228 THE ARMY HORSE. 



animal is broken and well balanced. No cavesson should be 

 used in lunging, only a snaffle bridle, and any light rope, a 

 forage cord, for instance. 



When the horses are ridden, some men should be kept in 

 reserve to catch hold of the bridles of any of them which 

 do not want to follow the track. This is not a matter of 

 mouthing, but is merely to strengthen the animal's loins and 

 to accustom him to carry a man. 



After the three months' feeding which I have advised, the 

 horses will have had enough corn put into them to bear more 

 work. As they have developed their muscles at the trot, 

 learned to carry a man, have been bridled and saddled, and 

 have had their jaws loosened by flexions ; they are, I think, 

 ready for mouthing, which is well under way. In fact only 

 the A, B, C of breaking is required from the troop horse, with- 

 out any elaboration. It will be well if he needs rather strong 

 indications, for we should take precautions against heavy 

 hands and rough legs. The horse's breaking is finished when 

 he freely goes forward under the action of the legs, while 

 taking hold of the snaffle ; and when he readily jumps, turns, 

 and reins back. Here we require only horizontal equilibrium. 

 Without doubt, an attempt should also be made to get the 

 animal in hand, although this condition should not be insisted 

 upon. It will be sufficient if the rider knows when to place 

 his horse's head in the necessary position for obtaining 

 equilibrium. 



The horse should be accustomed to objects and noises, so 

 that he may not be afraid of them. An army horse should be 

 bold and ready to pass anything. To teach him to do so, all 

 sorts of objects should be placed under his feet in the school. 

 He can be taught best in the stable, at the time of feeding, 

 to stand the noise of tambours, clarions, clashing of arms, 

 firing, etc. 



I consider that three months will suffice to properly 



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