The horses are watered under the immediate direction of the first sergeant, but if they are liable to meet those of other commands at the watering-place a commissioned officer should replace him.
During the hot months horses are watered thrice daily—in the morning, at noon, and just before grooming in the afternoon. At other times two waterings are enough, after morning and at evening stables. In very cold weather once a day, at noon, is sufficient. It is to be always remembered that a horse will rarely drink enough very early in the morning.
The daily allowance of water for a horse is six gallons.
On the march horses are watered with buckets carried on the carriages. The oftener this is done the better, as it is not usually known when another watering-place will be reached.
When horses have to make a day's march without water, they will be watered after they are fed, just before leaving camp in the morning.
If a mounted command has to march a long distance without water, so that it will be necessary to encamp en route, the animals are well fed, but denied water until just before starting, when they are permitted to drink freely. The command marches in the afternoon, and does not encamp until it has accomplished at least half of the distance, and moves early the next morning to reach water.
TRAINING HORSES.
Horses are trained by the best horsemen, under the supervision of an officer or non-commissioned officer.
It should be carefully impressed upon the men that the horse may be made gentle and obedient by patience, kindness, and fearlessness; that punishment is only to be resorted to when necessary, and then only administered immediately after the commission of the offense; and that nothing should ever be done to the horse in anger.
The restlessness or impatience which frequently arises from exuberance of spirits and playfulness must be carefully distinguished from that which arises from viciousness or timidity.