Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1909-03-05


States cavalry.
All of the horses purchased by the
University for this work were thorough
ly unframed for saddle use. In fact,
most of them had never been broken to
harness. This was in accordance with
the original plan, for it was desired to
give to the cadets undergoing instruc-
ton, training not only in riding, but also
in the proper handling and instruction of
young horses, because it was appreciated
that the number of trained saddle horses
in Vermont was limited, and was consid-
ed desirable to teach the cadets to handle,
not only well trained saddlers. but also
to take green, unbroken colt and make
an efficient saddle animal of it. Before
of these unframed horses, the animal
was first ridden by the instructor a suffi.
cient number of times to prove its dis
position and the fact that it was safe for
an unframed man to ride. Beyond that,
the education of these horses is turned
over to the men undergoing instruction,
that the human and brute pupils may
learn together.
In the selection of horses for this pur-
pose, it has been the plan of those in
charge to secure the type of horse for
which Vermont has been famous-the
Morgan This is not only from patriot
ic feeling, but because this type is pecu-
liarly well fitted for saddle purposes,
making, when of sufficient size, an al
most ideal cavalry mount. 1t is hoped
by the authorities of the University that
the value of the Morgan horse as sad.
die animal may here be so well demon
strated as to give an added impetus to
the breeding of that type among the Yer
mont farmers with view to their sale
for saddle purposes.
During the first few months instruc-
ton is given horsemanship-the hand
ling of the horse-and in riding. Les
sons are first given in the saddle and at
slow gaits until both man and horse get
confidence. Then the man is ready for
instruction in that class of riding which
will make him perfectly at home on
horses back, regardless of the type of
saddle, or whether he has any saddle at
all. This is accomplished by drill in
bareback riding riding astride, riding
sideways, riding faced to the rear, riding
in all positions possible on horses back
from his ears to his tail; mounting and
dismounting at the walk, the trot and
gallop; jumping hurdles, both with and
without saddles; and all kinds of work
which give the man such confidence that
he is fearless, without being foolhardy,
and knows the powers and capabilities of
the horse.
Following upon this, comes the in
struction in regular cavalry drill, some
of which is undertaken in the riding
hall, but most of which has to be done
on the drill field later in the season.
This fixes in mind the lessons previously
taught.
AS to the advantages of this instruc
who are ambitious to enter the military
service of the U. S. it means everything.
AS Norwich University now has the
right to name honor graduates for APP
pointment as second lieutenants in the
United States army without the usual
mental examinations, the mounted in
struction guarantees to young man
desiring such an appointment that he
will pass.
AT the head o. the University stable is
the famous stallion, Emperor present
ed by Mr.. Maxwell Evarts of Windsor.
This magnificent horse is we'll known as
blue ribbon winner wherever he has
been exhibited. Under the saddle this
proud and powerful animal makes a
beautiful appearance, and is chief among
the attractions shown by the cavalry
department to many interested visitors.
Mortified News.