One million horses and mules were sent to France and Belgium in the First

World War. Sixty thousand returned home. Such numbers amaze me. Then I think of the quantity of feed the horses needed, the  leather for harness and saddles. Consider the amount of horse manure. All the armies had a multitude of veterinarians and blacksmiths. Many farmers, job masters, and companies had horses, wagons, and carts requisitioned during the war. By all sides. The British and French paid for what they took. The Germans gave certificates that said the Kaiser would pay them when Germany won the war. A good trick.