Let's be clear: this is not a novel. There is no plot in the traditional sense. The 'story' is the daily life, duty, and expected knowledge of a U.S. Cavalry soldier in 1917.

The Story

The book is a direct instruction manual. It starts with the absolute basics: how to stand at attention, how to salute, how to address an officer. It then builds from there. You learn the intricate steps of caring for your horse—your most important partner—from grooming to feeding to treating basic ailments. It details how to saddle up, how to form ranks, and the commands for moving as a unit. The manual goes deeper into the tools of the trade: the proper use of the saber, the rifle, and the pistol. It outlines guard duty procedures, camp hygiene rules, and even how to pack a saddlebag. The narrative arc is one of transformation: from a civilian to a disciplined soldier, entirely dependent on his horse and his comrades.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this fascinating is the context. World War I was raging in Europe, showcasing the brutal efficiency of industrialized warfare. Yet here, the U.S. Army was still printing detailed instructions on mounted saber charges. Reading it, you get this profound sense of a world in transition. The prose is stark and practical, which somehow makes it more powerful. You feel the weight of responsibility placed on a young private—not just for his own life, but for the expensive government horse in his care. It strips away the romance of the cavalry and shows you the gritty, repetitive, and disciplined work that made it function. It’s a masterclass in primary source history.

Final Verdict

This is a niche read, but a rewarding one. It's perfect for history buffs, military enthusiasts, and writers looking for authentic period detail. If you've ever enjoyed a western or a war movie and wondered, 'But what did they actually *do* all day?' this book has your answers. It's also great for anyone interested in how organizations train people for extreme situations. Don't read it cover-to-cover like a novel. Dip in and out. Read a section on rifle drills, then one on stable duty. You'll come away with a deep, tangible respect for the sheer amount of knowledge these soldiers had to carry in their heads, long before the first shot was ever fired.