226 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



280, inclusive. Wherever necessary have a man hold the horses. Be 

 very careful not to undertake exercises that are too difficult or danger- 

 ous, nor continue them too long. 



Vary these exercises with changes in gait and movements by the 

 flank. Intersperse several halts. Insist upon the horses being properly 

 gathered. Constantly correct the individual riders. Insist upon their 

 keeping their legs back, their heels down, and heads up and their hands 

 down. Don't permit anything that tends to stiffen their muscles. 



Groom by detail. During the grooming explain to the individual 

 men the proper method of picking out the horse's feet. Point out to all 

 the men any cases of thrush you may find. 



Lesson 4. 



Continue the suppling exercises and mounted gymnastics with the 

 changes in gait. Form the men in a circle and explain the aids, Pars. 

 288 to 295, inclusive. Demonstrate them. From now on insist upon 

 the correct application of the proper aids at all times. Execute changes 

 of direction at a walk at first when teaching the aids. Where necessary 

 with sluggish horses have the men wear spurs. 



Groom by detail. During the grooming each day teach the proper 

 method of plucking a horse's tail, and have the tails that require it 

 plucked, being careful to do only a little plucking each day as the 

 horse's tail will otherwise become very sore. 



Lesson 5. 



Repeat parts of all former lessons and teach more of the mounted 

 gymnastics. Repeat the explanation of any of the aids that seem 

 necessary. Encourage the use of the voice aids without permitting 

 any shouting. This is particularly necessary with artillery horses in 

 draft or when they become excited. Groom by detail. 



Lesson 6. 



Explain and demonstrate the half halt and its use. Repeat the sup- 

 pling exercises and change the direction without stirrups. Change 

 hands on the track frequently. Make frequent changes in gait. Insist 

 on the horses being started and stopped together. 



Groom by detail. 



Lesson 7. 



Repeat Lesson 6. Take up "circles," Par. 306. Explain having 

 troopers in column of files. "By the right or left flank" given where 

 guide shifts, Par. 340. Continue work on the track. Remember during 

 all instructions to watch for faults of riders. Take up remainder of 

 suppling exercises. Frequently change the gait. Watch that at the 

 preparatory command the horses are "gathered"; at the "march," see 

 that aids are properly applied and that aids are coordinated. 



Lesson 8. 



See that equipment is properly adjusted. Get recruits in the habit 

 of "looking over" their horses to see that shoes, feet, etc., are in good 

 condition. Take up circles, flank movements, decreasing the gait. 



