APPENDIX A
COPY1
Army High Command 4
(Fourth) Army Headquarters 18.9.1941
Abt. Ia/IVc2
ARMY ORDER
Re: Sparing of Horses (Pferdematerial).
During the advance to date, it has been observed that completely worn out (heruntergekommen) horses and horses reduced to walking skeletons by weight-loss have been delivered to the Army's field veterinary hospitals. That fact, in addition to the marked difference between the numbers of horses dropping out on the march and the total number of horses available in the various units, indicates that understanding of proper horse-management is largely absent.
In view of the increasing demands placed upon the Army's horses, the following is ordered for the sparing and maintaining of same:
1.) March and driving discipline, especially uniform draft-horse usage, is to be constantly observed by all commanders and subordinates.
2.) Uniform march-tempo at all gaits. The length of distance marched does not tire horses as much as irregular and unreasonable tempo. All unnecessary trotting is forbidden. Coldbloods [i.e., heavy draft horses] are to be trotted only in exceptional circumstances.
3.) Sufficient rest. Whenever possible, the march should initially be paused after one-quarter hour to check the fit of saddles, tack, and harness. Thereafter, a 5–10-minute rest every hour. After the first half of the march, a rest of 1–2 hours. Remove saddles and tack during these rests whenever possible.
4.) To lighten draft loads, it is ordered: a) frequent dismounting of riders and drivers; b) only drivers to sit in the driver's seat (Bock); other persons permitted only under special circumstances, for a limited time, and by express order of the unit's commander; c) artillerymen and machine-gunners to dismount on uphill inclines and on difficult surfaces (e.g., sand); d) riders and drivers driving from horseback to dismount at every halt, even when the column is simply delayed (Marschstockungen).
5.) On steep inclines, brief and preplanned halts. Chock wheels at every halt. Wheel-chocks to be carried.
6.) Use every rest to check saddles, tack, and shoes. Loosen girths.
7.) As the march begins, feed supplies are to be arranged in advance by designated personnel (Vorkommandos) so that horses can be fed sufficient amounts immediately upon arrival or when at a rest-halt. Extended distances from feed supplies or difficulties in acquiring same will not be allowed to result in horses' receiving reduced rations. If necessary, motor vehicles or local transport will be employed [to transport feed]. Scythes and sickles will be carried in vehicles. For the march, hay or green feed will be carried in feedbags. Horses are to graze at every opportunity. Clover and alfalfa can be substituted occasionally for hay and oats; in emergencies they can replace them. Oats on the stalk are not dangerous. At every feeding with green feed, water horses beforehand or at most an hour later. In general, waterhorses as often as time and conditions permit. The warmer the weather, the more frequent the watering. As the march begins, ensure that sufficient numbers of feedbags, mangers, and buckets with feed are carried so that they can be employed immediately [at the halt] and not only after large numbers are collected. Allow sufficient time for horses to feed, especially the heavy breeds (Schlage).
8.) No use of horses to extreme limits (bis zum Äussersten). Horses showing signs of exhaustion are to be removed from service in a timely manner. Longer rest periods and timely replacement with fresh horses (Vorspann) are to be provided, especially when only two horses are hitched to heavy vehicles.
9.) No overloading of vehicles. [There must be] ruthless reduction of loads.
10.) Distribution of personnel for assisting with haulage (Zieh- und Schiebekommandos). Drag-ropes are to be carried and personnel employed in a timely manner to assist draft horses with haulage. The number of horses dropping out on the march, the number of horses lost, horses' capacity for work (Lesitungszustand), and thereby the mobility of the forces depend upon the personal intervention of line officers, as well as veterinary officers and noncoms.
I will observe the execution of the foregoing order throughout the Army's area of operations.
Signed,
[Günter] von Kluge
Field Marshal
1. NARA Microfilm Publication T-315, Roll 78, Frames 53–54. Translation by the author. A marginal note by the Cavalry Division's commander ordered the transmission of this directive to all squadrons, though cavalrymen presumably felt no need to be instructed in the matter of horsemanship, much less riding and driving.
2. Operations and Veterinary Staffs.