ARTICLE SECOND.

FORMATION OF A REGIMENT IN COLUMN,

Order in Column by twos or by fours. 

In this order the squadrons preserve distances of 3 paces more than platoon front, counting from the croups of the horses of the last set of fours of one to the heads of the horses of the first set of the next.

The Colonel marches at the centre of the regiment, on the side of the guides, 50 paces from the flank of the column, having behind him a chief bugler.  He moves wherever his presence may be necessary.

The Lieutenant Colonel on the side of the guides, paces from the flank of the column; he marches habitually on a line with the Captain commanding the 1st squadron.

The 1st Major marches 25 paces from the same flank of the column, and on a line with the Captain commanding the 10th squadron.

The 2d Major marches 25 paces from the opposite flank, on a line with the centre of the column.

The Adjutant and Regimental Quartermaster accompany the Colonel.

The Sergeant Major marches on the side of the guides, 2 paces from the flank of the column, and on a line with the first files of the column.

The Quartermaster Sergeant marches on the side of the guides, 2 paces from the flank of the column, on a line with the last files of the column.

The regimental marker marches on the side opposite to the guides, 2 paces from the flank, and on a line with the first files of the column,

The Captains march on the side of the guides, and 8 paces from the flank and abreast of the centre of their squadrons.

The 1st Lieutenant of each squadron marches at the head of the 1st platoon, 1 pace in advance of the first flies, having the right guide on his right.

The chiefs of the other platoons march on the aide of the guides, 1 pace from the flank of the column, and abreast of their first files; the trumpeters march on the side oppo­site to the guides, 1 pace from the flank, and on a line with the second file from the front and rear of their squadrons; the farrier and the saddler in the direction of the trumpeters, and opposite the ccntres of the second and third platoons.

They all march in a similar manner on the flanks of the column when the left is in front; and, in this case, it is the commander of the 4th platoon who marches at its head and in front of the squadron columns; and the let Major is near the head of the regimental column.

The left guide marches behind the last files of the squad­ron; when the column is left in front, he takes post on the left of the officer commanding the 4th platoon, 1 pace in front of the left file.

When the nature of the ground obliges the officers and others to enter the column, the movement is made succes­sively; the superior officers and others opposite the 1st divisions of squadrons place themselves at their head; those opposite the 2d divisions, in rear.

The primitive order is resumed as soon as the nature of the ground will permit. 

Order in column of Platoons, (open column.)

 In this order the squadrons preserve distances of 2 pla­toon fronts, less one pace between each other, counting from the platoon horses; the distance of one platoon from another, measured from the forefeet of the horses of one platoon to those of the next, is equal to the front of the platoons.

The Colonel marches at the centre of the regiment, on the aide of the guides, 50 paces from the flank of the column, having behind him a chief trumpeter; he moves wherever his presence may he required.

The Lieutenant Colonel marches habitually on the side of the guides 25 paces from the flank of the column, and on a line with the Lieutenant commanding the 2d platoon of the 1st squadron.

The 1st Major marches at the same distance from the same flank, on a line with the commander of the last pla­toon; the 2d Major the same distance from the opposite flank on a line with the centre of the column.

The Adjutant and Regimental Quartermaster accompany the Colonel.

The sergeant major marches on the aide of the guides 2 paces from the flank of the column, and abreast of the leading platoon.

The quartermaster sergeant marches on the side of the guides 2 paces from the flank of the rear platoon.

The regimental marker marches one pace in rear of the second file of the leading platoon on the side of the guides.

The Captains march on the side of the guides 8 paces from the flank of the column, and habitually abreast of the centre of their squadrons.

The commanders of platoons march one pace in front of their centres; those of leading platoons are answerable for the distance to the squadron in front.

When the column marches right in front, the right guide of each squadron marches on the right of the first platoon, and the left guide one pace behind the 2d file from the left of the 4th platoon. The posts of these sergeants is the re­verse when the left is in front.

The trumpeters, farrier, and saddler march in rear of their platoons as in the squadron in line.

The squadron being composed of 64 files, when it is broken into sections, the chief of the leading platoon marches at the head of the leading section; the chiefs of the other platoons one pace from and on a line with their leading section, and on the side of the guides. The second sections will he commanded by their guides, who retain their places.

 Order in close Column.

 The regiment is in column of squadrons at platoon dis­tance; the distances are equal at any one time, and never less than 9 paces, (from the croups of the horses of one squadron to the heads of the horses of the next.)

The Colonel is posted 25 paces from the centre of the column at the side of the guides.

The Lieutenant Colonel and 1st Major march habitually on the side of the guides, 12 paces from the flanks of the first and last squadrons.

The 2d Major 12 paces from the centre of the column on the aide opposite the guides.

The sergeant major, quartermaster sergeant, and regi­mental marker march as in column of platoons.

All the members of the squadrons are posted as in line except the Captains, who march on the side of the guides 4 paces from the flank, and on a line with the chiefs of the platoons.

