206 UNASKED ADVICE. 



in the school, is a pretty performance^ and very well in its 

 way, but it ought to be only the first chapter in the study 

 of the use of arms mounted. More than education is 

 wanted, though before the trooper can do fast work, 

 and plenty of it, his load must be lightened. It is true 

 that he seldom carries his full kit, indeed, only on the 

 line of march, and on marching order parades, and field 

 days, which don^t come every day. The average trooper 

 is equal to carrying thirteen or fourteen stone, not to 

 hounds, of course, but in marching order. Even a hussar 

 rides eighteen stone. It is the custom to thus over- 

 weight the horse, who on service would of course carry all 

 this load ; but why is it ? Why should the cavalry horse 

 be worse treated than other animals in this way ? 

 Attempts have been made, and talked about, at lighten- 

 ing the weight, but the reformers begin at the wrong 

 end. They would lighten the 7nmi — not the dead weight. 

 Now an undersized dragoon is not desirable; a little 

 dumpy fellow will seldom be able to use his weapons, 

 unless they are also reduced in size. Our light dragoons 

 are not a bit too big or heavy, but their saddlery is. 

 Why should the horse carry a valise at all ? It is very 

 heavy, cumbersome, and in every way inconvenient. It 

 causes many sore backs, and it helps to necessitate the 

 use of the crupper. Why cannot every squadron have a 

 light cart attached to it, which would with ease carry all 

 the valises of two troops ; or one cart per troop would not 

 be an expensive addition, as it might be drawn by troop 

 horses (two) and driven by two men, who might receive 

 some small addition to their pay, as their work would be 

 a little in excess of other men^s. Of course, the cart 

 horses must be eligible for service in the j^anks on 

 occasion. Then, the valise being disposed of, the soldier^s 



