426 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



For a distance of 1000 metres and less, they can travel very fast from the 

 starting-place. For longer distances, it will be indispensable that the charging 

 gallop be run only in the following proportions : 



For 1500 metres, 800 at the ordinary gallop ; 700 at the charging gallop. 

 " 2000 " 1500 " " " 500 " 



" 2500 " 2200 " " " 300 " " " 



" 3000 " almost the whole distance at the ordinary gallop ; the 

 remainder at the charging gallop. 



For 3500 metres, an ordinary gallop for 2000 metres ; the remainder at a 

 gallop of 500 metres per minute. The rate cannot increase just before the 

 arrival. 



For 5000 metres, the gallop is slackened for the whole distance. No charge 

 is possible upon the arrival. 



" After 1000 metres of charging, it will be necessary to stop or resume the 

 walk, because the lungs are engorged, but the muscles still have enough vigor to 

 act. From 20 to 25 minutes will be required for the respiration to return to its 

 normal state, but, after 10 minutes' rest the animals can start again and with 

 still enough freedom of respiration to go a distance of 400 to 500 metres with great 

 speed; or, if the ordinary gallop is sufficient, 1200 to 1500 metres, since the 

 charge exacts a triple expenditure of strength. After 10 minutes' rest, a third 

 charge may be made of from 300 to 400 metres. 



" After a journey of 3500 metres at a gallop (medium speed 7 minutes), the 

 muscles and the lungs are tired out. The animal is, however, very capable of 

 galloping again, but he will feel it the following days. Fifteen minutes after 

 this journey the animal is calm and in normal condition. 



" During a journey of 5000 metres at a gallop the maximum power of the 

 horse has been called into activity. It is the work of a whole day. Neverthe- 

 less, whatever the fatigue, a cavalry troop can always continue to march at a 

 walk. Twenty minutes after the arrival calm is restored. 



" Such is the power of the cavalry horse when at a gallop. As may be seen, 

 it is immense. But we must emphasize the fact that it is often necessary. 



" In a campaign we seldom travel over ground which allows great speed, but 

 the divisionary cavalry may be called upon to go long distances at a gallop. As 

 a matter of fact, it should be sheltered as much as possible so long as its co- 

 operation is not needed ; it should be 500 or 600 metres from its infantry, which 

 itself is 700 or 800 metres from the enemy. 



" If the latter retreat, the interval increases from 300 to 400 metres. At this 

 moment there will be 1700 or 1800 metres between the body of the cavalry and 

 the troops\ who flee. But to produce a great effect, instead of approaching 

 these troops in front, they should be attacked from behind, and a turn made from 

 500 to 600 metres at a gallop, making a total of 2500 metres, for two-thirds of the 

 horses will not be able to follow at a trot. These 2500 metres will be gone over 

 as much through the fields as the roads, which is equivalent to a gallop of 3500 

 metres upon level ground." 



General Bonie estimates the power which still remains available 

 upon the arrival of the troop, according to the distances travelled, in 

 the following manner : 



He considers that a company of cavalry can march seven hours, 