When the guide is centre, “side of the guides” will mean the left flank of a column right in front; the right flank if left in front.

The order in open column of squadrons (or of attack) is the same as in close column, except the Captains; they are posted as in line. 

Order in double Columns.

The Colonel marches at the head of the column.

The Lieutenant Colonel marches abreast the centre of the right column 25 paces distant.

The 1st Major marches abreast the centre of the left column 25 paces distant; the 2d Major behind the Lieu­tenant Colonel, abreast the rear of the right column.

The Captains of each column on the outer flanks.

The left squadron guides of the right column on the left of fist platoons; the right squadron guides of the left column on the right of fourth platoons.

All others the same as in column of platoons.

 COMPLIMENTS BY CAVALRY UNDER REVIEW.

 The regiment being in line, the Colonel commands: 

1. Attention.    2. Prepare for Review. 

At this command, the commanders of platoons advance 3paces, to the line of squadron commanders; the Adju­tant proceeds to the right of the regiment, and places himself 2 paces to the right of the sergeant major, who Is on the right of the line without interval; the regimental quartermaster is 2 paces to the left of the quartermaster sergeant, who is on the left of the line without interval. The left officers place themselves on the right of the rank of squadron officers, according to their relative rank, and with Intervals of 1 pace.

The band and trumpeters on a line, each in one or two ranks, according to their strength—the band on the right— at the right of the regiment, with an interval of 12 paces.

The Colonel then commands:

1.  Attention.    2.  Draw—SABRE.    3.  Right—DRESS.     4.  FRONT.  

In this parade order, the regiment awaits the approach of the personage who is to review it; for whose guidance a camp-color will have been placed one hundred to two hun­dred paces in front of the centre, according to the extent of the line and the plain in front of it.

When the reviewing personage is midway between the camp color and the Colonel, the latter turns his horse to the right-about on his ground, and commands:

1.          Present—SABRE.

And resumes immediately his proper front. The officers all salute.

When the reviewing personage, who has halted until the proper compliments are paid, advances, the Colonel brings his sabre to a carry turns about as before to the line, and commands:

1.         Carry—SABRE.

When the whole line remains perfectly steady, the Colonel resuming his proper front.

The reviewing personage now turns off to the right of the regiment, passes thence, in front of all the officers, to the left, around the left, and by the rear to the right again. While he is passing around the regiment, no matter what his rank, the music will play; and when he turns off to take his station near the camp-color, the music will cease.

The reviewing personage having taken a position near the camp-color, previously placed at a proper distance, the Colonel causes the regiment to break into column right in front by platoon or squadron. The band and trumpeters each wheel at the same time, the latter closing upon the former; (this will be the habitual formation of the music.)

The position of the Colonel In column of review is 6 paces in front of the Captain of the first squadron, or offi­cer commanding the leading platoon; the Adjutant and regimental quartermaster are on his left.

Staff officers in one rank, according to precedence, from right to left 6 paces in rear of the column.

The field officers are 6 paces from the flank opposite the guides; the Lieutenant Colonel opposite the leading divi­sion; the 1st Major that In rear, and the 2d Major the central one.

The sergeant major and quartermaster sergeant 2 paces from the flank opposite the guides; the former opposite the leading division; the latter the rear.

In a column of platoons, the Captains 4paces from the flank opposite the guides, opposite the centres of their squadrons

Chiefs of platoons 1 pace In advance of the centres of their platoons.

The column is then put in march, at a walk, with the guide right.

The Adjutant places the regimental marker at the second turn, so that the right flank of the column shall pass 6 paces from the reviewing personage.

The column first passes at a walk, and afterward, if re­quired, at a trot,

When the head of the column arrives within 50 paces of the reviewing personage, the music commences to play.

The music having passed, the chief bugler causes it to turn out of the column, so as to take a position facing the reviewing personage, and about 12 paces from the flank of the column. It continues to play until the rear of the column has passed; it then wheels, and follows in rear.

Passing at a walk, the Colonel and all the officers salute with the sabre as they successively arrive within 6 paces of the reviewing personage, turning the heads towards him.

The standard does not salute, except to the President or Vice-President of the United States, Governors of States, Heads of Departments, or the Commander-in-Chief; when the trumpets are to flourish In passing, the band ceases playing, and resumes the same air or march when the flourishes have ceased.

Arrived near its original ground, the Colonel changes the guide of the column; on the ground, he halts it, and forms line; otherwise he commands the trot, and passes the re­viewing officer again. In this ease the band will have re­tained its place near the reviewing personage, and will commence to play at the approach of the head of the column, wheel in front of it, and thus march off.

The officers now do not salute; and the Colonel marches on the left of the column.

The regiment being formed in line on its original ground— en inspection is not to follow—theColonel marches the regi­ment forward in line, at the walk or trot, regulating upon the standard squadron, and halts it 50 yards from the re­viewing personage. The instant the line is motionless, all the officers, taking their time from the Colonel, salute with the Sabre. This advance of the regiment is omitted when other troops are included.

