Rider's Training Manual

(12.iv.64.4-5)
(37.III.43 ,44,46 – 60,62)
(37HE.III.35 -37)
(37.II.20,21,32.)

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74. Drill (dismounted with the horse)

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1. Squads should not exceed 12 in number, and should parade in line dismounted.

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2. “Stand to your horses“. – The man stands at attention, as for foot drill, on the near side of the horse, his toes in line with the horse’s fore feet. The left cheek rein is held in the right hand near the ring, back of the hand to the right ; hand as high as the shoulder, arm at full extent. If the cheek reins have been taken over the horse’s head, the end will be held in the left hand, which will hang down by the side without constraint.

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This is the position of “attention”.

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3. “Stand at Ease“. – The right hand slides down the reins to the full extent of the arm, the end of the cheek reins being retained in the left hand. The position of the man’s legs and feet is the same as in foot drill.

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If the cheek reins have not been taken over the horse’s head, they will be held in the right hand only, the left arm hanging by the man’s side.

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4. “Attention“. – As above.

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5. “In front of your horses“. – Each man will take a full pace forward with the right foot, turn to the right-about and take one rein in each hand near the ring, still holding the end of them in the left hand, if the reins are over the horse’s head ; hands and elbows to be as high as the shoulders.

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This is the position in which a man should stand when showing a horse to an officer.

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6. “Off side stand to your horses“. – Each man will take a full pace forward with the left foot to the horse’s off side, turning right-about, the left hand holding the right rein near the ring, back of the hand to the left, hand as high as the shoulder, the right hand taking hold of the ends of the reins and hanging down by the side without constraint.

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7. “In front of your horses“. – Each man will take a full pace forward with the left foot, turn left-about and resume the position before described, the left hand taking the ends of the reins.

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8. “Stand to your horses“. – Each man will take a full step forward with the right foot to the horse’s near side and turn left-about.

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9. “Quick march“. – Each man will move off holding the reins as described in para. 2 above.

10. “Single files right (or left) – Quick march“. – Each man will move off to the right (or left) in succession, one horse-length from the file in front of him.

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11. “Cheek reins over“. – The reins being on the horse’s neck, cheek reins nearer the head than the curb reins, take the curb reins by the middle and lift them over the cheek reins, placing them again on the horse’s neck nearer the head than the cheek reins. Then take the cheek reins by the middle and take them over the horse’s head. Then bring the cheek reins up from between the curb reins.

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12. When a man leads a horse past an inspecting officer, he should place himself on that side of the horse which is further from the inspecting officer.

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The reins should be taken over the horse’s head and held midway between the bit and the end, first finger between the reins, the slack of the reins being held in the disengaged hand.

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13. To run a horse in hand, the reins brought over the horse’s head and held in the hand as described in para. 12, above ; the disengaged hand holding the slack of the reins should be placed slightly behind the hip bone.

The man should run straight to his front with the rein slack enough to allow the horse to carry his head naturally. He should look to his front and should avoid looking at the horse. If the horse hangs back, the man should not pull at this head, but an assistant should make the horse move forward.

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When turning the horse, the man should move round the horse and not swing the horse round him.

14. When leading through a narrow gate or doorway, the man should move slowly, taking care that the horse’s hips clear the posts of the door. he should walk backwards, holding the head collar with both hands, one on either side of the horse’s head.

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75. Drill (riding without rifle)

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1. Mounting and dismounting with stirrups :-

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i. Prepare to Mount – One.

 

Turn three-quarters right-about and take the end of the reins between the forefinger and thumb of the right hand, raising the hand above the withers.

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Two.

Take hold of the reins in the left hand properly separated for riding. Slide the left hand down the reins until they are a suitable length to prevent the horse moving.

Grasp the horse’s neck or mane just in front of the withers with the left hand. Drop the spare end of the reins to the off side of the horse’s neck.

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Take the stirrup in the right hand.

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Three.

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Place the left foot in the stirrup ; toe down, knee pressed against the saddle ; then place the right hand on the rear arch of the saddle.

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ii. Mount – One

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Spring up from the right foot, bringing both heels together, the body upright.

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Two.

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Move the right hand from the rear arch to the front arch of the saddle, at the same time pass the right leg over the saddle and allow the body to come gently into the seat of the saddle.

