Horse training by modern methods

Foreword

The object of this book is to arrange in the most convenient, clear and concise form the modern system of horse-training, in so. far as it is applicable to the training of horses in the mounted service of the United States- No attempt has been made in any case to improve upon methods already deemed correct by the best horsemen ; and as such methods can be found dealing with all points of training, it follows that the subject matter in this book is not original. Where the best was to be found, there it has been sought, and where the authors of previous works have expressed their ideas in language considered the most concise and clear, their words have been copied verbatim, with due acknowledgement to the authors.

I am indebted to the following for methods, theories, translation of technical terms, and improvised commands herein contained :

To Major George H. Cameron, 14th Cavalry, Captain W. C. Short, 13th Cavalry, 3

4 Foreword.

Captain Guy V. Henry, Cavalry,

ist Lieutenant Gordon Johnston, Cavalry,

ist Lieutenant Joseph F. Taulbee, 2d Cavalry,

The late Captain M. Horace Hayes, F.R.C.V.S.,

Edward L. Anderson,

James Fillis,

Captain de Saint-Phalle,

Saumnr Notes (English translation of the above) :

and to Col. Haddens W. Jones, 10th Cavalry, for valuable

assistance and advice.

s

Preface

Nothing within this book is believed to be beyond the reach of the mounted service in general.

The time allotted to "breaking" or gentling will be in many cases eliminated, as the present system of remount stations has become well established.

Each troop should have three or four such articles as longes and cavessons. These articles can be made very easily by saddlers and blacksmiths, from a model. Models can undoubtedly be procured through the Mounted Service School at Fort Riley, Kansas, or from any saddlery store, care being taken in purchasing from the latter to determine whether the model is a correct one or not.

In many cases the reasons for the use of certain aids, etc., are apparent, and all explanation is omitted. In other cases, where explanations involve nice points of mechanics, etc., they have likewise been omitted. The reason for the latter omissions bdng, that they are in-

6 Preface.

teresting to the student only. The real student of horse-training can only be one who enjoys such work. Many officers do not enjoy it, and this book is intended for all.

In view of the fact that all the methods embodied herein are well-recognized methods, I trust readers will take for granted that they conform to the mechanical principles, etc., omitted.

As riding cannot be taught by books, no attempt is made to do so here. Officers instructed in riding at the Mounted Service School are returned to their regiments every year, where, by their example and ability to instruct, they can accomplish far more than any literature on the subject; but where riding, as regards the seat, cannot be readily forgotten, points of training a horse can; and it is for such as forget, or for such as have had nothing or little to forget, that this book is intended.

As to riding, it might be of interest, however, to some to note that the following cautions have been found to be a frequent necessity while training horses with enlisted men up:

Preface. 7

Don't yank upon your horse's mouth.

Keep your hands low and your wrists supple.

Don't stick your knees up in the air.

Grip with your knees and the calf of your leg.

Let your stirrups out (for most men).

Carry your legs back.

Don't let your reins flop.

Don't hollow out your back.

Don't let your horse back up (unless the movement is a retrograde one).

Drive him forward.

Don't let him bend his neck at the shoulder.

Use your leg (or legs).

Don't be rough with your horse.

New horses sent to a post should be turned over to one competent officer with assistants, if necessary, for training, li necessary to assign them to troops to assure proper care and grooming, orders should be given that they be exercised only by direction of the officer in charge. Enlisted men specially suited for training horses should be detailed under the above-named officer's di-

8 Preface.

rection. Only such enlisted men should be detailed who will not be discharged or detailed on other duty until the training ceases. The training should continue for not less than six months. Horses should, when possible, be assigned trainers who belong to the organization to which the horses are assigned, the rider being assured, if pos;ible, that the horse will be assigned to him after the training is over.

Two officers can train with reasonable satisfaction seventy-five horses, if given one hour and a half per day six days a week, in the riding-hall. As the number ot" horses in the riding-hall at a time gj over fifteen th.2 difficulties increase.

In case it be impossible for new horses tj to be under the direction of one officer, organization commanders should keep the horses out of ranks an equal period, and undertake the same training with competent men.

Hard-trotting, uncontrollable horses, uncomfortable t ride and weak in muscular activity, result from lack of training.

Preface. 9

From practical work with enlisted men, it has been found that there is little difficulty in teaching them the kinds of aids, with their proper names, and the use and form the various exercises take. The manner in which they apply their aids and perform the exercises varies with the individual's ability to ride and aptitude for training.