When there are two or more regiments, the column being in motion, the regiments will take 60 paces distance one from another.

The Brigadier General will place himself 10 paces in front of the leading Colonel, his staff officers on his left; the music of that regiment 20 paces in front of the Brigadier General.

The Colonels do not leave their places in the column. 

Forms and course of Inspection. 

The regiment being in line, the Colonel causes the squad­rons to wheel to the right.

The Colonel seeing the squadrons aligned, commands:

1.  Officers and Non-Commissioned officers to the front of your squadrons. 2. MARCH. The officers take places in one rank, 12 paces, and the non-commissioned officers in one rank, 6 paces in advance, along the whole front of their respective squadrons, in the order of rank, the highest on the right; the trumpeters at the same time take post on the alignment of the squadron, 6 paces from the right, and the farrier and saddler one pace on their left, and one pace apart.

Seeing the last order in a train of execution, the Colonel commands: 1 Field and Staff to the front. 2. MARCH. The commissioned officers thus designated form themselves In one rank, 12 paces in front of the officers of the 1st squadron, in the following order, beginning on the right: Lieutenant-Colonel, Majors, Adjutant, Quartermaster, Sur­geon, and Assistant Surgeon. The non-commissioned staff in a similar manner, 6 paces in rear of the preceding rank. The standard hearer will take post in the centre of this rank. The band is formed in one rank, 12 paces in rear of the column,

The Colonel now takes poet on the right of the Lieu­tenant-Colonel, but such of the field officers as may he superior in rank to the Inspector do not take post as above.

The inspection commences in front. After inspecting the dress and general appearance of the field and commissioned staff, the Inspector, accompanied by these officers, passes down the column, looking at each squadron in front and in rear, with a view to the same objects. He afterwards, in a like manner, passes and inspects the arms; as he successively approaches each squadron, its Captain com­mands:

1.   Attention.    2.   Inspection—Arms,

which is executed as prescribed, No. 72.

If, then, the Inspector wishes to make a particular inspec­tion of equipage, ammunition, &c., the Colonel commands:

1.  Attention.

2.  Non-Commissioned Officers—To TOUR P0STS.

3.  PREPARE TO DISMOUNT.

4.  DISMOUNT.

At the third command numbers one and three, through­out the squadrons, ride forward 6 paces, dressing by the right the trumpeters move forward with the numbers one and three, and take position in front of the farrier and saddler, who stand fast.

The regiment being dismounted, the non-commissioned staff without changing position, the Captains command:

1. Right—DRESS. 2. FRONT. The ranks in front and rear carefully preserve the interval between the files.

The Inspector having inspected the non-commissioned staff, the Captains, as he approaches each squadron, com­mand: 1. Attention. 2. Open—Boxes.

As the inspection of each squadron is completed thu Colonel may dismiss it from the parade; two platoons escorting the standard.

  ARTICLE THIRD.

 DUTIES OF INSTRUCTORS.

 The Colonel is responsible for the instruction of the regi­ment, and he shall not change, under any pretext, the dis­positions contained in this book.

He will be present, as often as his other duties permit, at the theoretical and practical instructions, and especially at that of the officers assembled together.

The Lieutenant-Colonel and Major are especially charged with the supervision of the instruction of their respective wings.

Individual instruction being the basis of the instruction of squadrons, on which that of a regiment depends, and the first principles having the greatest influence upon this individual instruction, the classes of recruits should he watched with the greatest care.

  The instructors place themselves habitually at such a distance that they can see their whole troop at a glance, and make themselves distinctly heard by it They leave their places as seldom as possible, and only to make the corrections which are indispensable in the position of the men and the execution of the movements

  They repeat, in a few clear and precise words, the explan­ations which have not been well understood

  They should often join example to precept, should keep up the attention of the men by an animated tone, and pass to another movement as soon as that which they command has been executed in a satisfactory manner They should not he too exacting at first as to precision and unity.

  The instructor should sometimes question the men, to test their attention to his words; and when at rest, to sat­isfy himself that the lesson is well understood.

 ARTICLE FOURTH.

 DIVISIONS ORDER, AND PROGRESSION OF INSTRUCTION.

 As instruction cannot be established on a solid basis without joining theory to practice, there is in each regiment a theoretical instruction, independent of the exer­cises in the field

  The Colonel assembles the officers once a week, or oftener, if he deem it necessary, for the theory of the dif­ferent parts of their instruction.

  The Captains assemble, in a like manner, their sergeants and corporals; a selection of privates is included.

Instruction.

 Each drill lasts one hour and ten minutes, including the rests; these should not exceed two minutes at a time.

 The horses of the trumpeters should not be excused from participating in the different classes of instruction.

All the horses must be exercised at least three times a week.

