The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-11-03
TEN THOUSAND HORSES.
TIE UNITED STATES TAKES PRIDE
IN FoUR-FooTEo STOCK.

iii, CertaIn I,ecufations-A Horse Gen
orally Lasts Six Years. and IL Then Sold
TO the Highest Bidder.
Whenever, upon tho occasion OF any
public parade. the cavalry stationed at
the garrison at Fort Myer forms part OF
the procession, the magnificent appear
ance of the horses excites the universal
admiration of the spectators. Their SIZE,
for they are above the ordinary build,
suggests in itself the idea of strength,
while the uniformly shaped head and
large. prominent eyes tel! OF the intelii-
gencc Of the animal.
ID Is said that France eNpends an
nualIy $500. 600 in the Improvement OF
her horses. with view Of obtaining
hardy bred animals, whose endurance
makes them especially valuable for such
irregular services as is required OF the
Cossacks of Russia. the Uhlans OF Ger
MANY, and our mounted infantry.
THEY HAVE TO BE GOOD ONES.
The United States does not spend near
IS so much. but il secures a class OF
horses high above the average, and by
proper and humane treatment loses but
a small percentage Of them. Moreover.
the animal when it becomes the property
Of Uncle Sam fares better than its fell
lows, and ordinarily its life is continued
IN the service for some years beyond
that OF the horses of other armies.
Congress annually appropriates about
5000 600 to be expended in the purchase
Of horses. This amount is divided pro
rata among the divisions Of the army,
those on the Atlantic coast not requiring
rs large sum as the cavalry on the
frontier, where the life of the animal is
not altogether one Of lazy contentment.
IN Arizona, especially, the equine NOR
tality is greater than in any other sec
lion. and more horses become disabled
and unfit for further service. The burn
ing sands and alkali deserts lead to blind
ness and diseases of the ho.f, and the
animal has either to be shot or sold.
The lack of proper pasturage and feed
also cuts an important figure in the life
q the cavalry horse in the remote garri-
SONS Of the west, for while his eastern
brother is feeding luxuriartly on a full
allowance Of oats and corn twice n day
and sleeping in a comfortable stable, the
western horse is making a scanty meal
IN husks and sleeping in a ramshaclSle
building that seems to have been espe-
cially constructed for n free circulation
Of air.
There are nearly 10000 horses in use
by the United States army. OF this
number about 10 per cent. are sold an
aually because Of their uniitness for fur
Their cavalry or artillery duty, and about
) per cent. are lost by death. So, in or
Ter 10 maintain the standard. it is neces-
,ary to purchase about 1900 animals
every year. When the stock Of a garri-
SON needs replenishing the quartermas-
er general department is notified. An
advertisement inviting bids is inserted
IN the prominent papers and contract
uttered into with the lowest bidder 10
leliyer the horses ut the desired point,
f, after n suitable inspection by the sec
'etary Of war, they meet the require
ncnts of the standard fixed by the army
equations. The regulations require
hat the horse shall be a gelding of uni
orm and hardy color; from fifteen to
cvcntecn hands high; from 4 to 8 years
3D. and weighing between 900 and ,9e0
pounds for a cavalry horse and between !
$50 and 1900 for artillery horses.
there are other requirements necessary, |
uch rs the general build Of the animals
nd their health. Whenever it becomes |
ccessary to purchase tho half breed !
orscs Of California or southern Texas
he standard of the height is reduced to
ourteeH and one half hands
A COMPLETE RECORD KEPT.
Most of the horses used in the army
re- purchased inst. Louis and Louisville,
Though the general rule Of late has
cen 70 obtain the animals in the neigh
orhood in which they are desired for
St, the idea being to obtain thoroughly
cclimated animals. The average cost Of
horse is tribe over 5l3i.
AZ soon as the purchase is completed
he horse is branded with the letters
t.. s." on the let. fore shoulder. and "a
Dmplete descriptive list is made Of him,
hich always accompanies him wherever
q is transferred The horses are dis
'ibuted by the rcgimental commander,
nj the riders or drivers are not allowed
exchange them or permit any one else
use them.
With every troop Of cavalry record
the animals is kept, containing the
ascrinuon Of every one received and
showing the kind, name,
sc. size. color, marks, brands or other
.culiariiies. how and when acquired
nh disposed Of. the name Of its rider
nj driver, and the use (Which it is APP
led.
The forage ration for horse Is four
en- pounds Of hay and twelve pounds
oats, corn or barley, and in special
0scs Of hard service or exposure the
ain ration is usually increased three
,unds. In localities where good graz
e is practicable for a considerable por0
On of the day. or during seasons when
tile labor is required Of the animals, the
ton is usually reduced
The animals usually last about six
AIS. and at the end Of that time are
IA az auction, or before, if they are
sabied $50 as 10 be unfit for service.
hen sold the oflicerputs another brand
the horse, making it impossible for
s horse 10 be sold 10 the government
some other point. Condemned ami
als DO not bring very much. They are
orthiess for carriage purposes. and are :
% much worn out TO De fit for the more
iuous work Of street car hauling. | :
iey are usually sold TO contractors.
no employ them in hauling small loads.
no the army horse does not last long
ter he drops ont Of the service Usu-
IS he does not amount TO much when
o government has no further use for
5 services, and his career thereafter Ia
short as il Is uneventful.-W Washing