122 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



THE FALSE GALLOP 



This exercise, of so mnch value in training remounts, and so con- 

 stantly used in drill and service, should be practiced from the beginning 

 on wide turns at first, and at last on serpent,ines, large circles and 

 figures of eight of small dimensions. The false gallop is maintained 

 by the same aids as produce the gallop with that lead. 



If the gallop becomes disunited the rider must return to the trot and 

 then again to the gallop true. 



WORK ON VARIED GROUND 



The work on varied ground has for its object the training of the men 

 in riding their horses over any terrain, in making them familiar with 

 difficult routes and crossings which they might encounter in campaign, 

 and in regulating their gaits so as to husband the strength of their 

 horses. 



The instructor conducts his class across fields, through woods, and 

 in general over the most varied terrain at his disposal. 



He may divide the squad into small groups, each under non-com- 

 missioned officer, who conducts the group and regulates the gait over a 

 route designated by the instructor. 



The instructor inculcates in the drivers the principles which govern 

 them when left to their own devices, such as the following : 



On leaving the stable move at a walk for at least a mile in order to 

 get the blood circulating in the horse's legs. 



Vary the gait, but in training do not depart from the regulation speed 

 prescribed for each gait. 



Choose for the rapid gaits nearly level ground, going uphill; rapidity 

 necessitates great effort on the part of the horse, but it is better than 

 going downhill at a rapid gait which exposes him to injuries from the 

 saddles and equipment, and is hard on the forelegs. 



Extend progressively the periods at the faster gaits. 



Regulate the periods spent at the intermediate gaits by the degree 

 of rapidity with which the total distance must be covered. 



Seek under all circumstances, good and, if possible, soft footing to 

 save the horse's legs, and keep him, therefore, along the edge of met- 

 alled roads rather than on them. 



Choose hard ground when smooth and level in preference to ground 

 that is heavy, uneven, or sloping to one side, as, for instance, the sides 

 of a high crowned metalled road. 



Finish at a walk, more or less prolonged as the journey has been 

 more or less long and trying", so that the horse shall always come in 

 with a dry skin and normal respiration. 



To these general principles, which must be practically demonstrated, 

 the instructor adds such counsel as his experience dictates and such 

 remarks as the nature and state of the terrain may render advisable. 



The following rules cover the majority of circumstances that will 

 arise : 



