

 emblem of knighthood before we decide. In 

 the riding-school, and particularly for military 

 purposes, when the dragoon's right hand is 



57 



