The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-05-25
ARMY OFFICERS
POOR HORSEMEN,
PRESIDENT HINTS
General Staff Reused
By Orders for Rid
ing Test.

II official reports were made to the
proper authorities of some of the ex-
pressions made by many of the army
officers stationed in Washington, con
corning q recent action of their COM
mander-in-chief. doubtless court-martial
boards would be busy for some time to
come and number of uniforms would
be forcibly cast aside.
This situation has resulted from an
action OF the President which is con-
strued by many of the officers. particu-
larry those in the cavalry branch and
on the General Stan. to mean that they
do not know how to ride horse. In
letter just made public at the War De-
partment. it develops that the President
has questioned the riding ability of prac-
tically the general official personnel of
the army.
Officers Poor Horsemen.
The President has directed in this
letter that practical test of the horse
manship Of field officers Of the infantry,
cavalry, and artillery be made. The let
ter plainly indicates, officers say. that
the President has somehow gained an
impression that there are officers wholly
incapable of retaining a seat I'm the sad
die with the animal going at more than
an amble His letter to Secretary Taft
las been Incorporated in official orders
Tor the benefit of the army.
The President says:
AS / have personally observed some
field officers who were physically unable
TO ride even a few miles at an increased
gait. and as 1 deem it essential that
the field officers Of the line Of the army
should be at all times physically fit and
able TO perform the duties pertaining
70 their positions. especially in the field,
and as / believe that such physical fit
ness can only be demonstrated by actual
physical tests, ! desire that you give
the necessary directions TO have the
phYsical condition OF all officers Of the
line who come up for examination for
promotion to the grade of field officer
actually tested for skill and endurance
in riding; this in addition TO the phys
ical examination now required by law.
Annual Riding Test.
Il further desire that an annual or
biennial test OF the physical condition
and skill in horsemanship of al field
officers of the line be made under the
personal supervision of the several de-
partment commanders when making
thei- annual inspections. The test
shodld be thorough and should consist
OF a ride OF not less than fifteen miles
at varying gaits adapted 10 the terrain,
not less than ten miles Of which shall
be at the trot and gallOp-apprOXimate
" five miles at eaCh-With such other
exercises in equitation as may be deem
ed advisable.
All field officers who belong to or
g8niZa tons which are required to en-
gage in the field training prescribed by
general orders "A. War Department, 1905,
should invariably participate In all
practice marches. encampments and field
exercises. All absences from these eN-
ercises should be explained 20 the de-
partment commander, and only the
most cOgent reasons for such abences
should be accepted as satisfactory.
Report On individuals.
Il think that all officers Of the inspec-
tor generals department should here
after be required To especially inquire
into and report by name, afhrmstiveIy
or negatively as the case may be.
whether the field officers belonging TO
commands they inspect are believed TO
be physically NJ 10 perform al their
duties in the field"
This letter. as might be expected.
struck the army like bombsheu When
the President made his observations is
not known. as he has seen little OF
officers on horseback within the last
year. RumOrS have got about, however
red with the showing made by his
Ian statue at Connecticut and California
finest" is the General stan.