216 



PRINCIPLES OF 



P. VII, 



minute that his fore feet are coming to the 

 ground, give him both the spurs firmly, and 

 as quickly as you can. 



These aids and corrections, however, must 

 be given with the greatest caution and exact- 

 ness ; for were you to give him the spurs 

 when he is in the air, he would fall over. If, 

 however, you watch the time so as not to spur 

 him, till he is coming down, and his fore feet 

 near the ground, it is impossible he should 

 fall backward; for then his balance is de- 

 stroyed, — he is upon all his legs again, and 

 cannot rise without first touching the ground 

 and thence taking his spring. 



If, therefore, you give him the spurs be- 

 fore he is in a situation to rise again, you will 

 punish him, and drive him forward at the 

 same time. 



Another method is the following : — When- 

 ever you are aware of the horse's disposition 

 to rear, have your reins separated and be 

 prepared for him. The instant you perceive 