Three.

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Remove the left hand from the neck; at the same time place the right foot in the stirrup without looking down and assume the position of “Attention”.

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iii. Prepare to Dismount – One.

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Take all the reins in the left hand and grasp them with the right hand behind the left, the right foot quitting the stirrup.

 

Two.

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Slide the left hand down the reins until they are of suitable length to prevent the horse moving, hook the fingers of the left hand on the horse’s neck, drop the reins from the right hand and place it on the front arch of the saddle.

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iv. Dismount – One.

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Pass the right leg over the saddle, placing the right hand on the rear arch of the saddle, heels together.

 

Two.

 

Lower the right foot to the ground, remove the left foot from the stirrup.

 

Three.

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Turn to the left and assume the position of “Stand to your horses”.

 

2. Mounting and dismounting without stirrups :-

 

i. Prepare to Mount – One.

 

Turn to the right and then take a pace to the right. Take the end of the reins between forefinger and thumb of the right hand, raising the hand above the withers.

 

Two.

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Take hold of the reins in the left hand properly separated for riding and slide the left hand down them until they are of suitable length to prevent the horse moving; place the left hand on the front arch of the saddle, drop the spare end of the reins to the off-side of the horse’s neck and place the right hand on the rear arch.

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ii. Mount – One.

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Bend the knees, spring up and, by straightening the arms, raise the body above the saddle.

 

Two.

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pass the right leg over the saddle, at the same time placing the right hand on the front arch of the saddle, lower the body gently into it and assume the position of “Attention”.

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iii. Prepare to Dismount.

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Place both hands on the front arch of the saddle, back of the hands up.

 

iv. Dismount.

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Throw the weight of the body forward on to the hands, and, throwing the right leg over the saddle, alight on the toes and assume the position of “Stand to your horses”.

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76. Drill (riding with the rifle)

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1. Riding with the rifle

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Whenever a man dismounts, he does so with his rifle, if carried.

 

2. To mount.

 

Prepare to Mount.

Transfer the rifle to the right hand, grasping it at the muzzle, turn three-quarters right-about and take up the reins as described in para. 1, i, above ; place the rifle on the off side of the horse, magazine to the front, and then grasp it with the left hand about three inches below the muzzle.

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Mount.

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Mount as usual, raise the rifle with the he left hand, seize it with the right hand in front of the magazine and throw it backwards to the full extent of the arm, lower it into the rifle bucket and push it home.

 

3. To dismount.

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Prepare to Dismount – One.

Seize the rifle with the right hand at the small of the butt.

 

Two.

Draw the rifle out of the bucket far enough to allow the hand to regrasp it just in front of the magazine; raise it, approximately horizontal, so as to clear the front of the saddle.

 

Three.

Lower the butt on the near side under the bridle hand, and hold the barrel with the left hand about three inches below the muzzle, magazine to the front, butt downward. Let go the rifle with the right hand.

 

Four.

Complete the motions as described in para, 1, iii, above.

 

Dismount.

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Dismount as described in para. 1, iv, above, bringing the rifle to the position of the “Order” at the left side.

 

4. To draw arms.

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Draw Arms – One.

Grasp the rifle at the small of the butt.

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Two.

Draw the rifle slightly out of the bucket and grasp just in front of the magazine.

 

Three.

Retaining the same grasp, bring the rifle to the “Advance”.

 

5. The advance.

 

The rifle is held with the right hand in front of the magazine, right hand resting on the upper part of the right thigh, thumb and fingers round the rifle, muzzle pointing to the left front and just clear of the horse’s near ear, magazine to the front.

 

6. To carry arms.

 

Carry – Arms.

 

From the “Advance” – Without moving the right hand from its grasp of the rifle, place the butt on the upper part of the right thigh, the muzzle leaning to the front, at about an angle of 45 degrees, and in line with the right eye, magazine to the left, back of the hand down, arm slightly bent, elbow close to the side.

 

7. To return arms.

 

Return – Arms.

This is done in one motion as follows :- Raise the butt of the rifle and lower the muzzle into the mouth of the bucket, pressing the rifle well home with the right hand, magazine to the rear, taking care that the bolt lever does not catch on the edge of the bucket.

