54
Shahpur Horse
Show.
333. This show was held from the 19th to 21st March 1896, and fully main-
tained its character of being one of the best, if not the best, in North Punjab.
As far as numbers go, they were much the same as last year, there being an
increase of 114 in the numbers which attended and also a slight increase in the
numbers competing for prizes.
334. But it is not of numbers in such a show as Shahpur that one should
speak, it is of the quality of the stock. When it is considered that 262 branded
mares and fillies entered the judging ring and that nearly all had 2 strains of
English or Arab blood, it will be understood that this exhibition alone proved
that Shahpur is a horse breeding district of the first class.
335. The branded mares either in foal or with foal at foot were a marvellous
lot with great bone and quality ; the same may be said concerning the branded
fillies, in these 3 strains of thoroughbred blood was common and in one case
a filly was shown possessing 5 strains of Arab blood.
336. No class of horse is perfect, and this applies equally to the Shahpur
mares; many have extraordinary long hind pasterns. Orders were issued to
the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, to be very careful in the
selection of stallions for this district, also to watch carefully the results of
continuous thoroughbred strains and to guard against any weediness in the-
stock, and if noticed, to introduce good Arab strains.
337. Nineteen beautiful youngsters were purchased by the Remount Agent
who expressed himself much pleased with the stock.
338. Twenty-three remounts were purchased for Native Cavalry, prices
ranged high, but the high character borne by the remounts bred in this district
warrant these prices. An old Native Officer remarked to me in conversa-
tion:—"Come and see the Regiment in 10 years time and you will find most
of the Shahpur remounts at work and quite fresh; this would not be the case
with remounts bought at other Fairs."
339. On the question of remounts, the President, Special Judging Com-
mittee, reports:—
"The remounts purchased for British Cavalry were of excellent quality and size, age considered. The
Native Cavalry remounts were also decidedly good."
340. The competition for the two silver medals at this Show brought
together a grand collection of brood mares and young stock. On this point,
the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports as follows:—
"The competition for the silver medals, of which two were awarded, was very keen : the medal winners
Malik Umer Hayat Khan of Kalra, and Malik Khuda Bux of Khoojabad showing a very fine and numerous
collection of stock ; the careful management shown by the latter and the well grown animals of good quality
obtaining for him the 1st award. Another competitor, Malik Mubariz Khan, showed a very nice collection of
stock which in any other district would easily have won the medal; he was highly commended. Among the
above named breeders the thoroughbred blood is much sought for, and the evidence of it is apparent in the
quality and general appearance of their young stock. The following will show the number of animals
exhibited:—
Name of competitor.
Malik Umer Hayat Khan ...
„ Khuda Bux ... ...
„ Mubariz Khan ... ...
Branded
mares.
53
31
23
Fillies.
12
19
3
Colts.
16
30
7
Foals.
11
8
...
Mules.
6
...
...
Pony mares
for mule
breeding.
21
...
11
Total.
119
88
44
341. The thanks of this Department are due to the Deputy Commissioner
Mr. Bridges for the warm interest he has taken in furthering the interests of
horse breeding in this district.
Umballa Horse
Show.
342. This Show was held from the 23rd to 25th March 1896, and must be
considered to have been very successful; although 312 less animals attended
this year than last, still, the number that competed for prizes was only 12 less,
and the quality of those which entered the ring was far superior to last year's
exhibits.