'HANDS' AND OTHER MATTERS 155 



" diagonal " when trotting (see p. 140). This 

 alone helps a horse very considerably. 



The other points are these : — Never walk. When 

 mounted, the pace should always be the trot, but 

 when it is necessary or desirable to go at a walking 

 pace, always lead. This rule rests both horse and 

 rider, and the distance is accomplished in about 

 the same time. Don't make short halts. When- 

 ever a halt is necessary, see that it is long enough 

 to take the saddle off, so as to rub and dry the 

 back, and if possible water and feed at the same 

 time. 



For cavalry work this is very important, and 

 whenever I was doing a long march " on my own " 

 when I had a squadron, I always used to march 

 on those principles, and I found that I not only 

 covered the distance quicker, but both men and 

 horses were much fresher by these means than by 

 any other. Three-quarters of an hour's trot, and 

 one-quarter of an hour " leading," would enable 

 six and three-quarter miles to be covered in the 

 hour. Two hours of this before the midday halt, 

 and two hours after, would represent a twenty- 

 seven mile march, easily and comfortably per- 

 formed. These are simple rules, and well worthy 

 of consideration. 



