128 MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



drill on at least one clay of each week during the entire period 

 devoted to the school of the trooper should ordinarily be de- 

 voted to the above instruction,' thus supplementing and testing 

 the results accomplished in the shorter daily drills. At this 

 weekly drill the troopers should habitually appear fully armed 

 and equipped, the saddles being packed as for field service. 



The employment of the saber mounted is taught as pre- 

 scribed in the Saber Exercise; the use of the pistol in firing 

 mounted, as prescribed in the Small-Arms Firing Manual. 



245. Manual of the Saber, Mounted: The saber suspended 

 from the left side of the saddle — • 



1. Draw, 2. SABER. Pass the right hand over the reins and 

 execute with it rapidly what is prescribed for drawing the 

 saber on foot ; place the ponuuel near the hip and resting on 

 top of the thigh, flat of the blade against the point of the shoul- 

 der. This is the position of carry saber, mounted. 



246. The saber suspended from the right side of the saddle — ■ 



1. Draw. Turn the head to the right without deranging the 

 position of the body and glance toward the hilt; engage the 

 right wrist in the saber knot ; pull the hilt forward ; seize the 

 grip in the full hand, nails to the right ; draw the blade 6 

 inches from the scabbard, and look to the front. 



2. SABER. Draw the saber as prescribed on foot and take 

 the position of carry saber. 



247. The troopers are also exercised in drawing the saber as 

 quickly as possible at the single command : DRAW SABER. 



248. To return saber: The scabbard suspended from the left 

 side of the saddle — 



1. Return. Execute as prescribed on foot. 



2. SABER. Execute as prescribed on foot, supporting the 

 back of the blade against the left forearm until the point is 

 engaged in the scabbard. 



This command is given only at a halt or when marching at 

 a walk. 



249. The scabbard suspended on the right — 



1. Return. Execute as prescribed on foot. 



2. SABER. Carry the wrist opposite the right shoulder; 

 lower the blade to the right of the horse's neck ; let the grip 

 turn in the hand so that the hand grasps the guard at the 

 pommel, back of the hand up ; turn the head to the right and 