When Part II. is undertaken, the difficulties increase. The difficulties do not lie in the use of the double rein, which the men soon become accustomed to, but in understanding the flexions and the delicate use of the aids required in these exercises and in the changes of lead at the gallop.

As hands are a most important element in Part II., it is not surprising that men who have ridden perhaps less than three years should have difficulty.

Part II. should not be abandoned, either because of the difficulties inherent to the exercises or because of the lack of proper equipment. The use of a double bridle improvised from a watering bridle and a regulation bit io Preface.

is preferable to the use of a single curb immediately succeeding the work with the snaffle alone.

To some it may seem that confusion exists as to arrangement of the facts. The scheme of arrangement is as follows :

A man, in training a horse, can begin work on the horse with what he finds in the beginning of this book, and as the horse progresses he need only progress in his reading to find new exercises. Certain definitions and explanations are requisite to a proper understanding of an exercise. These are necessarily interpolated.

If the reader will consider the difficulties in setting forth such facts in a logical sequence, he will perhaps be more lenient in his criticisms of this book, although

criticism is expected and sought.

A. M. P.

CHAPTER I. Early Handling

Object of Training.— Horse-training is a series of exercises to render the horse obedient and at the same time to preserve and develop his inherent qualities. It is a muscular training which by suppling the parts will strengthen the entire body, and by balancing the horse will develop harmony in his movements.

New Horses. — New horses should be exercised daily, at first being led by men on foot, and later by men mounted on quiet horses. The exercise should be at a walk, and is used to quiet and strengthen the animals. When leading a young horse mounted, the side upon which he is led should often be changed to avoid giving a false set to the neck.

Care of Nezv Horses. — The young horse should have flannel bandages on his forelegs when exercised, from the fetlock to the knee, to support the flexor tendons and to keep the horse from hitting himself, thereby often cau >- ing splints.

After exercising, the legs should be rubbed and the tendons massaged, then washed with cool water and flannel bandages applied. The tendons are thereby supported and wind-puffs and swellings prevented.

Hozv to Adjust a Bandage. — A bandage should be wound up with the tapes inside. Unroll six or eight inches of it, and lay this loose portion obliquely across the outside of the leg, close to the knee, with the end reaching to about the center of that joint, and the rolled-up part turned to the outside, and directed downward an 1 forward. The bandaging should be continued aroun 1 the fetlock and upper part of the pastern, and brought back close up below the knee. The loose end is then turned down, and the folds of the bandage carried ove:* it. The tapes are tied a little above the center of the cannon bone. (Hayes.)

To Approach an Uncertain Horse. — To go up tj an uncertain horse which is held or tied up in the open, approach the foreleg on the near side at an angle of about 70 degrees to the direction of the axis of the horse. Having reached his shoulder, place a hand on his crest and stroke the mane. When a certain degree of confidence is restored to the horse, further handling may be undertaken.

To Lead a Horse with the Snaffle, and to Adjust Snaffle. — To lead a horse with a snaffle mounted or dismounted, pass both reins through the near snaffle ring if the horse is to be on the off side. In placng the snaffle bridle upon a fractious horse, place the reins first over the neck, if possible- If the horse objects to having the head-stall put on, unfasten the left cheek-strap from the ring of the snaffle. Place the head-stall in position, then put the bit in the mouth and refasten the cheek-strap. If impracticable to remove the halter before bridling the horse, place the bridle on over the halter, then unfasten the halter, slip the nose-band down over the nostrils, then irrto the mouth and around under the bit and out of the mouth. The halter will then fall off.

Longeing. — The following principles must be considered when longeing:

14 Horse Training by Modicrn Methods.

i. The horse must be controlled by the longe; the only function of the whip is to move the horse forward.

2. The length of the longe should be frequently changed. The horse should alternately stretch himself on a large circle and bend himself on a small circle.

3. The gaits should frequently be changed. (Notes d 'Equitation.)

Method of Longcing a Horse. — Start the longeing exercise without the longeing whip. Place the cavesson on the horse, if possible, after the halter has been removed, or, if a bridle is on the horse, over the bridle. Fasten the longe into the ring of the cavesson. Face the same way the horse faces and walk near his head, leading him by a short longe in a circle to the left ; right hand on the longe near the horse's head, longe in the left hand, not coiled, but arranged so that in running out quickly it will not become entangled or pinch the fingers.