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8. To sling arms.

 

Sling – Arms.

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Raise the rifle above the head, and with a left circular movement from the head between the rifle and sling, lower the weight on to the left shoulder with the sling in front and the rifle behind the body, muzzle uppermost; at the same time slip the right arm between the sling and the rifle.

 

9. To unsling arms.

 

UNSLING – ARMS

 

Bend the right arm, slip the elbow under the rifle, and with it give the rifle a cant forward until it’ lit is hanging on the neck; then seize it with the right hand at the balance, and by an upward circular motion disengage and bring it to the advance.

 

77. Drill (positions of attention and sit at ease in the saddle).

 

1. Attention (reins in both hands). – The seat should be in the centre of the saddle. The positions of the head, neck and body are the same as when dismounted. The arms should hang easily from the shoulders, upper arm perpendicular and lightly touching the sides. Hands slightly below the level of the elbows about four inches apart, wrists slightly bent, back of the hands outwards and slightly turned up, thumbs pointing obliquely across each other. Flat of the thighs and inside of the knees lightly pressed against the saddle, legs from the knees downwards slightly behind the perpendicular, toes at a natural angle, toes at a natural angle, heels forced downwards and pressure of the stirrup iron on the sole of the boot.

Note. – In riding with the reins in one hand, the disengaging arm should hang easily from the shoulder, the hand holding the reins being opposite the centre of the body.

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2. The horse should be at attention as well as the man, that is, “collected”.

 

3. On the command “SIT-AT-EASE”, the reins should be relaxed by dropping the left hand on to the front arch of the saddle. The right hand should rest on the left, back upper-most.

 

78. Direction.

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1. In “line”, the centre or right centre troop leader of a squadron will be the directing troop leader of that squadron. The same principle applies to higher formations; for instance, the centre squadron of a regiment or the centre regiment of a brigade is responsible for directing.

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In “echelon” and “half-column” formations, the leading unit directs.

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2. The directing troop leader, on seeing the exact direction his squadron commander wishes him to take, will select an appropriate point and lead upon it.

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The other troop leaders will conform with leading of the directing troop leader. The standard of training of all leaders should be such that each can look towards his own front and march on his own point, and at the same time correct errors by occasional glances towards the directing troop leader. The same applies in principle to the men, who should not have to look continually to their leader.

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3. Errors of direction must be corrected gradually and quietly.

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When men are being squeezed out of the ranks, they must not struggle to maintain their places, thereby creating disorder and upsetting the horses. They must ride on quietly, and move into their places as soon as any opening-out takes place.

It must be remembered that it is essential to keep the front rank closed.

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4. Each unit moves to its place in a new formation by the shortest available route, and in the simplest manner. As a rule, the formation only is indicated by the commander; the movements and pace of smaller units depend on the ground and their relative positions, and will be left to the initiative of subordinate leaders.

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79. Dressing and Covering.

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1. At the half every man should take the correct distance in rear of his troop leader, or from the front rank; he should face in exactly the same direction as his troop leader and should make his horse stand square in that direction, and properly balanced. He should also maintain the correct interval from the centre of his troop.

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2. On the move he should ride smoothly and quietly at the pace ordered, or at that set by his troop leader, keep his proper distance from his troop leader, and maintain the correct interval from the centre of his troop.

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3. Men should give way to pressure from the directing point, but should resist pressure towards it.

 

4. Only on certain ceremonial occasions may troops be dressed from the flank.

 

5. When marching in column care should be taken that each man keeps the prescribed distance from, and exactly covers, the man in front.

 

6. Exact covering and dressing will be maintained when marching at ease.

 

80. Alignment.

In the attack on cavalry, order and cohesion are the principal factors of success; in its actual execution, therefore, the maintenance of a steady direction is of greater importance than the accuracy of the alignment, for order and cohesion depend largely on steadiness of direction.

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If squadrons, or even troops, are a little in front of, or behind, the alignment it is a matter of little importance, but it is of great importance that the attacking line should present to the enemy the appearance of a solid and unbroken body.

The effectiveness of an advance in line should therefore be judged from its appearance from the front or rear and not from a flank.

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81. Passage of obstacles.

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1. At drill troops pass across obstacles on as broad a front as possible.

