124 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



The following variations are suggested as affording guides by which 

 the various rates of speed may l)e ridden. In each case it is assumed 

 that the horse is in condition, and that he has been warmed up by gentle 

 exercise, and is therefore ready for increased effort. 



Ordinary: Alternate 5 minute walk periods, and rest, with 10 minute 

 trot periods, and rest for the last 10 minutes in each hour. This, at 

 the regulation gaits, gives 5 1/3 miles per hour and with alternate walk 

 and trot periods of these lengths, the number of travel (minutes) al- 

 ways closely approximates the number of tenths of miles covered. 

 Thus after riding 18 minutes the messenger has covered 1.8 miles. 



Rapid: Alternate 5 minute walks with 10 minute gallop periods, and 

 rest for the last 10 minutes each hour. This at the regulation gaits, 

 gives 7 1/3 miles per hour. 



Urgent: Combine walk, trot, gallop, or extended gallop periods as 

 the particular case demands and as seem best adapted to save the horse. 

 The longer the distance to be covered, the less must be the rate in miles 

 per hour. Thus a horse of good breeding and in hard condition may be 

 expected to cover 15 miles in one hour, while if the distance to be tra- 

 versed is 30 miles, he should be given at least four hours if injury is to 

 be avoided. 



Similarly, the horse should not be puslied to his extreme speed unless 

 the distance is very short. Whether the- speed be ordinary, rapid, or 

 urgent, the messenger at all halts must dismount and slightly loosen the 

 girth to relieve the pressure from the back and to facilitate easier and 

 deeper breathing. Unless scouring, the animal should be permitted to 

 graze. 



Frequently when trot periods and always when gallop periods are 

 used the driver should make it a rule to dismount and lead his horses 

 during the walk periods. Gallop periods or trot periods when the rate 

 is ordinary or rapid, should not, even for a horse in hard condition, be 

 prolonged for more than 25 minutes without alternating with a walk 

 period. When using the posting trot it is of little or no advantage to 

 change diagonals during a trot period. It is easier on the horse to wait 

 until the next trot period, and then to post on the other diagonal. The 

 messenger must endeavor to water his horse with sufficient frequency 

 to preclude his taking at any one time a big heavy drink. Whenever 

 it is possible or practicable to do so, the messenger should leave behind 

 unnecessary articles of clothing or equi[)ment so as to lighten to the 

 utmost the load which his horse will have to carry. In many cases, 

 however, it may be necessary for him to ride with full pack ancl also to 

 carry food for himself and grain for his horse. The rider himself must 

 be physically fit. A tired rider fatigues his horse very much. Distance 

 rides, which tax to the utmost the endurance of both horse and driver, 

 are the su])reme and final tests of horsemanship. 



POSTING 



Drivers must be taught to ]^ost equally on left or right shoulder when 

 at the trot to prevent wear and tear on hf)rse and man. 



