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HORSE TRAINERS NEEDED IN ARMY. "A Race Horse Owner," dating his letter "in the field," tells the London Sportsman an almost heartrending story of the condition of our army horses at the front, describing Iioav those that are under the care of trained horse masters arc Avell and thoroughly serviceable, while others in less competent hands arc in wretched condition. The difference is very marked, for whereas one sees in one place healthy horses, next to them may be "the same class of animal looking miserable, badly cared for. in Avrctched condition, bitten all over his neck, and kicked by the horse next to him, no one apparently having the sense to remove a horse Avhich kicks and bites his neighbor. Or the poor animal is put out in Iils team Avhen he is not in a fit state to take his turn." The Avritcr of these strong statements is not satisfied with making hi. complaint, says The Sportsman, but goes on to urge in forcible terms that it AAas the duty of trainers and horse "men" Avith the requisite knowledge to offer their sen-ices to the AAar office for service abroad among the army horses, particularly those men who are active, in good health and less than fifty years of age. "A Race Horse Owner" says that the lack of horse mastership among the many units Avhich are noAv in the field is costing the British government daily thousands of pounds, and expresses the opinion that "stay-at-home" trainers and others do not realize the position, although admitting that there are many such men av1:o have offered their services and are doing good AAork in France. They have sacrificed their businesses to do so, possibly to the nd-Aantage of their less public-spirited competitors Avho may huA-e reaped a benefit from, their absence.