 

2. Single men or sections topped by an obstacle should break off from the flanks, or drop back behind the troop without waiting for orders, until the obstacle is passed, when they will at once resume their places in the ranks by increasing the pace without rush or hurry.

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3. Troops can also pass obstacles by advancing in extended order, or by forming squadron or troop columns.

 

4. A troop or squadron whose whole front is blocked by an obstacle will be led round it by its leader; moving, until clear of the obstacles, in rear of one of the other troops or squadrons.

 

5. If two squadrons or troops have to pass through a narrow opening, the one nearer to it, or if the distance is about the same, the one nearer the centre (right centre) of the regiment takes precedence.

 

6. When a column is passing through a gap or narrow defile, it is advisable to increase its pace in order to avoid crowding and checking the rearward troops.

 

82. Increasing and decreasing the front.

 

1. The general principles affecting the increase and decrease of front are explained in Sec. 21.

 

2. i. From or to the halt. -The unit moves at the pace which is ordered, or will continue to move at the then existing pace.

 

ii. On the move. – Unless a special pace is ordered, rearward units will, without orders, take up the next faster or slower pace (as may be required) to that at which they are already moving.

 

3. During a change of formation care must be taken that:

i. Rear units do not hurry up faster than the pace required.

ii. Smaller sub-units (ie sections and half-sections) are themselves completely formed before moving into their places. To be prepared to meet sudden emergencies they should be trained in forming troop and squadron in any direction at the gallop, while the head is at the walk.

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4. Should it be necessary to reduce the depth of a column without altering the formation, the command “Close into the Intervals” may be given. The rear rank men then ride into the intervals on the left of their front rank men, who ride close up to the rank in front of them.

 

83. Inclining.

 

1. The incline should be employed for short distances only, and in carrying it out the deviation from the original direction should not exceed 30 degrees, otherwise the ranks will become unduly opened out.

 

2. The incline of a troop is executed as follows:

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On the command “Right – Incline”:-

i. The troop leader makes the signal, turns his horse and marches in the required direction.

ii. The flank guide on the flank to which the incline is made becomes, under the supervision of the troop leader, responsible for the direction of the troop.

iii. The remainder of the front rank move parallel to the troop leader and dress by the flank guide on the directing flank. Each man preserves this position by placing and maintaining his knee behind the knee of the next man on the flank towards which the incline is made.

iv. The movements of the rear rank men are regulated by those of the front rank, each horse being so placed that it will cover the corresponding front rank horse when both are turned to the front.

 

3. On the command or signal “Forward”, each man at the same instant will turn his horse to his former front.

 

4. If the incline is properly performed the alignment of the troop both during the incline and after the command “Forward” will be parallel to the original alignment.

 

5. Care should be taken that all ranks turn their horses at the same moment, and that the directing flank guide does not incline too far.

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84. Wheeling.

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1. All wheels from the half or at a walk, except when a column changes direction, are made on a fixed pivot, as in dismounted drill. All other wheels are made on a moving pivot.

 

2. Wheels on a fixed pivot are executed as described in Sec. 20, except that as the front rank begins to wheel, rear rank men give ground towards the outer flank by inclining and passaging. During the wheel the pivot man gradually turns his horse on his haunches as the outer flank of the troop comes round, and each rear rank man directs this horse on the next man but one on the outer flank of his own front rank man.

 

3. In the case of a troop wheeling on a moving pivot, the troop leader and centre guide move on an arc having a radius of seventeen yards. A smaller body wheels in a similar way with a radius equal to its own frontage.

 

4. The change of distance between front and rear ranks necessary when moving from column into line, or line into column, must be made during the wheel.

 

5. A troop, when working by itself or when head of a column, may be wheeled an indefinite amount by the command “Troop right (Left)” or “Head right (Left)”, followed by “Forward” when the required direction has been obtained.

 

6. Immediately on the command “Right (Left) Wheel” being given, the troop leader should take a quick glance to right (Left) and pick up a distant point in a direction exactly at right angles to that in which movement was being made at the time when the order was given. This point should be taken as the point to march on when the wheel is completed. A correct right angle is more easily gauged in this manner than by attempting to estimate when a sufficient amount of wheel has been made.

