Evening star., 1917-05-20
HORSE INDISPENSABLE
YET IN MODERN ARMIES
Gen. Bridges of English Mission
Tells How They Are Used and
What They Can Do.

NEW YORK, May 19.-Owners and
breeders of thoroughbred horses for
racing and other purposes insist that
the horse still is an Indispensable ma
tional asset. notwithstanding the enor-
nous number of motor vehicles now
used in warfare, they claim that the
British government has purchased con-
siderably more than one million horses
and a quarter of million mules since
the beginning of the European conflict
Speaking on the subject of breeding
and procuring horses for military pur-
poses, Gen. G. T. NJ. Bridges. chief
army representative of the British
commission. recently said to promi-
was deeply interested in this important
topic.
in the artillery branch of the serv-
ice,' Gen. Bridges said. "the horse is
still not only most useful. but in many
instances cannot be replaced by trac-
tors or motor vehicles OF any type.
Roads are built, when possible, but in
the case Of a rapid advance teams OF
eight heavy draught artillery horses
drag their guns over ground that nat is is
yet invented. In the artillery many
light-draught American bred horses are
now used. but for the long pull the
old-fashioned type of English Clydes-
seem to give the best results. They
have size, activity. endurance. weight
moving capacity, and courage in
plenty. The Anglo-Norman type of
horse used by the French SO success
fully, and the old-fashioned English
heavy draught horse make the most
serviceable artillery horses. From the
beginning Of the war to date the supply
of all types of horses has been too
small to permit US to be ultra-critical
as to type.
.The usefulness of the horse is not
confined to artillery and cavalry. The
pack horse, though occupying more
humble position, is none the less indls-
are carried by him into regions where
the motor cannot penetrate.
Believes in the Cavalry.
"As to the cavalry horse. Today the
line may be said to be one vast trench
from the channel to Switzerland. Con-
seQuently the cavalry at present can
not be used for flank movements, for
merly one of it's chief objectives. In
rapid movements to assist in the cap
ture Of villages and to hold them until
reinforcements are supplied, the cav
airy il quite frequently used As a
matter of fact the cavalry today is
mounted infantry, most useful on ac-
count Of its mobility, while in some in
stances their mounts are used to bs.SSs
Infantry to the front in quick order.
Each cavalry brigade is now armed
pack, every troop having one machine
gun. and always render good account
of themselves.
Cen Hafg is strong believer in the
cavalry. and while today holds it be-
hind the lines, he will not permit 1t to
he decreased. When the German line is
finally broken, the cavalry will be
needed to occupy and hold advanced
go
and artillery reinforcements. The day
Of the old-tfme cavalry charge has
probably passed, but in many respects
the cavalry Is still most serviceable
branch Of the army.
For the officers mount, always an
important consideration in the army,
the Irish hunter has proved the most
suitable and serviceable, though many
officers have used the English thor
oughbred and former polo mounts to
advantage. This type of horse is usual
" of good appearance and should show
breeding. substance and bone, and
4 should have been taught to cover rough
ground and, il necessary. jump fences,
bitches and trenches.
Somewhere ,the statement was made
that the average life of the horse at
the front Is ten days. Had this been
the case we should never have been
able to s,pply the losses caused by
such mortality. As a matter of fact,
about 40 per cent of the horses brought
to the continent by the first expedi-
tfonary forces are still alive, and in
better condition than when first ship
ped across the channel.
How England Was Handicapped.
Had England had scientifically ar
ranged government breeding stations
similar to those upon which the French
and German governments have spent
millions. the supply of horses suitable
Tor army purposes would have been
much larger at the beginning of the
war than it was, and a higher stand
ard OF remount for the artillery and
cavalry might have been established.
Since the war began. Col. Hall
Walker has generously presented to
the English government his stud Tully
and forty-odd thoroughbred brood
mares and hllies. and Russley has been
obtained as a stallion depot for thor
oughbred sires: This is step in the
Tn this country understand that at
Front Royal. Va. and in the west gov
ernment breeding stations have been
started. and that some of the most
OF the country. notably Mr.. August Bel
mont and Mr.. 81. p Whitney, have
generously donated Thoroughbred stall
lions Tor the government for this laud-
able work. These stations should
serve to set standard for the artil-
lery and cavalry remount and be of
incalculable value in improving the
general breed of army horses.
Possibly many of the best of the
American horses suitable for army
purposes have been purchased by our
selves. the French and Italians, but in
this country there must be an almost
unlimited supply ready for service after
preliminary training. That the thor
oughbred is the best foundation for the
remount system in any country there
can be no doubt. And that the only
real proving ground of the thorough
bred is the race course every well In
formed man comedies. Therefore en-
couragement should be given to the
breeding interests of the country, for
so long as racing is pursued in this
country thoroughbred sires, which win
!mpart to their progeny quality. speed.
endurance. courage and constitution,
will be found in plenty"
Treatment Of Wounds.
From the Red Cross Magazine.
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