If the horse refuses to lead, an assistant may urge him forward as quietly as possible from the rear. As the horse becomes accustomed to being led, gradually lengthen the longe and drop back slightly from the head of the horse, toward his shoulders. Cluck to the horse to urge him forward. Use the hand to make motions for the same purpose or tap him lightly with the han I on his side, in case the horse refuses to go forward. If the horse turns toward the trainer, shake the longe so that it lightly taps the nose on the side of the horse which should be toward the center of the circle. Gradually, as the horse learns what is wanted, the trainer moves so that the horse circles about him, first at a slow gait, then at the trot, and finally when more proficient, at the canter and gallop.

To slow down the gait, use the voice soothingly and shake the longe up and down gently. To stop the horse, a series of motions of the longe up and down, with a strong pull on the longe as it comes down, will have the greatest effect. The word "whoa" should frequently be used in this movement. When the horse obeys, he should be caressed.

When a horse will go to the left on the longe, even at the walk, he should be practiced going to the right until equally capable on that hand. A horse should not be longed until fatigued.

Use of the Longe. —

1. To exercise young horses without injury.

2. To give first lessons to horses difficult to manage.

3. For horses that hold back or fight.

4. For horses with one shoulder more developed than the other.

5. For horses that will not work equally well on either hand.

6. For horses that bend themselves with difficulty.

7. For the first lessons in jumping. (Notes d' Equitation.)

The Snaffle Bit. — As early as possible, a bridle and snaffle bit should be put on the horse.

The snaffle is a very mild bit because it acts mostly on the lips and only a little on the bars. The faults of the hand are therefore less prejudicial to the tender mouth of the new horse. When, in the course of training, the horse becomes familiar with the snaffle bit, he may be prepared for the double bridle by the use of tVe

Horse Training by ^Iodkrn Methods. 17

double snaffle, a bit which is known not to be dangerous and which gives the rider more action upon the horse. The double snaffle should properly be composed of a snaffle without branches and a "Boucher" snaffle. The double snaffle also is useful in the ca>e of a horse that leans on the hands ; the remedy consisting, in this case, of producing action either by alternate effects which make each snaffle bit felt separately, or by cross-effects obtained by the action of one snaffh bit on one side and the other snaffle bit on the other side.

Saddling Nezv Horses. — New horses should be made accustomed to equipment while they are first exercised by leading or when on the longe; first by the blanket and surcingle, then by the saddle being placed on their back. The saddle is put on first without stirrups, then with stirrups crossed, and then with the stirrups hanging. The girth should at first be tightened slightly, and afterwards readjusted, if necessary, during the exercises. A nervous horse should be longed a little before placing trn saddle on his back.

A horse should not be mounted for the first time on the same day he is first saddled.

Mounting the New Horse. — When first mounting, the rider should get into the saddle as handily and quickly as possible, without being particular as to exactness. An assistant stands facing the horse. The rider slaps the saddle, lets the stirrups drop against the sides of the horse, and then takes up the reins, leaving them very long. In case the horse backs up or tries to move away, the assistant leads him gently up to where he was before and the rider tries to mount again-

If the rider believes that the horse will make violent resistances, he can insure his seat by having a rolled blanket strapped to the pommel of the saddle, to keep his knees in place. With a horse very difficult to mount, where there is danger of severe resistance, the horse should be snubbed up to a strong, quiet horse. Snubbing is only resorted to in cases where longeing and quiet handling have failed to bring about the desired results.

With very restless animals, the assistants stand squarely in front of the horses and simply caress the

Horse; Training by Modkrn Methods. 19

animals' heads without holding the reins. If a horse is very restless-, and the cavesson has to be used, it should be in the hands of an experienced man.

The following is a position often taken for mounting a restless animal: Take the reins of the snafrh in the left hand, and with the same hand catch hold of the mane at about the middle of the neck so that there is a slight tension on the reins. Take hold of the pommel of the saddle with the right hand and mount, taking care that the left toe does not touch the horse when mounting. Above all things, avoid bustling the horse when starting; for. if he is led to expect this, he will never stand quietly to be mounted. Sometimes feeding a horse oats from a pan while he is being mounted causes him to stand quietly.

First Lessons after Mounting. — Never require anything from the horse mounted for the first time. If he walks stiaight ahead, it is sufficient. Keep the reins separated and feel lightly the snaffle. Ride the horse a few times around the hall to the right and to the left, leaving him as free as possible, if, of course, he is quiet.

2o Horse: Training by Modern Methods.

If the horse does well, dismount and feed him carrots, if they can be supplied, or a handful of oats. Carrots ought always be cut lengthwise and never across; in the latter case they might stick in the animal's throat.

