Ellsworth American

Has Position to Maintain

Drum-Horse of British and American Cavalry Bands Must Be of Distinguished Appearance.

There are grades of honor, even among horses. We are apt to think of the war horse as a proud animal, and so he is, and has a right to be, for he is called upon to be as brave as he is proud. But proudest and most dignified of all horses of the army is the animal that is called upon to fill the position of drum-horse in the regimental band. In the American and British armies cavalry bands are mounted, and the most honorable position in all the band is that of the bearer of the kettle-drums. The horse is selected for his distinguished appearance. He is often piebald, altho sometimes pure white. Something more than mere beauty of form is required of the drum-horse. He must be trained until he becomes a dignified and graceful bearer of the handsome trappings that pertain to his high calling. His education is severe and prolonged bringing him up to that point where his pride and intelligence make him equal to the duties required of him.

He is severely tried by the booming of the large drums he carries, but in time he becomes indifferent to their noise. In the parade, his rider has his hands full in the use of the sticks; he controls the horse by means of reins fastened to the stirrup-strap near the foot. -Christian Science Monitor.