Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 115 



The combat exercises should therefore tend to make the 

 latter indifferent and free. 



These exercises should be carefully conducted, and as 

 an example might follow the progression given below: 



(1) Distribute a number of manikins about the riding 

 hall in various positions, standing, kneeling, lying down, 

 in the middle of the hall, by the side of and even on the 

 tracks, and make the horses pass beside them and over 

 them at the three gaits until they no longer take notice of 

 them. 



By riding with two hands, the reins separated, and by 

 frequent petting, this result will be quickly obtained. 



(2) Have the troopers strike the manikins with saber at 

 all gaits and in jumping obstacles, both at will and by com- 

 mand. This exercise tends to make the horses indifferent 

 to the blows, which the riders deliver, and consequently, 

 if in course of the combat exercises they have received 

 several jerks and saber blows, which is inevitable in spite 

 of precautions, and they then manifest repugnance for the 

 work, they are put back on this exercise until all trace of 

 bad humor has disappeared. It is well to always com- 

 mence and finish the work by several minutes' exercise 

 against the manikins. 



When the horses show entire indifference and freedom, 

 have the sections pass each other, merely crossing the 

 blades: then imitate a m^lee, without saber blows. The 

 melee is conducted at first in whole riding hall, then in 

 half, then in a quarter, and at the three gaits. 



(3) When the horses are confirmed, one should pass 

 to the pursuit of mounted manikins, then to the pursuit of 

 riders, finally to the individual combat. 



The serious requirements to which the horses are sub- 

 mitted in the course of these exercises require them to be 

 made very short, to be broken by long periods at a free 

 gallop with long reins and by periods of rest with every- 

 thing relaxed. Every horse which shows hesitation should 

 be stopped and put back on the manikin exercises, as was 

 said above. 



