39
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
III.—HORSE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
Review on horse
Fairs and Shows
of 1895-96.
169. I purpose following the course which has hitherto been adopted and
reviewing each Horse Fair or Show alphabetically, but before doing so, I will
allude to two innovations which, in my opinion, must be considered improve-
ments that have been introduced during the year. I purpose to preface my
remarks on the fairs by only mentioning these improvements, as I shall have
to refer to them when reviewing each show, but shall defer my remarks on
their general working to the end of the review.
170. The 1st is the appointment of Special Judging Committees for the
North-Western Provinces, and the Punjab.
171. The 2nd is the award of a silver medal, or in the case of a large show,
of two medals, to the breeder who exhibited the largest and best collection of
brood mares and young stock.
172. Both the above received the sanction of the Government of India
during the year under review.
NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCES.
Aligarh Horse
Show.
173. This show was advertised to commence on 10th February 1896, but it
really was opened on the 7th, and lasted till 14th. This fact is referred to by
purchasing officers, and I consider that any such change of date is prejudicial
to the interests of the Remount officers. This question will be referred to the
Local Government.
174. The attendance this year was much larger than on previous occasions.
A total of 1,537 horses, &c., were present against 1,278 last year; still, it must not
be concluded from this that any marked improvement is noticeable in the horse
breeding prospects of the district, for the number belonging to zemindars
remained very much as it was last year. One point is, however, deserving of
notice, viz., that 366 competed for prizes against 218 in 1894-95.
175. I was unfortunately prevented from attending this show, as I was en-
gaged with shows that were held at the same time in Baluchistan and the Punjab.
I am therefore unable to account for the fact that the brood mares were not as
good this year as last; this fact is remarked on by the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, who, however, points out that 87 competed in this
class against 52 last year. The branded fillies are reported to have been good.
176. A great number of Remount officers attended this show and 59 re-
mounts were purchased for Native Cavalry Regiments ; these are reported to
have been good. As usual, a wide difference of opinion is expressed on this
point by the various purchasing officers, for whilst one reports that they were
"quite equal to the average remount exhibited at other fairs," and that "there
was a decided improvement in the class of remounts," others remark that there
were very few horses, and that the prices were high for the quality obtained. I
am of opinion that the fact that 59 remounts were purchased at Aligarh, which
is a small show, against 34 purchased last year, tends to prove that it was a
success in this particular direction.
177. The remount Agent was able to purchase 10 head of young stock, but
notes that little or no improvement was noticeable in quality. This confirms
his opinion, expressed last year, that the young stock got by Government sires
is inclined to be overtopped; this, I trust, will be corrected by the use of
thoroughbred sires in the district.
178. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports as fol-
lows:—
"The medal was not awarded as, owing to the zemindars not understanding the terms of competition, no
collection of mares and young stock was present."