Handbook for Light ArtilleryDyer, A. B. (Alexander Brydie)
History
Handbook for Light Artillery
Dyer, A. B. (Alexander Brydie)
Artillery, Field and mountain
The rider may also be required to swim, holding the horse's tail,
allowing the horse to tow him.
After the man and horse have gained confidence, the rider may be
required to be seated on the horse while swimming. As the extra weight
presses the horse down and impedes his movements, the rider should hold
his knees well up to lessen the resistance, and steady his seat by
holding on to the mane or pommel of the saddle.
The men are instructed, in crossing running water, to keep their eyes
fixed on the opposite bank.
The practice of swimming gives horses confidence in deep water when in
harness. Streams deep and wide enough to swim one and even two pairs of
a team have been crossed by light artillery in our service.
BREAKING IN THE YOUNG HORSE TO HARNESS.
The harness should be put on the horse in the stable with caution, and
at first without the traces, so that in the event of the horse jumping
about they will not hang about his legs and frighten him. The horse
should then be fed in his harness, and after standing for some hours be
walked about in it.
When the horse has thus been fed and walked about, and has become
reconciled to the harness, the traces should be attached, and a rope
tied to the rear end of each; a man then takes the ends of the ropes,
and the horse is walked about, the man holding the ropes, taking care
that the traces do not rub against the sides of the horse in the
beginning, but accustom him to them gradually.
When the horse has become accustomed to the pressure of the collar and
traces, he may then be hitched in with a steady horse. At first the
utmost caution should be observed and a foreleg held up, if necessary,
while the traces are being fastened, and no noise or shouting should
be permitted. After being hitched in, the horse should be permitted to
stand still for some minutes before the carriage is started, and it
should be put in motion by the other horses. The horse should be left
to himself and not be required to draw at first; all that should be
demanded of him is to move forward quietly.
MANAGEMENT OF VICIOUS HORSES.
A vicious or refractory horse may be thrown. He is thus made to submit
to control without exciting his resentment, or suffering any other
physical pain than that resulting from his own resistance. During the
operation the man acts with deliberation, speaks with a kind voice, and
never uses harsh treatment.
TO THROW THE HORSE.
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