During the summer, and until the end of October, the regiment is exercised occasionally in the details of the ser­vice in war For this purpose the Colonel takes the regi­ment into the country, in order to accustom it to pass over all kinds of ground, and to apply the evolutions to the different localities.

  On these, and on other occasions, the Colonel will prac­tice all the officers of the regiment in judging distances; it is a point of much importance in the education of a cavalry officer.

When the regiment is assembled, the Colonel should direct the superior officers to command, occasionally, in the different evolutions, in order to judge of the progress of their instruction.

 ARTICLE FIFTH.

 GRADATION OF INSTRUCTION.

 Recruits.

 The recruit commences his instruction on foot. The first week after his arrival at the regiment is employed exclu­sively in instructing him in all the details of discipline, police, and interior service, and in those relating to his dress and the grooming of his horse.

  He is taught to mount without saddle on both sides of the horse.

He is taught the name and use of the principal parts of the arms and equipments, and the manner of keeping them clean; the manner of rolling the cloak, of folding the effects, and of placing them in the valise.

These different instructions are given by the corporal of the squad, under the superintendence of he sergeant and officer of the platoon.

At the end of this week, the recruit commences the fret lesson on foot; he continues to be instructed in the above-mentioned details.

The recruits are drilled on foot twice a day, when possible, an hour each time. Their instruction on horseback Is commenced at the same time with the sabre exercise.

 Corporals.

 The Corporals should be capable of executing all the lessons mounted and dismounted, and should be qualified to teach the school of the trooper dismounted, and at least 4 lessons mounted.

Their theoretical Instruction should include, In addition to these lessons, all the details relative to the functions of their grade in the interior service, both In garrison and in campaign. 

Sergeants. 

The sergeants should he capable of executing, dismounted and mounted, all that is prescribed by this book; and should he able to teach the lessons of the school of the trooper, and to command a platoon in the school of the squadron  mounted.

The theoretical instruction of the sergeants should in­clude the basis of instruction, the school of the trooper, the school of the platoon, and the school of the squadron; also, the regula­tions for the interior service in garrison and in campaign, so far as their grade is concerned.

Officers. 

  Every officer should be at least able to command accord­ing to his rank. No one will he considered fully instructed unless he can also explain and execute all that is contained in this book.

The theory of the officers should include this book and all the regulations which prescribe their duties in their different positions, either in peace or war.

If the faults committed on drill by an officer, of any rank whatsoever, arise from negligence or want of instruction, the Colonel of the regiment shall cause him to be imme­diately replaced.

 

ARTICLE SIXTH.

 INSTRUCTION TO MOUNT WITHOUT SADDLE, AND TO SADDLE.

 Manner of Vaulting.

  Seize the mane with the left hand, hold the reins of the snaffle in the right hand, and place it on the withers, the thumb to the left, the fingers to the right; raise yourself by a spring on the two wrists, the body straight; pass the right leg extended over the croup of the horse, without touching him, and seat yourself on his back

To dismount, pass the left rein of the snaffle into the right hand; place this hand on the withers; seize the mane with the left hand, raise yourself on the two wrists, pass the right leg extended over the croup of the horse, without touching him, bringing the legs together, the body straight, and come to the ground lightly on the toes, bending the knees a little. 

Manner of rolling the Cloak. 

  The cloak being entirely unfolded, the sleeves are laid flatand extended parallel to the two front edges of the cloak; each one is then turned up and folded near the elbow, so as to give a length of 3 feet 6 inches from one elbow to the other, the middle of the cloak remaining un­covered. The cape is then turned down over the sleeves, in such a manner that the front edges may exactly cover those of the cloak.

  The lower extremity of the cloak is turned up about 10 inches; the skirts are likewise turned towards each other, so that they may touch the fold of the sleeves, and that, being folded a second time upon themselves, they may give to the cloak the form of a rectangle; the lower extremity of the cloak is then turned up about 7 inches, and it is rolled as tightly as possible, commencing at the collar and pressing the knee upon it as it is rolled, to bold it. The part of the cloak which is rolled is then introduced into the sort of pocket formed by the part which was turned back.

 Manner of Saddling. 

Approach the horse on the left aide, and lay the blanket, folded into 6 thicknesses, on his back; the edges on the left aide.

Seize it, then, with the left hand on the withers, and with the right on the loins; slide it once or twice from front to rear, to smooth the hair, taking care to raise it in carrying it forward, so as not to brush up the hair.

  The blanket should be so arranged as to project one fin­ger a breadth beyond the bars in rear.

  Seize the saddle at the pommel with the left hand, at the cantle with the right hand, and place it gently on the horse’s back, bringing it from the direction of his croup, in order not to frighten him, and place it a little in rear, that the cropper may be put on without drawing it back. Let down the girth, breaststrap, and crupper; step behind the horse, seize the tail with the left hand, and twist the hair around the dock with the right, which then seizes the crup­per and passes the tail through it, taking care that none of the hair remains under it, which would hurt the horse.

