170 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



FIELD MANAGEMENT 



1. Save your horse as much as possible in the field. Dismount when- 

 ever the opportunity offers. Never loll in the saddle, even though it 

 happens to be easier than resting on the ground. When possible lead 

 the horse up an down steep hills. If opportunity offers, while resting 

 loosen the girth, so that the horse may rest as well as yourself. Do 

 not girth your horse too tightly. This is a very common fault and a 

 very cruel thing to do. It makes sore backs and sore sides. This 

 destroys the usefulness of your horse. Remember that your harness, 

 well fitted in garrison, will be too large once your horses begin to lose 

 flesh, as they will, in the field. Have harness always fitted as for field 

 service. 



2. When riding do not slouch in your saddle ; sit straight. Slouch- 

 ing makes sore backs and causes the horse to interfere. Do not 

 ride too closely on the heels of the horse in front of you. Failure to 

 observe this rule may inflict painful wounds on your horse and the one 

 in front of you ; these take a long time to heal. 



3. In driving, keep a steady gait with your animals. Do not drive 

 them with your whip ; use your reins and voice. A man who is always 

 using his whip soon drives thin and balky animals. Select your road 

 as carefully as you can for guns and wagons. Cavalry should march 

 at the rate of four miles perhour, including halts, artillery at four miles 

 per hour, and wagons at three miles per hour. Keep out of the dust as 

 much as possible when on the march. On a long march carry enough 

 feed for the animals and then be sure to feed them. If your saddle 

 slides out of its place while on the march, dismount and straighten it. 

 Always try to water before feeding if your horses are not overheated. 

 A ten gallon keg should be carried on each wagon for watering the 

 animals attached to it. Grease your wagon every night. 



4. On reaching camp, the saddle should not be removed at once un- 

 less there is a chance to wash off the back with water and dry the hair. 

 If the back cannot be washed or rubbed dry, the girth should be 

 loosened and the saddle or blanket left on until the horse is cool. 

 Sponge or with a clean white rag, wipe the eyes, nostrils, dock, and 

 underneath the hind legs. Feed a little as early as possible upon ar- 

 rival. 



