Hand in hand with the Infantry instruction goes that of the Cavalry to which is allotted the next greatest amount of time in the schedule of training. Cadets are taught the fundamentals of every branch of the Service, and all cadets receive instruction in riding and in Cavalry tactics whether or not they are destined for that arm. Infantry officers must know how to ride as well as those of the mounted branches. Frequently their duties require them to be mounted, and when they arrive at the grade of field officer, major, and above, they are obliged to command their troops from the back of a horse. It is only during their first year at the Academy that cadets do not attend cavalry instruction. When they become Third Classmen their acquaintance with the horse begins. Cadets must be taught to ride before they can be advanced to the tactics of the cavalry, and as a matter of fact, learning to ride well takes so much of the allotted time that comparatively little is left for the cavalry problems. The cadets who join this branch of the service will learn their cavalry tactics chiefly in the Army. Beginning with the Yearlings, therefore, lessons are given in equitation, outdoors in good weather and in the magnificent Riding Hall during the winter. At first life in the Riding Hall is hard for those men who have never before ridden, but once they learn the art of “sticking on” they enjoy the exercise that riding affords. The first few weeks are particularly trying. When the Yearlings march in upon the spongy tanbark, they find themselves face to face with a whole row of bareback horses lined up along one side of the hall. The animals are champing their bits and wagging their heads apparently in sheer joy of the anticipation of “policing” a few victims. Little chills run up and down the spines of the Yearlings and their bodies are covered with goose flesh as they read the challenge in the eyes of the beasts. “Fall out!” orders the instructor. Ranks are broken and the men run over to the grinning horses, scrutinizing them with breathless impatience, first one, then the other, hoping to catch a sight of a kind and gentle glance. “1. Prepare to mount! 2. Moun-n-n-n-t!” commands the instructor in a sepulchral voice. Then follow frantic efforts to climb the slippery hides--ineffectual jumps succeeded by sudden descents. Finally they get aboard and all goes well until the heartless instructor intones: “Slow trot. March-h-h-h-h-h!”