ir.-BKLGIUM. 



[ICxtiiut t'ldiii "Ziicht iiu(i lifmoiitiiun;;- ilt-r Militiir-Pt'iTdc allci- Staateii, ' \i\ Dr. Paul Goldliw.k, 



Berlin, 1001.] 



The total number of horses in Belgium in 1805 was 271,527. 



The type of horse generally raised is a heavy pack animal, 

 known as the Flemish horse in its heavier form, and as the 

 Ardennes horse — the horse of the mountains — in its some- 

 what lighter form. Tliere has been developed, however, a 

 considerable industry in the raising of tine-bred stock. 



As late as the seventies Belgium produced but one-tenth the 

 horses necessary for her cavalry remounts, the remainder 

 being purchased abroad, principally in Ireland. Horse breed- 

 ing has become so extensive of late, however, that of the 825 

 saddle horses needed in the army in 1895, only 399 had to be 

 purchased abroad. 



The breeding of thoroughbreds is not very extensive in Bel- 

 gium, the number of stallions for this purpose in 1899 having 

 been 28. 



In 1901 there were 8 regiments of cavalry, with a total of 40 

 squadrons, 8 depots, and 4 field-artillery regiments. The 

 number of service horses in 1901 was 10,875, distributed as 

 follows: Cavalry, 5,578; infantry, 258 ; artillery, 2,933; engi- 

 neers, 39; gendarmerie, 1,814; general staff, train, etc., 253. 

 In time of war the total strength is 143,000 men and 28,600 

 horses. 



The remounts are supplied on the basis that artillery horses 

 are serviceable about eight years and cavalry horses nine years. 



The size of saddle horses must be from 15 to 15^^ hands for 

 the chasseurs; 15i to 15^ for the lancers; 15^ to 15f for the 

 guides, and 15i for the artillery. That of draft horses must 

 be from 14i to 15^ hands. 



The supply of draft horses for the artillery is purchased 

 almost entirely at home, the number so purchased in 1895 

 being 213. The average price is about $164. As high a price 

 as $231.60 is paid for specially heavy horses from Ireland, for 

 use with large guns. The number of such animals purchased 

 in 1895 was 19. 



23.5.55 15 (225) 



