THE HORSEMAN. Ill 



bring those muscles of the arm into action which give the 

 weaker man (if a swordsman) a decided advantage over 

 the stronger, if unaccustomed to the use of the weapon. 



SECTION II. Guards. 



There should be but three guards used, either in 

 mounted or dismounted service ; and those guards, with 

 very little variation, will receive all cuts that can be 

 made. 



The first guard is nearly horizontal, the arm extended 

 and hand higher than the head the edge of the sabre up 

 and a little inclined to the front the point to the left 

 front and about six higher than the hilt. This guard 

 can be made at any point from the left rear to the rear, 

 and will protect against cut seven. 



As an unerring rule, keep the sword hand directed to- 

 ward your antagonist's left ear (eying him under the sa- 

 bre) lest he takes advantage of your sword arm. 



The second guard is a hanging guard to the left side 

 of the body, hand higher than the head, edge to the left, 

 point of the sabre a little out to the left front, and the 

 arm at the full extent. 



In the hanging guards, you are able to protect your- 

 self and horse by varying them quicker than your adver- 

 sary can possibly give the cuts. As the formation of 

 these guards is very simple and effective, they can be 

 made with more safety, more ease, and quicker than the 

 guards of any other broad-sword system. 



