They are making a cricket pitch at the back of the camp and have adopted a cunning method of getting it hard, to wit, by making us ride over it every time we go to or from water. In one day it has been stamped quite firm. Tried Rangatira over the jumps the battery next door have put up.* He jumps strongly and well, but much prefers to dodge it. Apparently a mule is constitutionally unable to gallop at his top speed. Whenever I have tried one at it he has put his head right down until he seems in danger of going head over heels. Whilst prancing about I suddenly caught sight of Jull standing by watching the performance. He tells me R. had been peppered all over and is in a Belgian Hospital.
* Although not referred to by Lincoln, the images below show a horse show held by the New Zealand Infantry Brigade on 20 May 1918. Seemingly horse (although perhaps not mules!) jumping was a popular recreational occupation at this time.
[Image: A general view of the show ring at the New Zealand Infantry Brigade horse show, held in Vaucelles, France, during World War I. Spectators are looking towards the ring where an event is in progress. Photograph taken 20 May 1918 by Henry Armytage Sanders. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington. Ref: 1/2-013234-G]
[Image: The winner of the officers’ jumping event at the New Zealand Infantry Brigade horse show, Vaucelles, World War I. Shows the judges with riders and mounts. Photograph taken 20 May 1918 by Henry Armytage Sanders. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington. Ref: 1/2-013228-G]
Walk March 