..,You're really supposed to put the head of the rivet against the anvil and peen out the other end with a punch; but in a pinch I've found I can do it backwards...
i have some spikes in the garden...will have to go find them. I also have a short piece of a railroad rail for an anvil when needed. I will smooth the top and try the hitting from the underside when I do the cantle next. That makes sense, but I did see a video of a brooks guy working from the top. He may have been just dressing the head of the rivet as a last step I guess. Thanks for the tip.