LIGHT HORSE. 207 



saddle might be lightened. No average light dragoon 

 ought to ride over fourteen stone, and a reform in 

 weight might be effected without altering the standard 

 of size for the men. The saddle, for example, 

 without a valise, would not require to be nearly 

 so big. Something like the saddle of the mounted 

 police would surely be lighter than, and might 

 be as durable as, the present hussar saddle. The 

 soldier's saddle must carry a cloak ; that is easily 

 managed, also wallets or holsters, and a pair of spare 

 shoes ; but surely a saddle somewhat stronger than a 

 hunting saddle could do all this, and be very little 

 heavier. A felt " numnah '^ is most useful, and should 

 always be worn under the saddle. A breastplate, I con- 

 ceive, to be useful to every horse who does any very hard 

 work under the saddle ; and thus the list of things to be 

 carried, besides the man and his arms, might end. A 

 sheepskin is not heavy, and might be retained if it were 

 considered needful. It certainly keeps the contents of 

 the wallets dry in rainy weather. But with a baggage- 

 cart marching in rear of the regiment the soldier would 

 not require to carry many valuables in his wallets, and 

 when detached (on service) or on outpost duty he would 

 not require much more of a trousseau than they would 

 contain. A forage cap, a pair of highlows and dry 

 socks, with a clean shirt (flannel shirts are best) take but 

 little room ; and almost all the present appliances for 

 cleaning belts and uniform I would summarily dispose 

 of. The present pattern of bridle is well enough. A 

 collar-chain is indispensable of course. The only altera- 

 tion that I can think of in the dragoon's bit is that I 

 would not have the cheeks of the bit connected by a bar, 

 as they are at present. A fractious horse can, by throwing 