  Step to the right side of the horse, and, seizing the saddle at the cantle with the left hand, and at the pommel with the right hand, raise it and carry it forward, without moving the blanket; see, at the same time, that there are no straps caught under the saddle; place the girth fiat, and pass it through the loop of the false martingale; return to the left side by the head of the horse; run the left hand between the withers and the blanket; raise the blanket up a little so that it will not compress the withers; buckle the girth and the breast- strap.

 

ARTICLE SEVENTH. 

OF TRAINING HORSES WHICH HAVE BEEN ALREADY RIDDEN.

Whenever a horse resists or Is restive without an apparent cause the saddlery should be carefully examined, in order to see if any part hurts or tickles him. Mere force, and want of skill and coolness, tend to confirm vice and bad habits. Resistance in horses is often a work of vigor, and proceeds from high spirits; punishment would turn it into vice.

Rearing is a bad and dangerous habit; while the horse is up, the rider must yield the hand, and at the time he is coming down most vigorously determine him forward; if this is done at any other time, it may add a spring to his rearing, and make him come over. If this fail, he must be whipped by a person from behind.

Kicking can he prevented by holding the horse’s head well up and closing the legs—if necessary, forcing him for­ward.

Starting sometimes proceeds from defect of sight; which, if only in one eye, can easily be ascertained. If from fear, the horse most be taken up to the object with great pati­ence and gentleness and be allowed to touch it with his lip. In no case should a horse be punished for timidity. The dread of chastisement will increase his fear of the object. But if a horse persistently turns back, he must be punished; always, however, while his head is away from the object. Finding that he only suffers while he is turned hack, and his head is away, he will desist.

  If a horse turns against a fence, and leans to it, turn his head to it, and not from it. 

PREPARATORY LESSON, 

To make a horse tractable and steady at Mounting 

A first act of subjection, which may appear of little importance, will prove of great service; it makes. the horse quiet, gives him confidence, and the man such ascendancy that the horse from the outset is inclined to yield to the means employed to bring him under control. Two lessons of half an hour will suffice to execute this.

Go up to the horse, pat him on the neck, and speak to him; then taking the bit reins at a few inches from the rings with the left hand, place yourself so as to offer as much resistance as possible to the horse when he tries to break away; take the whip in the full of the right hand, with the point down, raise it quietly and tap the horse on the breast; on this he will naturally try to escape from the annoyance, and hack to avoid the whip; follow the horse, pulling at the same time against him, but without discon­tinuing the whip, in the same quiet way, showing no signs of anger, or any symptoms of yielding. The horse, soon tired of trying ineffectually to avoid the infliction by pulling hack, will move towards you; you must then stop and make much of him. This repeated once or twice will prove wonderfully successful even in the first lesson. The horse, having found out how to avoid the punishment, will not wait for the application of the whip, but anticipate it, by moving op at the slightest gesture; this will be of great assistance in the subsequent bending lessons, as also of great use in mounting and dismounting, and much accelerate the training of the horse. 

To bend or supple the Horses neck. 

The balance of the horse’s body and his lightness in hand depend on time proper carriage of the head and neck, and to these two points attention must first, and chiefly, be directed. They should always precede and prepare the horse by their attitude for every movement about to be executed; and the rider has little power over the animal until he has rendered both these points susceptible of every impulse communicated by him.

The homes, with the curb bridle on, are formed in line, at two paces apart, their riders standing at their heads, preparatory to the first bending lesson with the bit.

A young horse generally attempts to resist the bit, either by bending his neck to a inside, setting his jaw against it, carrying his nose high up or low down. We must there­fore render him manageable by teaching him to bring his head to position, and arching his neck on the reins being felt. And it will be found in a short time that horses that required the whole strength of a man’s arm to make them obey the action of the bit will bend to the slightest feeling of the veins for, finding that they cannot resist the power of the bit used in the manner hereafter shown, their in­stinct will teach them to obey, and habit accustom them to time impulse received from the rider.

As a general rule, in all the ensuing bending lessons, when a horse champs the bit, it is a sign that he no longer resists the action of the hand; then make much of him, and allow him to resume his natural position. It Is of the utmost importance that the horse never be allowed to take the initiative. Always oppose the raising of the horse’s head—always lower your hands and bring it down.

See that the bit is properly placed in the horses mouth, and the curb-chain so that you can pass your finger under it; place yourself on the near side close to the horse’s neck and facing his head, the feet a little apart to give you more power.

  Take the off bit rein in the full of the right band, close up, with the ring of the bit between the forefinger and thumb; the near rein in the same way with the left hand, thumb nails toward each other, and the little fingers out­wards; bring the right hand towards the body, extending the left one from you at the same time, so as to turn the horse’s head to the right. The strength employed must be gradual, and proportioned to the resistance met with, taking care at first not to bring the horse’s nose too much in, or too close to his chest, which would make the bend very difficult; if the horse backs, continue the pressure until he, finding it impossible to escape from the restraint imposed upon him by the bit held thus crossways in his mouth, stands still and yields to it.

