 The Horseman's Word acted as a form of trade union, aiming to protect trade secrets, ensuring that its members were properly trained, and defending the rights of its members against the wealthier land-owners.The group also had a semi-religious dimension, teaching its members various rituals designed to provide them with the ability to control both horses and women.Membership of the society required an initiation ceremony, during which Horsemen read passages from the Bible backwards, and the secrets included Masonic-style oaths, gestures, passwords and handshakes.