Selkirk trained them in every aspect of horsemanship, but in rough riding and bush skills Black was Crosier"s undisputed master, and his section picked up the twelve-hour pass Selkirk offered for horse mastery. Selkirk watched as they celebrated, knew they were not yet ready for war.
He trained them in the sudden night time swoop on an enemy position, and the fighting withdrawal with the men split, one section covering the other, so the pursuing enemy was constantly under accurate fire. He trained them in night picketing; he checked the heavy cavalry saddles with which they had been issued and had them lightened for long rides, so the horses travelled faster without fatigue. He taught them every irregular horse trick he could remember and watched them grow in skill and confidence. He trai
