b'ASSUMPTIONSBy Lee Anderson, Old West Living Historian,Award Winning Author, and Old School HorsemanLee Anderson and his horse, Concho, are well known around the state doing presentations in schools,corporate events, and civic events. Learn more about them and his book on his website. historicaloldwest.orgA n assumption is a conclusion(cues) a rider gives do require applying pressure to the During their apprenticeship, they were, that appears to be perfectlyhorses sides. For the heel to make definite, solid contacthowever, not allowed to wear spurs till they had proven logical. It is, however, based onwithout spurs the rider must make a very visible move. to their mentor that their horsemanship had advanced to the a persons existing knowledge of theWith spurs, the rider only needs to slightly twist the anklepoint they not only could but would apply them correctly. subject. Should that knowledge be incomplete or incorrectand firmly press (not kick, press) the spur against the horsesAt such time, since spurs were not yet commercially the result is often a logical conclusion that is incorrect.side. The result is a painless but very definite and firmlymanufactured, a pair of spurs would be custom-made for Many years of experience in the world of horses has madefelt cue to which a well-trained horse will immediately andthem by a blacksmith. The wearing of spurs announced to me aware of many such false conclusions, or assumptions,calmly respond. The action on the part of the rider will bethe world that this was a master horseman. This was also the concerning horses, the use of horse equipment, and horsenearly undetectable.origin of the well-known expression of having to, earn your training. What appears to be an obvious potential often hasspurs. Today, however, thanks to the industrial revolution nothing to do with an items intended and/or correct use. ForAll spurs (as well as all bridle bits, which need an articleand mass production, all anyone has to do is have the money example, if a person who has never even heard of the gameof their own) have the potential to be severe and cause ato purchase a pair of spurs and put them on so, more often of baseball were to be handed a baseball bat and asked whatlot of pain. So does a baseball bat, a golf club, an ice pick,than not, spurs are misused. They are attached to a persons they think it is the odds are pretty good they would simplya hammer, or even a cast iron frying pan. Whether or notheel so it is commonly assumed they are for kicking a horse assume it to be a weapon. After all, the club is mans oldestthat potential is released depends entirely on how it is usedin the ribs.weapon, so that would be a perfectly logical assumptionand for what purpose. When it comes to spurs, the larger based on limited knowledge, wouldnt it? the rowel and the more blunt teeth (or points) it has, theThe use of spurs is only one of many false assumptions less severe it is when used incorrectly. This is due to a largermade where common everyday pieces of horse equipment When it comes to horses, spurs are a pretty good examplesurface area. That being said, when kicked hard with anysuch as bits, hackamores, lunge lines, whips, and even of a false conclusion. Ask the average person what spurs arespur, it is very painful and most horses, especially one well- many grooming tools as well as many riding and training for and the odds are you would be told, For kicking a horsetrained, will react violently. practices are concerned. Before using any piece of horse in the ribs to make it go. If that is the answer you get, theygear or training process a person really needs to be asking; have assumed what appears to be a perfectly obvious andFor centuries, and for many reasons, a riding horse wasDo I, (or whoever Im listening to) honestly know and fully logical conclusion but have instead exposed a serious lack ofbeyond ownership by the average person. Draft horses were,understand the historical intent and correct use of this item? knowledge concerning the intended purpose and proper useof course, needed by farmers, various commercial enterprises,Do I (or they) know why it is designed the way it is or am I of spurs. and mass transportation (coaches) but, only the wealthy(or they) simply looking at it and, with limited knowledge, and the military rode horses. To become a skilled horsemansimply making a perfectly logical assumption?A riders skill level can be determined by how much visiblea young man had to be selected by a recognized skilled movement they make while riding; the less detectablehorseman to become his apprentice. These selected novicesSomething to keep in mind is that any tool or process used movement, the more skilled the rider. Many of the signalsstudied under this skilled horseman, sometimes for years.incorrectly is never used to its best advantage. W E S T E R N D R I L L I N G S E R V I C E SC O M P A N YL L C Water Well DrillingDBA Well Pump & Drilling ServicesThe Pump CompanyInstallationInspections SERVICING ARIZONAWater TestingTop-Rated ServiceSuperior Products PLUS the Most Advanced and Efficient Method for Well RehabilitationTell em 623-327-1200Arizona Real Country thepumpcompany.ussent ya!327 N 1st St, Buckeye, AZ 85326 Mon - Fri: 7:30 am - 5:00 pmSat - Sun: Appointment OnlyAfter Hour Services AvailableArizonaRealCountry.com October 2023 59'