When the bend is complete, the horse will hold his head there without any restraint and champ the bit; then make much of him, and allow him to resume gently his natural position, but not to throw his head rotund hurriedly. Practice this in the same manner to the left.

This lesson not only teaches the horse to follow the indi­cation of the rein to both hands, hut also to yield his under jaw to the pressure of the bit, the advantage of which will soon become apparent. And now, before mounting, pre­pare the horses to rein in.

For this purpose cross the snaffle reins behind the horse’s jaw, taking the near rein in the right hand, and the off rein in the left, at about six inches from the ring, and draw them across each other till the horse gives way to the pressure and “reins in.” Do not forget to oppose the raising of the horse’s head by lowering your hands and bringing it down again. When the horse gives way to the cross pressure of the snaffle ease your hand and make much of him.

The Instructor now orders the men to mount, and then to bend the horses’ heads to the right and left. The reins being properly adjusted in the left hand to bend the horse’s head to the right, seize the right rein with the right hand well down, so as to have the reins short on the off aide. Then draw them quietly towards you till you get the horse’s head completely round to the right, in the same position as in the bend dismounted. When the horse champs the bit make much of him, and allow him to resume his natural position

When bending the horse’s head to the left, pass the right hand over the left one, seize the left rein and draw the horse’s head gently to the left.

Next teach the horse to rein up, arch his neck, bring his nose into proper position, and there remain steady until the rider loosens the reins. At the word rein in your horses lower the bridle hand as much as possible, and turn It so that the back shall be uppermost with the right hand— nails down—take hold of the curb reins close to the left, and shorten them by degrees, drawing them through the left, which closes on the reins each time they are shortened.

When the horse resists much, and holds his nose up, keep the reins steady; do not shorten them, nor lengthen them: close the legs to prevent the horse from hacking; he will remain perhaps a minute, or more, with his nose up, and his jaw set against the bit; hut will then yield, bring his nose in, and champ the bit; make much of him with the right hand, loosen the reins, and, after a few seconds, rein him in again.

The horse will thus learn to bring his head into position whenever you feel the reins, and this practice gives him confidence; for most young horses are afraid of the bit, and If frightened at first by any sudden jerk of the reins will not after go kindly “up to the hand.” or let you have that degree of bearing which is requisite not only to the rider, as it forewarns him of what the horse is going to do, and whether he requires more collecting (which he does, if the hearing on the hand is too heavy,) or more freedom, (which Is requisite if the horse rises too much in his action,) but is also necessary to induce the horse to work boldly and well.

  Some horses are so shaped that they over do the reining in, and rest the lower jaw against the breast to counteract this, raise his head, by the use of the snaffle, whilst the leg drives him forward to the hand.

Some horses will not work up to the bit; that is, will not bear on it at all. Such a horse is unfit for cavalry duty; his paces can never be equal and steady; and in a melee or single combat he could turn to either side, or stop and go about, before his rider could prevent him. 

How to teach a horse to obey the pressure of the leg. 

On the word of command, circle to the right on the fore hand, the horse’s head remains straight to the front; apply the left leg well behind the girth very quietly, and without touching with the spur; press against him until he takes a step to the right with his hind legs; take the leg from him, and make much of him; then repeat the same, and get another step from him, and so on until be has turned about, always pausing at the half turn. The horses fore legs remain steady, and his hind quarters circle round his fore. At first the men may, if necessary, assist themselves by feeling the rein on the same side, and touching the horse very lightly with the whip close to where the leg is applied. The spur may also be used if necessary, with a sudden and somewhat decided thrust; but not frequently, and never with a steady pressure, for, instead of yielding to it, the horse will soon begin to press against it.

Circle to the left on the fore hand on the same principle. It must be an invariable role never to hurry a horse in his bending lessons.

By degrees, as the horse improves in this lesson and steps freely from the pressure of the leg, let the rider, at the word, circle to the right on the fore hand, pass the right hand down, shortening the off rein, and bend the horses head a little to the right, so that he may see his hind quarters coming round; apply the left leg as usual;should the horse not answer the pressure, use the reins on the same side with the leg, and resume the opposite rein the moment the horse yields.

All this must be done gradually, for if you bend the horses head round as far as it can go, and attempt thus to circle him the first time, he will resist, finding it too difficult; but if done by degrees, he will soon come to it.

The leg opposite the one which presses the hind quar­ters to circle round the fore must he kept close to the horse, to assist in keeping him in his place, by communicating a forward impulse, whilst the other leg communicates the impulse, which makes the horse step from right to left, or left to right; and in order that the pressure of the one shall not counteract the effect of the other, the leg applied to make the horse step to either hand should be further behind the girth than the leg used to keep him up to hand. Both legs should he close to the horse at all times, the pressure on either side being increased as occasion requires.