Resistances. — Among the most violent resistances are bucking and rearing.

If the horse attempts to buck, press him forward with the legs and hold his head high. The rider is more easily displaced if the horse bucks in place. If the rider is not able to make the horse go forward, he should turn him to the right or left with the snaffle bit. As all horses have a soft and hard side to their mouths, when resistance is encountered in turning to the right, the attempt should be made to turn him to the left.

When a horse rears, separate the reins, and take hold of the mane in the left hand at about the middle of the neck. Lean forward, and when the horse comes down again, push the body back into its place by quickly straightening the arm.

CHAPTER II. Equilibrium

A little must be understood about equilibrium before the aids can properly be mastered.

Direct Equilibrium. — This relates to the balance of the horse when the center of gravity is moved forward or backward. The fore legs of the horse are used for translation, (the Hind legs for propulsion. The horse naturally bears more weight upon his fore legs than upon his hind. The center of gravity, then, is nearer the fore quarters than the hind, which is therefore favorable to the forward movement of the horse.

If the weight of the horse, by changing the position of parts of the body, brings the center of gravity towards the rear, it is more favorable for the backward movement.

When the center of gravity is forward, the forelegs control the movement of the mass, and the hind legs merely propel. When the center of gravity moves backward, the hind legs become more and more masters of the control of the movement of the mass, and their action then is from the ground up as well as from rear to front as before. In other words, the movements gain in height.

Position of a Horse for the Forzvard Movement. —

1. When a horse wants to move forward, he naturally puts himself in the most favorable position; consequently he throws his weight forward to his shoulders, and, to do this, stretches out his head and neck.

2. To obtain the forward movement and the accelerations in gait then, the rider must let the horse extend and lower his head and neck; similarly he must raise them to obtain the slower gaits.

3. A horse must always be ready to carry himself forward. This is the most important rule in equitation. The tendency to move forward is called "impulsion." Without impulsion we can have no influence over the direction. (De Saint-Phalle.)

The horse must go into the bridle. Nearly every vice and resistance offered by a horse is preceded and made possible by the animal getting behind the bit; that is, he refuses to lace the bit, or take the pressure of the bit, so that the rider's hand can find nothing by which he can enforce his demands. (Anderson.)

Lateral 'Equilibrium. — This relates to the balance of a horse when the center of gravity is moved sideways. It is a case where the horse is made to load one shoulder or one haunch or all one side more than the other. It is used for changes of direction, parallel displacements, etc. The horse being in motion, if we force him to carry the weight of his forehand to one side, the entire fore hand tends to be displaced to the same side. This displacement of the horse is obligatory if that of the center of gravity is sufficiently accentuated.

The Aids.

What Are the Aids? — The aids are the different means employed by the rider to convey his desires or intentions to the horse. (Notes d' Equitation.)

The Legs.

The Stirrups. — The stirrups should be so adjusted that the tread of the stirrup is level with the top of the heel when the rider is mounted and seated properly. When the stirrups are too long, as with the "fork seat," the rider is unable to use his legs with strength and accuracy. With the stirrups too short the rider's knees are too high, the seat is forced too far back and he is unabl i to sit down in the saddle; hence is less secure.

Position of the Foot in the Stirrup. — At least onethird of the foot should be inserted in the stirrup; the 1 eel should be slightly lower than the toe and the ball of the foot should rest upon the tread. (Notes d' Equitation.)

The following are the uses to which the legs are put.

i. To produce the forward movement.

2. To range the haunches.

3. To bring the hind legs forward under the body. The Equal Action of Both Legs. — The most important duty of the legs is to act together for the purpose of

Horse Training by Modern Methods.

giving or sustaining impulsion. This action should command the forward movement and its acceleration. To obtain this result, the legs can act by simple pressure of the knees or by pressure of the knees and calves. The pressure of only the knees is sufficient with delicate horses, but with others the pressure of the calves has to be added to that of the knees. The more energetic the pressure and the farther behind the girths it is, the greater the result produced. Usually the action of the leg is strong enough if it is placed against or a little in rear of the girth. Tf the action ther i is not sufficient, it may be carried back a little — never, however, to reach an angle of 45 degrees. The perfection to aim at is to have the leg move almost imperceptibly and vary its effects only by different shades of p ensure; but with a horse that do?s not respond sufficiently to the demands, it becomes necessary to carry the leg back a little by bending the knee and keeping the heels low. The inclination of the leg to an angle of 45 degrees is the very maximum, which it is unscientific and useless to pass or even to reach, so that i*" th Q action of the leg is not efficacious under these conditions, we must turn to more energetic methods. But little trouble is experienced in teaching riders not to carry the legs too far back. The reverse is usually the case.

