PURCHASING HORSES.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15047, 15 August 1914, Page 12

PURCHASING HORSES.

SORT OF ANIMALS REQUIRED.

The selection of horses for the New Zealand Expeditionary norce is ; now proceeding, being under the direction of Colonel C. J. Reakes, Chief Veterinarian. Tho authorities trust that those -offering horses to be used by tho field artillery will present the best available, as it is exceptionally important that this arm of the force should be equipped with the best possible horses. The animals required are of the naif or three-quarter draught class. They must be broken to harness and fulfil the following requireinepts: — Snort, strong backs;, well ribbed up; good bone; sound, well-shaped fees; free action; sound in wind, and practical iy sound in other respects; in good condition, and fit lor active service..: The height must be from 15.1 to 15.3, and the age rising five years to seven years; but good eight-year-olds will not tw refused. No greys, duns, or lignt chestnuts will bo accepted. Tho average price is limited to i>3o. Nothing has" yet been done in the direction of getting in horses foe the mounted regiments, as tne majority of the horses taken will be those brought, by the . men themselvds. The height should be 14.3 to 15.2, but horses between 14.2 • • and 14.3 may be taken if otherwise suitable. The stipulated age is rising five to seven years. A good, sound eight-year-old may be taken if in thoroughly good condition, and thoroughly fit in every way for active service. The stamp required is stated as follows: —"Good, compact animals, with good bone, strong loin, good free action, and good feet. Must be absolutely, sound in wind and practically sound otherwise. No horse showing any symptom of strangles will be purchased." No greys, duns, or light chestnuts will be bought, and the average cost of all mounted rifles' horses must- not exceed £20 per head.