At first dismounted men are useful with the unsteady horses, by taking hold of the curb reins on the opposite side to that which the horse is to step to, and thus assist­ing the rider, who then only uses the snaffle; hut all extra­neous assistance should be as much as possible avoided.

  The instructor now exercises the horses in the riding house, trotting out to both hands. The hits should not be used much the first few days; but the horses brought by degrees to bear slightly on it. Ride them in the circles; trot them at a collected pace; walk and trot again; walk, halt, and make the men bend their horses to the hand they are working to.

Explain to the men that the horse’s head and neck must always he bent the way he is to go, and prepare the ani­mal by their attitude for all turns, circles, &c,; and whenever they feel the curb reins, and the horse does not yield to them, let them keep the bridle hand steady, and play with the snaffle rein until the horse champs the bit. The snaffle should be continually used to prevent the horse from leaning on the hand.

Go through the bending lessons on foot and mounted, and then file home.

No lesson with young horses should exceed three quar­ters of an hour. 

CIRCLING ON THE HAUNCHES. 

A few minutes being devoted to the dismounted bending lessons, mount and begin by reining the horses in, bending them, and circling them to the right and left on the fore hand; this being done once or twice, proceed to the circling on the haunches.

By circling the horse on the forehand we have taught him, on applying the leg, to move his haunches to either hand; and as he has thus learnt to obey the leg, we can, by making use of it, prevent him from moving his hind legs to the right or left; therefore he will now be taught to circle on them, and in a few lessons he will be led to go completely round on his haunches, and thus in time per. form the pirouette —a very important accomplishment for the cavalry soldier; for when engaged, sword in hand, with an enemy, he can turn his horse right and left, and about in an instant, and thus gain the advantage over his antagonist. In a contest on horseback, it is not the strong­est, but the most skilful rider who is likely to he victori­ous.

At the command, On the haunches, right about, bend the horses head a little to the right with the bit, pass the right hand over, and take hold the near snaffle ruin, (not only as assistance to the horse, but to make the men sensible of the necessity of using the outward rein in these movements; when the horse is broken in it will be sufficient to carry the bridle hand to the side you wish to turn to,) apply the left leg behind the girth to keep the haunches steady; at the word March, make the horse step to the right with his fore feet, turning on his hind feet, by feeling the left snaffle rein, bringing both hands a little to the right at the same time, and applying the left leg, while keeping the horse up to the hand with the right leg.

At first the horse must be halted and made much of three or four times during each turn, and if his haunches are thrown out, they must be brought back again by applying the left leg; and thus gradually led on, the horse will learn to go about to both hands on his haunches without touching the ground with his fore feet.

Go through the trotting lesson, then form up and repeat the bending lessons on foot and mounted. 

REINING BACK. 

  In reining back the horse must be well in hand and well balanced; he can then make an equal use of all four legs, and raise them equally from the ground. Before reining back the horse should be square to the front, his head home, and light in hand; then apply both legs, retaining a steady feel of both reins to make the horse lift one of his hind legs.  It is at this moment that a double feeling of both reins will oblige him to recover his balance by stepping backwards.  Place him straight to the front by bringing his haunches to the right or left as may be required; then give him his head, and make much of him.

At first a few steps backward is all that should be required of a horse; if he bring his hind legs too much under him, ease the hand, and apply both legs to make him regain his balance forward; and for this reason always use the legs first, and then feel the reins; because if you feel the reins first, the horse throws his weight back; and the more weight ha throws on his hind legs the less able he is to lift them, which is a necessary preliminary to stepping back.

The horse should never be allowed to hurry, or run back out of hand, or to diverge from the straight line.

The squad must be frequently halted during the walking, trotting, and bending lessons, to practice the reining back; and independently of the dressing, until all the horses rein back well.

Attention must now be directed to making the men keep their horses well up to the hit, and putting them together with the use of the hand and leg; to see that in all turns, circles, &c. the men bend their horses’ heads and necks in the new direction before leaving the side of the horse. Endeavor to make them perfect in their bending and trot­ting lessons; practice the going about on the haunch, by frequently halting at the side, and giving the word, On the haunches about, march. 

THE HORSE’S PACES. 

Walk, Trot, and Canter. 

Before moving forward, the horse should be light In hand, the head brought home, (not with the nose stuck out,) the neck arched, and he should stand evenly on both hind legs.

Close the legs and communicate a sufficient Impulse to carry him forward without giving the hand; for if you do, the head and neck may relapse into a position which will defy the control of the hand.

The rider should always have a light feeling of the reins; and when the horse bears hard on the bit, keep the hand steady, use both legs, which, by bringing his haunches under him, will oblige the horse to take his weight off your hand.

It is necessary, in order to make the horse handy, to exercise him at trotting out; but it is not enough that he should trot fast; the quickness of the pace should not de­tract from his lightness in hand, or the ease with which he should be capable of answering all indications of the hand and leg.

 The hand must be constantly at work to retain the head and neck in their proper position without counteracting the forward impulse communicated by the leg; thus the horse will acquire regularity of pace, increased speed, and that safety which is natural to a horse well balanced and light in hand.

