“STABLES” AT THE FRONT.

Western Star, 30 August 1918, Page 4

“STABLES” AT THE FRONT.

CARE OF THE HORSES. DISTINGUISHING THE “ FEED ” WHISTLE. The trumpet blows the quarter, then live minutes’ warning, then —“Stables.” The men fall in. This is the (ser-geant-major's hour. ‘’‘’Shun! Get ready for watering.” A click and sharp turn to the right, and the men break away to unfasten their horses from the lines'. “ Walk march ’’—and away we go, an oihcer riding first. We reach the troughs alter one or two diversions on the way, caused by some of the old hoitses deciding to look as smart as ballet dancers and trying to act as 1 such. The horses are iso eager to drink that the driver has. all his work cut out to. get them square on to the trough, so .as not to crowd out the next pair. To an onlooker it is very amusing, for the horses sometimes are so keen that they get. too much water before they discover it toi he colder i than they thought. Then they assume an air of injured surprise, thrust out their necks, and wrinkle up. thir lips, showing their teeth ferociously. Watering: time is not only amusing, however, for here is the chance for an officer to observe his horsey. Are they drinking well? Do they look bright? Are they enjoying it? Many other things also one can notice. After the last old fellow has had his fill, “ File away! ” and off we go back. Off with hats, coats, and spurs, and then the men settle down to* get their two horsels groomed. The section sergeants are going around to see. if the horses are all sound after the day’s work. “Sergeant, my horse seems a bit tender on hisi off shoulder”—and away the sergeant goes to see what is the matter. If the horse’s shoulder is really a bit sore he calls his section officer and points it out to him!. The officer feels the shoulder. “ Why is this, driver? You nmnst have been rather careless, you know. What? Well, yes, I know it was a hard job yolu were on, but that’s no excuse. Tell the staff farrier to come, sergeant.” The staff farrier comes, looks very grave, and suggests a remedy. You agree with him, or probably yon think that something else might be as good. And so one little trouble is dealt with. The farrier continues on his- round. “Sir, Jones’s horses must be shod foimorrow.” “ Righto., ‘ Staff ’! I’ll tell the ser-geant-major to leave thefmi in.” A stroll along to the forage bam and one sees the “ feeds ” being made out—good feeds they are, too, but our “ Old Hairy ” works for it. Soon the stable hour draws near its close. All feet are picked out and—- “ Rug up! ” “Get fed, sir?” “ Yes, get fed, sergeant-major!.” Two whistle's. Every horse’s head goes up, and there is such a. whinnying and pawing that one wonders if they really dan have had a feed only a few 1 hours ago. “All fed, sergeant-major?” “All fed, sir.” • And both section sergeants, having completed their duty, await the next order. “ Fall in! Company, ’shrun! ” Another click. “ Dismiss, sir ? ” “ Yea; dismiss, sergeant-major.” “ Dismiss! ” The company turns smartly to the right, salute, and one has just, time to return the salute before the inert break away and eagerly seek a wellearned meal.