<b>Picket Lines </b> are used in stable corrals and to a large extent in the field. They are either elevated lines or ground lines, the former being much preferable. They are made of one and one half inch rope or small Wire cable. In emergencies a picket line of lariats can be used. They should be long enough to provide four feet of space for each animal. Picket lines must be kept drawn taut at all times. The elevated line is supported by heavy posts, about five and one half feet above the ground. This height is sufficient to hang hay nets from and to keep animals from eating their bedding, at the same time allowing them to lie down, and have access to their hay if laid on the ground. There is no chance for them to become tangled in it or to be rope burned.
A second line below the first, breast-high is excellent for keeping the animals all on one side, which is much the best plan whenever there is space and rope enough. It will prevent fighting across the line, the tangling up of animals, and permits laying the hay just across the line where it can be reached but will not be trampled upon.
<b>Ground Lines </b> are picket lines stretched on the ground and secured at intervals and at the ends by pins. It is the simplest form of line, but should never be used when it is possible to elevate the line. Animals are continually becoming tangled with it and their halter shanks, and many rope burns result. It is also far less secure, requiring much closer attention.
<b>The Standing </b> of picket lines require the same general features as stall floorings. Except in very dry or sandy soils it is not safe to use unimproved standings for more than a few days, and in poorly drained and muddy soils it is imperative that some sort of well drained dry surface be improvised without delay or the animals will suffer. Few conditions detract from the health and condition more quickly than standing in mud. It is always a cause for much debility and a large sick report. The lines should be placed on firm, sloping ground. If there is insufficient slope it must be constructed, preferably sloping from line to heels and drained by a ditch running parallel to the line and about ten or twelve feet from it. If necessary to use a considerable slope, the line should run up and down the slope instead of on a contour, around it. This gives a much better position for all the animals.
It is rarely practicable to have permanent standings as in stall floors, but some sort of macadam, clay and crushed rock or cinders, etc., must be constructed. In wet climates it should be well raised above the ground level, first using large rocks as a foundation and smaller ones as the surface is approached. When bound with clay and carefully built, this makes a very durable, suitable standing.
In the A. E. F. poor standings was one of the chief causes for loss of animal life.
(“Mounted Instruction for Field Artillery,” Major Christian, 1921, pp. 207-209)
