GENERAL 

 Object. 



To keep the greatest possible number of animals in a fit condition 

 at all times. 



How Accomplished. 



This can be accomplished only by a thorotig-h knowledge of animals 

 and their needs, the establishment and maintenance of systematic 

 methods and strict stable discipline, and by close supervision of details. 

 The old saying that ''an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" 

 is especially true in the care of animals, for it is a well established fact 

 that the prevention of disease and other causes of disability of animals 

 is of far greater importance than any treatment which can be given 

 for the cure of disabilities. 



Animals are by many thoughtless people in and out of the service, 

 all too frequently considered as just so many articles of issue, which 

 will render the prescribed amount of service regardless of the condi- 

 tions affecting their health and general welfare. 



On the contrary, there is probably nothing issued to our troops which 

 is so perishable or so dependent upon the proper care. Despite their 

 great physical strength animals have extremely delicate constitutions, 

 and must be watched over, fed and tended with the greatest care if we 

 are to profit by the splendid service they are capable of performing 

 when in fit condition. 



All men who have to do with animals must be trained in their care. 

 For convenience of supervision, animals can best be observed in small 

 lots such as platoons or sections. Leaders of these units must be held 

 responsible by their superior officers. This does not relieve the 

 organization commander from his responsibility, for he alone is re- 

 sponsible to his superiors for the results in his command. 



Existing conditions may be such that it seems impossible to obtain 

 any sort of satisfactory conditions. In such cases ingenuity and re- 

 sourcefulness will often produce results which at first appear to be 

 impossible. 



COMMON HORSE SENSE 



1. Kindness is the best policy. Far better results are obtained from 

 animals by kindness than by rough treatment. Nearly all bad horses 

 are made so by brutal treatment. 



2. Horses and mules are animals, not machines. They have feelings 

 just as we have, and should be treated with consideration. 



3. Horses are strong if properly cared for. They cannot care for 

 themselves. If we neglect them they suffer and we lose their service. 



4. An animal is no stronger than his weakest part. It will avail us 

 nothing for him to have wonderful muscles and poor feet. Every part 

 must be cared for. 