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85. Dismounting and mounting when in troop formations for drill purposes.

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1. Prepare to Dismount.

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Before each man prepares to dismount as described in Sec. 76,3 and Manual of Horsemastership, Equitation and Driving, the following movements will be made.

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i. If the troop is in “line”. – The troop leader and front rank advance one horse length; then the troop leaders and odd numbers of both ranks advance one horse length.

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ii. If the squadron is in “squadron column”. -The troop leaders move out of the column to the flank nearer to the commanding officer, and the ranks are opened as in i., above.

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iii. If the troop is in “column of sections or half-sections”. – Sections or half-sections will open out laterally far enough to allow the men to dismount.

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For lancer regiments.

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When the movements described above have been completed the men will grasp the poles of their lances at the full extent of the right arm as described in Sec.89, 4 and will look towards the right; those armed with a sword will carry swords. Taking the time from the right those armed with swords will come to the recover as the lance is raised, and return swords as the lance is transferred to the left hand.

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When the troops are in squadron the squadron leader will give the executive command.

Dismount.

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As described in Sec 76,3. and Manual of Horsemastership, Equitation and Driving.

Mount.

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As described in n Sec 76,2. and Manual of Horsemastership, Equitation and Driving, after which the even numbers will move up abreast of the odd numbers and the rear rank will close up to their proper distance from the front rank, troop leaders will return to their places and sections or half-section will close.

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For Lancer Regiments.

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Before the even numbers and rear rank move up into their places the men will, without further word of command, raise and lower their lances together, taking the time from the right-hand section leader, who should be in such a position on the right front that when mounted all on parade can see him.

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As the lancers seize their lances with the right hand, personnel armed with swords will prepare to draw swords; as the lancers bring their lances in front of their faces, personnel armed with swords will bring their swords to the recover, afterwards to the carry, and slopeas the lances are turned into the bucket.

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3. The orders “Mount” and “Dismount” may be given without the preliminary “Prepare to …”. In those cases the movements described above will all be gone through in the men’s own time and signals for raising and lowering lances and descending to the ground will be dispensed with.

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86. Shouldering.

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1. Shouldering is used instead of wheeling when the body concerned has a frontage greater than that of a troop.

The words of command, when wishing to change direction to the right (or left) respectively, are :- “Left (or right) Shoulder”, and “Forward” when the desired direction is reached.

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2. The directing troop leader, still maintaining the original pace, moves on an arc of such a size that the outer flank men can keep in line during the movement. Subject to this limitation the arc should be as small as possible. The outer flank will thus increase the pace, and the inner flank decrease it.

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87. Drill Mounted (with Rifle).

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1. Prepare to Dismount

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Before each man prepares to dismount as described in Sec 76,3. and Manual of Horsemastership, Equitation and Driving, the following movements will be made.

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i. If the troop is in “line”. – The troop leader and front rank advance one horse length; then the troop leaders and odd numbers of both ranks advance one horse length.

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ii. If the squadron is in “squadron column”. – The troop leaders move out of the column to the flank nearer to the commanding officer, and the ranks are opened as in i., above.

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iii. If the troop is in “column of sections or half-sections”. – Sections or half sections will open out laterally far enough to allow the men to dismount.

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For Lancer regiments.

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When the movements described above have been completed the men will grasp the poles of their lances at the full extent of the right arm as described in Sec. 89,4, and will look towards the right; those armed with a sword will carry swords. Taking the time from the right those armed with swords will come to the recover as the lance is raised, and return swords as the lance is transferred to the left hand.

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When the troops are in squadron the squadron leader will give the executive command.

 

Dismount.

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As described in Sec.76,3 and Manual of Horsemastership, Equitation and Driving, but if in line or squadron column, after throwing the right leg over the saddle the men will stand upright in the near stirrup, heels together, until the right-hand man gives a signal for all to lower themselves to the ground together.

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2. Prepare to Mount.

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As described in Sec. 76,2, and Manual of Horsemastership, Equitation and Driving.

Mount.

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As described in Sec. 76,2 and Manual of Horsemastership, Equitation and Driving, after which the even numbers will move up abreast of the odd numbers and the rear rank will close up to their proper distance from the front rank, troop leaders will return to their places and sections or half-sections will close.

