=169.= Being at =carry saber=, or in any position: =GUARD=. Carry the right foot about 24 inches to the right and bend knees to simulate the position mounted. Incline the body to the front from the waist (not the hips). Let the blade fall to the front to a position nearly horizontal, elbow well away from the body, forearm and saber forming one straight line, guard to the right, point at the height of the adversary's breast, the left hand in the position of the bridle hand. (Fig. 24.) [Illustration: FIG. 36, par. 169.] =170.= Being at =carry saber=: 1. =Inspection=, 2. =SABER=. Carry the right hand upward, arm half extended until the thumb is at the height of the chin, grip held in the full grasp, blade vertical, guard to the left. Make a slight pause, then loosen the grasp on the grip and turn the saber with the guard to the right. Again make a slight pause, then resume the first position and return to the carry. =171.= Saber exercise is conducted, and instruction given, as prescribed in the =Saber exercise=. For =Manual of the Saber Mounted=, _see_ par. 245. =Section 4. School of the Trooper, Mounted.= GENERAL PROVISIONS. =172.= _Object._--The primary object of this school is to train the trooper in horsemanship and in the ready use of his weapons while mounted. =173.= _The instructor._--It is essential that the instructor (par. 37) be a skilled and experienced horseman, properly mounted. He should always supplement the original explanation of a movement by executing it himself, so that the recruits may actually see the result that is desired and the means by which it is effected. =174.= _Cautions to instructors._--The instructor must first develop the confidence of the recruit, give him a proper seat, and make him supple on the horse. Progress should be suited to his capacity and exempt him as far as practicable from falls or other accidents. Instruction in the use of the aids and in the means employed to train the horse to obey them will follow. When the recruit has acquired confidence in his ability to ride and control his horse he will be instructed in the use of arms mounted. Instruction is given individually; every new movement is made the object of a particular lesson given to each trooper in turn. During the exercise the instructor avoids general remarks and (in so far as possible) unfamiliar terms; in the correction of faults he addresses by name those committing them. He passes frequently from one trooper to another repeating advice and endeavoring to impress upon the troopers the principles embodied in the regulations. In doing this he need not use the language of the text. The instructor may be on foot or mounted. For the first lessons it is advantageous to remain on foot so as better to explain movements and correct faults. Steady, well-trained horses are selected for the first lessons. The troopers exchange horses from time to time during the lesson on indication from the instructor.