The Boer paid no attention to art when he went to war, and consequently he carried nothing that was not absolutely essential.

His saddle was less than half the weight of a British saddle, and that was almost all the equipment he carried when on a trek.

The Boer rider and equipment, including saddle, rifle, blankets, and a food-supply, rarely weighed more than two hundred and fifty pounds, which was not a heavy load for a horse to carry.

A British cavalryman and his equipment of heavy saddle, sabre, carbine, and saddle-bags, rarely weighed less than four hundred pounds--a burden which soon tired a horse.

Again, almost every Boer had two horses, so that when one had been ridden for an hour or more he was relieved and led, while the other was used.