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For lancer regiments

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Before the even numbers and rear rank move up into their places the men will, without further word of command, raise and lower their lances together, taking the time from the right-hand section leader, who should be in such a position on the right front that when mounted all on parade can see him.

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As the lancers seize their lances with the right hand, personnel armed with swords will prepare to draw swords; as the lancers bring their lances in front of their faces, personnel armed with swords will bring their swords to the recover, afterwards to the carry, and slope as the lances are turned into the bucket.

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3. The orders “Mount” and “Dismount” may be given without the preliminary “Prepare to…” . In these cases the movements described above will all be gone through in the men’s own time and signals for raising and lowering lances and descending to the ground will be dispensed with.

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88. Drill mounted (with Sword).

 

Draw swords.

 

Draw swords – One.

Pass the right hand smartly across the body over the bridle arm, draw out the blade so as to rest the hilt on the bridle arm, place the sword knot on the wrist, give it two turns inward to secure it, and then grasp the handle with the right arm close to the body, shoulders square to the front.

 

Two

With an extended arm draw the sword slowly from the scabbard in rear of the left shoulder, and bring it smartly to the recover, that is, with the blade perpendicular, edge to the left, upper part of the hilt opposite the mouth, elbow close to the body.

 

Three. (Position of the Carry)

Lower the sword smartly tot he carry, that is, with the guard resting on the hand, blade perpendicular, edge to the front, the first, second and third fingers gripping the handle under the resistance piece, little finger behind the handle to steady it, wrist resting on the thigh and the pommel pressed against the inside of it, upper part of the arm close to the body, elbow lightly touching the hip.

 

2. Slope swords.

Raise the hand until the forearm is horizontal, keeping the upper arm perpendicular, hand in front of the elbow, relax the grasp of the second and third fingers, and allow the sword to fall lightly on the shoulder, midway between the neck and point of the shoulder, the guard still resting on the hand, little finger still in rear of the handle.

 

To sit at ease (from the slope).

 

3. Sit at Ease.

Place the hands on the front part of the saddle, right hand over the left, without removing the sword from the shoulder.

 

4. Attention.

Come smartly to the position of slope swords.

 

5. To return swords (from the carry).

 

Return swords – One.

Carry the hilt smartly to the hollow of the left shoulder, blade perpendicular, edge to the left, forearm horizontal. Then by a quick turn of the wrist drop the point into the scabbard and resume the position at the end of the first motion of  draw swords, shoulders being kept square to the front throughout this motion.

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Two.

Push the sword lightly into the scabbard, release the hand from the sword knot by giving it two turns outwards, the right hand remaining across the body in line with the elbow, fingers extended and close together, back of the hand up.

 

Three.

Drop the right hand smartly to the side.

 

6. When draw swords is ordered at the walk, the men, after drawing, will remain at the carry until ordered to slope; but if draw swords is ordered at the trot or gallop, the men will come to the slope after drawing.

 

7. Drawing and returning swords should frequently be practised at the trot and gallop. On such occasions, when returning swords, the scabbard may be steadied by the drawn back heel.

 

8. Proving. – In proving with a drawn sword, the sword is brought to the carry, and again sloped on the command As you were.

 

89. Drill mounted (with Lance).

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1. Stand to your Horses.

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When dismounted with his horse the lancer is called to attention by the command “Stand to your horses”. The position is the same as the position of attention without arms, lance at the order on the left side.

 

2. Stand at-Ease.

The position is the same as that without arms, the toe of the butt outside the ball of the left foot, lance resting against the left shoulder.

 

3. Prepare to Mount.

Grasp the lance just below the sling with the left hand, which at the same time grips the reins and a lock of the mane. If the horse is hog-maned the ends of the fingers are bent over his neck.

 

Mount.

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Mount in the usual manner, taking care to keep the pint of the lance well up to prevent it from touching the men and horses in the ranks. As soon as seated in the saddle, grasp the lance by the right hand below the balance under the bridle hand; by a second motion bring it smartly up and hold it perpendicularly with the right hand in front of the face, the butt level with the elbow; after a short pause, lower it carefully into he bucket and come to the position of carry lance, which is the position of attention when mounted.

