44 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



ficiency in this knowledge will result in needless and avoidable wast- 

 age of horses in time of war. 



A horse requires intelligent care in order that his health and strength 

 may be preserved ; he must be in hard and physically fit condition, else 

 the amount of useful work he is able to perform will be greatly reduced 

 and his power of resistance to injury and disease lowered; and he 

 requires careful training in order that he ma}^ work intelligently and 

 obediently and with the minimum expenditure of muscular and 

 nervous energy. 



Officers should make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the 

 natural history and physiology of the horse, and with the effects of 

 different methods of treatment, changes of diet, etc., upon his system 

 and powers of endurance. 



They should have a familiar knowledge of the symptoms and 

 methods of treatment of diseases that are common to horses, what to 

 do in emergencies, and a good knowledge of the effects of medicines 

 issued.. They should also possess a practical understanding of the 

 principles of horseshoeing. 



An officer in charge of horses must carefully instruct his men in 

 the treatment, stabling, management, watering, feeding, grooming 

 and exercising of the horses, and by continuous supervision and 

 inspection assure himself that his instructions are thoroughly under- 

 stood and fully carried out. 



The horse is a creature of habit. Even in his native state, as well 

 as when domesticated, if left to his own resources he forms habits that 

 become more or less fixed and the matter of eating and drinking 

 influence to a great extent his physical welfare. A sudden departure 

 from his accustomed way of living will have a decidedly detrimental 

 eft'ect upon his health. These facts have been borne out by recent 

 experiments by the Department of Agriculture and must be considered 

 in the proper care and feeding of animals. 



For the above reasons the method of feeding and water in garrison 

 should be regulated and as near to normal field condition as possible. 



CARE AND CONDITIONING OF HORSES 



Section 1. Rules for the Care of Horses 



All drivers and all individually mounted men will be taught and 

 must thoroughly understand the following rules for the care of horses. 



Horses are nervous animals, and for that reason require gentle 

 and quiet treatment. Docile but bold horses are apt to retaliate upon 

 those who abuse them, while persistent kindness often reclaims vicious 

 animals. 



Before entering a horse's stall and when coming up behind them, 

 speak to them gently, then approach quietly and without sudden or 

 abrupt movement. 



