TRAINING RECRUITS. 291 



When recruits have become shaken down into their seats 

 they may be taught to trot and canter, and as soon as they 

 have gained confidence and can sit down well at the canter, 

 and make their horses turn and circle correctly, they may be 

 taught to ride over small obstacles. 



The more advanced training must, however, be carried out 

 in the open, in order to develop the intelligence of the recruit 

 and to give him confidence. Men must be encouraged to use 

 their brains and to act on their own initiative, and to under- 

 stand the why and wherefore of things. On service they will 

 constantly find themselves in positions where they must 

 promptly act on their own initiative, and if they are not 

 trained to think and see and act for themselves they will be 

 powerless and consequently useless in an emergency. 



When jumping lessons are given in the open the men 

 should be taught the immense importance of leaving their 

 horses' heads alone, except of course for the purpose of 

 control; for more horses are spoilt from being " jobbed " in 

 the mouth than from any other cause. In the earlier lessons 

 in jumping the men should ride on the bridoon only, after 

 which a bit and bridoon rein may be held in each hand. 

 When the men are well advanced in jumping in this way, all 

 the reins may be held in the left hand, and jumping with 

 drawn swords may be practised. The instructor should aim 

 at making their lessons progressive and at the same time as 

 interesting as possible. The men should be encouraged to 

 ride about independently, so as to get into the habit of making 

 their horses go where they like and instantly obey every com- 

 mand of their riders. As the men improve, their instructor 

 should take them over all kinds of country and accustom 

 them to riding under as varied conditions as possible. 



When a recruit becomes a good passive rider he should be 

 taught the use of hand and leg, how to handle his weapon in 

 the saddle, and other details which go to make a good active 



19* 



