Finishing the Horse. 123 



cause they would retain their characteristic 

 speed and power, without, as at present, sac- 

 rificing to it the docility of the individual 

 charger. It is easy to understand the great 

 superiority which the English dragoon would, 

 if thoroughly master of his horse, possess over 

 enemies whom he can overturn with a single 

 shock, and whom he can leave behind him in 

 a dozen strides. The traditions of our Indian 

 army abound in brilliant proofs of the for- 

 midable prowess which our self-taught cham- 

 pions often obtain ; nor is there any reason to 

 doubt that the exploits of Dallas, Hodson 

 and Chamberlayne might, with a proper sys- 

 tem of instruction, be rivalled by many of our 

 private troopers. 



