Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army / of the United States 1917. To be also used by Engineer Companies (Mounted) for Cavalry Instruction and Training

by United States. War Department

175. The standard required of troopers.—To be a good military horseman each trooper should—

(a) Have a strong seat.

(b) Be able to apply correctly the aids by which a horse is controlled.

(c) Be capable of covering long distances on horseback with the least possible fatigue to his horse and to himself.

(d) Be able to use his horse to the utmost advantage in a mounted fight.

(e) Be capable of riding across country.

(f) Under proper directions, be able to train an unbroken horse in garrison and in the field, understand how to detect and treat the minor ailments to which the horse is liable, and be a good groom.

All officers, in addition to being good military horsemen and instructors in riding, must be able to train remounts and to direct their training.

177. General provisions.—For the preparatory exercises the horses are saddled and equipped with the snaffle bit only, saddles stripped. Spurs are not worn.

These exercises are conducted at first in a riding hall or on an inclosed course out of doors.