Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 69 



better examine their appearance and the state of their 

 legs. They examine carefully the feet and shoeing. 



Shedding and period on grass. — The period of changing 

 the hair (March -April) and the time when young horses 

 must largely be fed green food (May- June) are, for them, 

 depressing. Slacking of work becomes at these periods 

 an absolute rule, as well as an increase of feeding to com- 

 bat the physical depression whose effects may often be 

 felt for quite a while. 



Choice of ground. — The choice of ground plays an im- 

 portant part in the work of young horses. Without exag- 

 gerating the precautions to take, there should be chosen, 

 at least for galloping, just as soft soil as possible; the drill 

 ground track, sanded parades, side paths of the roads, and 

 as a last resort, the riding hall. On hard ground the joints 

 tire, and the lower parts of the legs are blemished. A 

 heavy or slippery ground also offers grave difficulties, the 

 joints are strained, and windgalls and bursal enlargements 

 are seen to appear. But when the colt has gained some ex- 

 perience out of doors, is more solid, and stronger in his 

 gaits, taking him over broken and varied ground is good 

 practice. His initiative is awakened, and leaving him 

 great freedom of neck, he learns to depend on himself. 



Individual work. — Individual work, which can only be 

 outlined in the riding hall or on the drill ground, is per- 

 formed very regularly out of doors. On the first return to 

 the stables the instructor divides them into groups, whose 

 size will be diminished each day, and has them go home by 

 different roads. These groups divide up, until finally the 

 colt is accustomed to work alone. The requirements are 

 increased until each shows absolute freedom and quiet. 



The mounting lesson is frequently given during work 

 out of doors. Results acquired in the riding hall have 

 value only as they serve as the base for the utilization of 

 the horse in campaign. 



Harness. — Ministerial instructions require the breaking 

 to harness of a certain number of young horses destined to 

 draw the regimental transport in maneuvers. They are 

 chosen from among those animals showing most aptitude. 

 This training is quieting for certain particularly nervous 

 and excitable horses. To obtain this result, the regulation 

 breaking cart, which should be found in each regiment, is 

 used, or, if need be, the forage wagon. 