 

4. Prepare to Dismount.

 

Let the right hand slide down the pole of the lance to the full extend of the arm; bring the lance smartly up and hold it perpendicularly with the right hand in front of the face; after a short pause lower it under the bridle arm, and grasp it just below the sling by the left hand, which should already be holding the reins and mane. Quit the right stirrup.

 

Dismount.

 

Dismount as usual, keeping the point well raised, and assume the position of attention with the lance at the order in the left hand, butt close to the ball of the left foot.

 

5. To mount with lance in rifle bucket and rifle in hand.-

 

Rifle bucket near side Prepare to Mount the lance from the rifle bucket and replace it with the rifle and proceed

as described in para 3 above.

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Mount As in para. C above. As above. Then remove lance from rifle bucket and grasp it with left hand near the balance, taking care to keep the point well up. Remove the rifle from the left hand and place it in the rifle bucket. Seize the lance with the right hand and come to the carry.

 

6. To dismount with rifle in rifle bucket and lance in hand.

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Rifle bucket near side

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Prepare to Dismount lance from the lance bucket, pass it to and hold it with the bridle hand. Then grasp the rifle at the small, with-draw it from the bucket and pass it under the bridle arm on the near side, butt downwards. Insert the thumb of the left hand inside the rifle sling. Grasp the lance with the right hand and place it in the rifle bucket butt downwards. Quit the right stirrup. Dismount As in para. , above. Proceed as described in Then keeping the reins over the left forearm, remove the rifle from the rifle bucket and re-place it with the lance. Come to the position of attention with the rifle at the left side.

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7. Carry – Lance.

The lance, resting with the butt in the bucket, is kept upright with the right hand, which grasps the pole, thumb level with the top of the shoulder, back of the hand to the front, elbow down.

 

8. Order – Lance.

Let the lance fall against the hollow of the right shoulder, and let the right hand slide down the pole to the full extent of the arm.

 

9. Sit at – Ease.

The position of the order is assumed, the left hand is placed on the front of the saddle with the right hand over it, right arm round the pole.

 

10. Attention.

The position of carry lance is assumed.

 

11. Trail – Lance.

Grasping the lance at the balance, raise it out of the bucket, lower the point to the left front, over the horse’s near ear, the hand resting on the thigh, little finger in line with the back edge of the seam of the breeches, knuckles down and elbow bent slightly outwards.

 

12. Sling – Lance.

From the carry. – Pass the right hand through the sling, and allow the lance to fall behind the shoulder. The hand will then rest on the thigh as in trail lance.

 

13. Left Arm Sling Lance – One

Let the right arm slide down the pole of the lance to the full extent of the arm.

 

Two.

Bring the lance smartly up, and hold it perpendicularly with the right hand in front of the face; after a short pause, lower it carefully into the left bucket outside the bridle arm, the right hand resting on the left, the lance sliding through it.

Three.

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Holding the lance between the thumb and forefinger, pass the remaining fingers of the right hand over the reins and hold them, with the back of the hand up: pass the left hand thus disengaged through the sling and again take the reins.

 

14. Carry Lance – One.

Take the reins in the right hand, the back of the hand up, and drop the left hand, taking hold of the lance at the full extent of the arm.

 

Two.

Sweep the lance to the front with the left arm, and, disengaging the arm from the sling, allow the lance to fall against the left shoulder, and immediately take the reins in the left hand.

 

Three.

Drop the right hand to the full extent of the arm under the bridle hand, seize the lance and bring it smartly up, holding it perpendicularly with the right hand in front of the face: after a moment’s pause, lower it carefully into the right bucket and assume the position of carry lance.

 

15. Dress.

The lance is brought to the order and dressing is carried out.

 

16. Eyes – Front.

The position of carry lance is resumed and the head and eyes are turned to the front.

 

17. Prove.

When at the carry. – The right arm, holding the lance, is extended to the front.

When at the order. – The position of the carry is assumed and the right arm is extended as above.

 

18. As you were.

The original position of the carry or order is resumed.

 

19. Sling Lance. March at – Ease.

When it is desired to march at ease the command “Sling Lance. March at Ease” will be given. Leaders and serrefiles will return swords.

 

20. Lances will not be slung at the gallop.

 

21. Orderlies attending officers on duty will move with their lances at the carry.