The above method failing, the next to try is consecutive thumpings with the calf of the leg, not very pronounced, but repeated until the result sought is obtained. At the instant the legs should cease their action, and should repeat it only when the need again is felt.

If this means is not sufficient, there is nothing to do but come to blows with the legs. These are executed by slightly carrying to one side the calf and ramming it against the horse with a violence proportionate to the result to be obtained. This movement ought to be done without raising the knees or sticking them out, the lower part of the legs being independent of the rest of the body in order that the seat and the hand be not deranged. This manner of getting action upon the horse ought not to be continued for a long time, even if its effect is not sufficient or lasting. Like every violent movement, this one ought to be exceptional, and rather than repeat it frequently, it is better to have recourse to short, energetic action of the spurs.

It is ver\ necessary to avoid the frequent fault of using the leg after sufficient action has been gotten out of the horse or of continuing the demands when they are already obeyed. Then the impulsion of the horse is augmented in a manner prejudicial to the desired result, which necessitates the action of the hand to oppose the augmented impulsion falsely ordered by the legs.

Unequal Action of the Leas. — When one leg is used more than the other, the haunches are displaced to the opposite side. The horse is then said "to range his haunches." This effect is often useful in preventing the horse from slipping out sideways, in straightening him, and in making him change directions, etc. ; but its greatest utility lies in permitting the rider to range the haunches and traverse the horse, which movements are essential to the main instruction in the mental and physical suppling of the horse.

The rules for the use of both legs apply equally well to the use of one leg, as regards place of contact and

28 Horsi; Training by Modern Methods.

manner of graduating the intensity of action. ("Equal Action of Both Legs and Unequal Action of the Leg," from "Elementary Equitation," by De Saint-Phalle.)

To Bring the Hind Legs Fo>ward Under the Horse. — Due to contraction of the muscles produced by the tickling sensation of the le^ or spur upon the side, the horse mechanically brings his hind legs up under the body when so forced. This bringing up of the hind legs places the control of the movement of the mass in their power, because the center of gravity is nearer their base. Hence the leg movements become more elevated, the speed less fast, and the horse more handy and more easily controlled.

Mutual Support by the Legs. — If one leg acts to range the haunches, the other should receive the mass to limit and control the movement. Both legs should be at all times close enough to the horse to act accurately, quickly, and without abruptness in order to assist each other.

When a Horse Is "Behind the Legs." — When a horse refuses to move forward after the equal action of both

Horse Training by Modern Methods.

legs is produced, he is said to be "behind the bit" and like wise "behind the legs." A horse in this state is beyond the control of the rider, and every means should be exerted to force the horse with the legs up into the bit again.

The Spur. — The spur should not be used until the seat is secure. If the pressure of the calves of the legs is sufficient to command impulsion, the spur should not be resorted to.

Resistances are provoked if the spur remains in the side continuously, and the animal becomes disobedient and on the defensive. Continued contact should be replaced by repeated contacts of short duration of an intensity to fit the case.

The length of the spur varies with the length of the stirrup leathers, the length of the leg of the rider, and the form of the horse. A general rule is that the spur should be of such a length as to be easily used without danger of unintentional usage during sudden displacements.

The Reins.

In the training of the horse the reins should be held in two hands. Single reins should be held as prescribed in the Cavalry Drill Regulations.

The following important rule should always be observed : The pressure of the rider's legs, or of his heels, must always precede any action of the hand; in other words, the bit does not go back to the horse, but the horse goes forward against the bit.

It has been shown that by the action of the legs impulsion is produced in the horse, which causes a stretching of the neck to the front in order to begin or accelerate the forward movement. If as the head and neck stretch out the forward movement of the bit in the mouth is arrested by the hand, the bit is brought into stronger contact with the bars of the mouth, which produces its action. The action of the reins is thus produced after the action of the legs has produced its effect.

Kinds of Reins. (De Saint-Phalle.) Open Rein. — This rein is used in turning the horse. The right rein, for example, is said to be open if the right hand is carried to the right and front. Reins are so used for the particular effect they have upo:i the horse's head. The need of them is felt especially in the training of green horses, but also with a horse that refuses to turn and carries his head in the opposite direction from that in which the rider desires him to go. When the right rein is open, the horse's head will be drawn to the right and he will be assisted in moving in that direction.