68 Manual op Equitation and Horse Training 



Use of the double bridle. — When the horses give them- 

 selves over freely in bold, extended gaits and accept the 

 support of the hand without hesitation, one may put on 

 the double bridle without fear, always remembering to de- 

 mand nothing but work on the straight line until the bars 

 are accustomed to the curb. In doing this, one avoids 

 letting the colts acquire the bad habit of overloading the 

 shoulders and boring on the hand. However, it is best 

 not to use curb chains and to choose mild mouth pieces. 



In training there is no fixed way of holding the reins. 

 It is for the rider to find according to his end in view and 

 the resistance he meets, the method of holding which 

 permits him to utilize most effectively the necessary 

 actions of curb and snaffle. 



Preparation of the colt for his future use in case of rnob- 

 ilization. — After several weeks' work, it is indispensible to 

 commence to prepare the horses for the r61e which they 

 are eventually called on to play in case of mobilization. 

 While strictly following the established program of devel- 

 opment of the horse one may, for example, carry the 

 saber and double bridle in the road work, from time to 

 time accustom the young horses to the pack, to the dis- 

 tinctive headdress of the rider, to the cuirasses, to the 

 handling of arms standing still or at the walk, to march in 

 route column or in line. Likewise by taking them on the 

 target range they may be accustomed to firing. 



Hygiene. — The hygiene of the colts should be a subject 

 of continual thought for the instructor who has them in 

 charge. 



Grooming plays a large part in keeping the horses' 

 health. To obtain good execution rivalry among the men 

 should be stimulated by every possible means. The troop 

 commander and the officer charged with training visits the 

 young horses in the stable daily, regulates the feeding 

 hours, satisfy themselves that the horses are eating well, 

 that their teeth are in good shape, that they receive the 

 prescribed ration, order the proper substitutions according 

 to season (carrots, etc.), prescribe the days and hours for 

 mashes, and determine their composition and see that they 

 have a good bedding, which alone will secure them the 

 rest needed for their health. 



Once a week they have the horses, in snaffle bridle 

 and stripped, led out by the men who ride them, so as to 