  The canter is a repetition of bounds, during which the forehand rises first, and higher than the hind quarters.

The horse being properly placed, light in hand and well balanced, throw his weight from the forehand toward the haunches, (by increasing the pressure of the legs and restraining him with the reins,) and, according to the hand you wish to strike off to, throw the weight of the horse to the opposite side; that is, if he is to lead off with the off fore followed by the off hind, (or canter to the right,) throw the weight to his near side. This is done by pull­ing both reins equally to the left and closing the right leg; the horses head remaining placed to the right, and the left leg preventing him from throwing out his haunches. The horses off legs are thus at liberty, and the forward impulse obliges him to use them; he could not do otherwise without difficulty.

Cantering to the right, if the left fore leg leads, the horse canters false. To rectify this, feel both reins to the left, in order to bring his weight toward that side —the horse’s head remaining bent to the right—and close firmly the left leg, to bring his haunches in again.

Teach the horse to strike off on the circle first, then on the straight line. After that try him at changing leg

At this stage, when circling on the forehand, stop the horse with the inward leg and outward rein at each step; make a pause, feel both reins, close both legs, and press him up to the hand; ease the rein and leg, take another step with the haunches, stop him again,  “rein him in,’’ and close your legs. This is very useful; it prevents the horse from getting into a habit of running round with his haunches; it makes him obedient, as it teaches him not to yield to habit, but to trust to the rider’s hand and leg alone for guidance; and it accustoms him to collect himself at all times, and thus he is always ready. It is very important.

Before moving off the ground give the word, Rein in your horses; caution the men to close their legs to the horses sides, and to bring the spurs close, without touching them. Give the word, Spur; the left hand is held steadily down, and the spur applied on both sides, very gently at first; the horse should not move from his ground, but merely arch his neck. This must be repeated two or three times, always quieting the horse after the spur has been given.

Repeat this at intervals.

The reining back is to be practiced often. Be careful that the men apply the legs first, and then feel the reins, to make the horse step back. See that they sit upright in their saddles; do not hurry, and be satisfied with one step at a time.

Demi-pirouette.

   Halt the squad, riding in file, on the side of the riding house, and give the command, On the haunches. about;

) at this caution the rider must throw the horses weight from the forehand to the haunches, by closing the legs and restraining him with the reins; at the command MARCH, given almost immediately, he must carry the reins decidedly to the side to which the turn is to be made, and close firmly the opposite leg to prevent the horse from throwing around his haunches, and force him to turn on his hind legs. When the about is completed, the horses should be squared and made much of before they are put about again.

Canter on the circle to both hands, striking off from a walk, and frequently bring them to a walk without allow­ing them to fall first into a trot.

These lessons will require at least thirty days, with one lesson a day.

Manner of accustoming the horses to leap. 

The ditch Is leaped before the bar. The horses are led at first with a horse accustomed to the exercise in front.

The snaffle must be used. If necessary, the horse must he urged by a whip from behind. A low fence is preferable to the bar; and the horse should not be leaped often beck and forward over the same thing or at the same place.

 To accustom horses to military noises and firing.

 The horse, broken to obedience to the hand and legs, can he brought to face most things with little trouble. En­couraged gradually to approach anything which be fears, as a drum being beaten, until he feels it with his lip, he will then cease to be alarmed. The field music should be practiced at the exercise grounds or riding house.

A few trained horses are mixed with the new ones, and toward the close of a lesson separated a little, and the troopers who ride them fire their pistols, the riding being continued without change.

If the horses become much excited discontinue the firing until they become calm.

In firing from the horse’s back the pistol should at first be held vertically.

Especial care should be taken not to alter the feel of the horses mouth when firing, or suddenly to close the legs; the rider being cool and quiet, his horse will soon follow the example.

In all lessons, if one or more horses are so restless or unmanageable as to excite and throw the others Into con­fusion, they should be sent off and separately dealt with; they require more pains, end much caressing and other encouragement.

When the horses are accustomed to the firing, they are formed at the cud of the riding ground and marched abreast slowly toward a party of dismounted men placed at the other end; these fire several volleys, until the horses are within forty or fifty yards, when the firing ceases; the horses are ridden steadily on until they reach the men, they are then stopped and caressed.

Young horses are in like manner accustomed to the manual of arms, waving of flags, military music, &c.

Practice of paces for manoeuvre. 

The remount horses must now be carefully practiced, as all the regimental horses must be, at the paces of maneuvre.

Nothing can be more important to the regularity and order, and often the success, of large bodies of cavalry than uniformity In the gaits. The walk should be at the rate of three and three-fourths miles an hour, the trot seven and a half miles an hour, and the gallop ten miles an hour. To confirm the horses In these uniform rates, measure off a half mile and practice the horses to walk it in eight min­utes; trot It in four mlnutes, and gallop it in three minutes.