THE ABUSE OF THE SPUR 



very moment when it is most important to our 

 safety we should be free, 



I have headed this chapter " The Abuse of the 

 Spur," because I hold that implement of horse- 

 manship to be in general most unmercifully 

 abused, so much so that I believe it would be far 

 better for the majority of horses, and riders too, if 

 it had never come into vogue. The perfect 

 equestrian may be trusted indeed with rowels 

 sharp and long as those that jingle at the Mexican's 

 heels on his boundless prairies, but, as in the 

 days of chivalry, these ornaments should be won 

 by prowess to be worn with honour ; and I firmly 

 believe that nine out of every ten men who come 

 out hunting would be better and more safely 

 carried if they left their spurs at home. 



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