The following article titled “Wooden Horses for Training Recruits” is a reprint from the July-September 1917 Field Artillery Journal. Perhaps one of US Horsemanship’s readers if the U.S. Army actually utilized this idea. I find the theory behind the suggestion interesting, as it is not so far from the mechanical horses that are in use today. … Continue Reading
Although my first loves in the equine world are the Thoroughbred and the Arabian, two breeds that have many of the same characteristics, I also greatly admire the American Saddlebred. The American Saddlebred is as much “America’s Horse” as is the Quarter Horse.
Long named the Peacock of the Show ring, the Saddlebred has always been a thrill to watch. My first opportunities to watch them in 
action occurred at the old Madison Square Garden in the ‘60s. Later on, after moving to Missouri, I became more familiar with them in their show ring setting. Sadly the American Saddlebred has not been one of the more kindly treated breeds in our history. And while the Saddlebred, as a registered breed, has been developed for the show ring from the beginning, it is far more versatile than it may appear.
I grew up in a riding program on Long Island that was based on a combination of Chamberlin and Littauer. I just want to be clear that I didn’t grow up riding saddle seat. Several of the horses in this lesson program were American Saddlebreds and I rode them frequently. They were solid over jumps, had lovely gaits and everyone of them was beautiful with an outstanding disposition. I think the Saddlebred disposition is one of it’s most awesome qualities. … Continue Reading
The following article titled, Equitation, is from the class of 1912 Rasp and is compiled by Captain Guy V. Henry. It’s an interesting account of the changes in thought and need that transpired over a 9 year period. After World War I the school was renamed the Cavalry School and became the finest training program of it’s kind in the world.
My post for U.S. Horsemanship is taken from the Oct.-Dec. 1911 Field Artillery Journal. In his article “The International Competition for Officer’s Chargers; Rome, May, 1911” author Lieutenant Colonel T. Bentley Mott, discusses not only the competition but the differences between the French and Italian Seats. It’s interesting to hear from someone living when Caprilli’s ideas were still warily watched and the French School was also determining if it had a place in their teaching. The U.S. Military having sent officers to both schools was also still in the decision phase although leaning more toward the French school. Interesting also is the reference made to the American seat invented by our jockeys. Also visible is the beginning of conflict between “indoors”, “shows” and “cross country”. … Continue Reading
The following is the final part of the 1913 “RASP” article “American Officers in the Riding Competitions, Stockholm, Sweden” by Captain Ben Lear, Jr., Fifteenth Cavalry. Captain Lear’s description of the problems that the team faced during preparation and competition show the grit and determination of our first Olympic equestrian team. I part 3 he compares the preparations made by other competing countries and talk about methods of selection. He makes a point of letting the reader know that the U.S. team did not have the numbers nor the quality of horses to choose from that he felt are required to produce a wining team. While I have no doubt that this was the case, I find it interesting that lack of good horses has been the cry of the USET for as long as it has been in existence. As Captain Lear notes , “no one will deny that many fine horses can be found in the United States”, which might make one think that there is some other reason for the shortage of superior horses available to our Olympic teams. … Continue Reading
This is the 2nd of 3 blogs from the 1913 “RASP” article “American Officers in the Riding Competitions, Stockholm, Sweden” by Captain Ben Lear, Jr., Fifteenth Cavalry
The ship arrived at Stockholm, June 30, horses unloaded and taken to the military stables of one of the artillery regiments. Here we found conditions most excellent and everything possible was done by the Swedish officers to make officers, men and horses comfortable. Forage and stabling was of the best, and the former far superior to that which is obtained in our country.
The competitions were to start on July 13, thus giving us thirteen days to get our horses into condition for these severe tests.
We found the horses very soft after their trip and capable of doing nothing but slow work for some days. This we tried to make as hard as possible by climbing hills, going through mud and various things to gradually draw out and harden the muscles.
… Continue Reading
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