37
121. Forty-four remounts were purchasad, of which 13 were obtained by the
Inspecting Officer, Imperial Service Troops; this batch was a particularly good
level one.
Referring to remounts, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
states:—
" Some showed both quality and substance, but the number bought by Remount Officers by
no means represents all that were purchased as suitable for Cavalry. Some dealers and Agents
for Native States secured many useful animals."
Hansi Horse
Show.
122. This show was held from 15th to 17th October 1894, and I am delighted
to find that it is yearly growing in importance. This is the third year of its
existence, and the following figures will show the remarkable strides it has
made:—
1892
...
...
...
...
...
1893 ...
...
...
...
...
1894 ...
...
...
...
...
414 animals present.
790
„
„
1,438
„
„
showing an increase of 1,024 in excess of the first year and 648 in excess of the
last show. On this point, the Deputy Commissioner states :—
"From the success which has hitherto attended this fair, it is not difficult to infer that the
object contemplated at the starting point of the fair will be gained at no very distant period. It
will be a vast field for the purchasers of horses and for remount and other purposes, and the
zemindars will not have to wander here and there in search of customers."
123. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports that the
classes, with the exception of branded fillies, filled better than on previous occa-
sions. The exception noted is to be regretted, as the value of a district as a breed-
ing centre can usually be arrived at by the number of fillies by Government
stallions kept by zemindars for breeding, but it must be remembered that
horse breeding is in its infancy in this district, and it is frequently found that
the education of the breeders on this important point takes time.
One important point noted in the report of the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, is that in which he states :—
" I am pleased to be able to report that the coverings of all the stallions, both Imperial and
District Board, are very satisfactory."
The Hissar district has taken a strong lead in breeding from District Board
stallions, and in the class of mares covered by them, 79 competed, most of
which were in foal. A number of young stock also competed; the value of
this step cannot be over-estimated
124. We are frequently told that mule breeding is ruining horse breeding
in India, but here we find a district in which many mares are covered by District
Board stallions and still mule breeding is well to the fore. On this point the
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports:—
"Class VIII showed up well, 40 mules competing ; the number last year being 3 ; this argues
well for mule breeding in this district."
125. The number of remounts purchased cannot be correctly stated. On
this point the Deputy Commissioner states :—
" The number of animals purchased for Native and British Cavalry last year stood at 33,
while the number purchased this year for the same object is more than double that number, though
an entry of only 21 has been shown in the statement forwarded to the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, South Punjab,
*
*
*
*
" Out of 7 officers who purchased the remounts, only 4 have, as yet, returned, the statements
duly filled in, and this was the reason that no correct entry was recorded in it."
This question must again be referred to the Government of India, as I
regret to note so many complaints on the point.
126. Our best thanks are due to Quazi Mahomed Aslam Khan, C.M.G., the
Deputy Commissioner of Hissar, for the great interest he has taken, not only
in the horse show, but also in all matters connected with the welfare and ex-
tension of horse breeding in his district.
Jellalabad
Horse Show.
127. This show was held on 16th, 17th, and 18th January 1895, and proved
fairly successful. The actual numbers which attended were 4,081 against
5,054 last year; this is mainly due to the fact that during the rains
much sickness existed amongst the brood mares and young stock, and many
died.