2
English stallions.
7. During the year under review, 13 horses have been received from
England, all of which have been sent to Northern India. During my short
stay at home I had an interview with Sir John Watson, who explained to me
the difficulties he experienced in obtaining suitable horses for this country.
His difficulties are increased by the amount of unsoundness which is to be
found amongst the Thoroughbreds in England. Sir John Watson mentioned
to me two horses in every way suitable for India that were found to be un-
sound on veterinary examination, one having slight Ringbones, the other being
unsound in the wind. As cases of both these diseases developed in "Fandango"
and "Matabele" after their arrival in this country, I am pleased to find that he
is particular in his examination.
8. That the English Thoroughbred has degenerated cannot be denied, that
this is in a measure due to the number of sprinting races among two-year olds
is now fully recognised; this leads to forcing of the foals unduly. I am there-
fore pleased to see that the English Jockey Club has taken the matter up, and
has ruled that not more than two such races should be run at any one
meeting. They have further ruled that no two-year olds shall run in any
race with more than £200 added, before 1st June. Other such rules, tending
to encourage the breeding of horses with staying powers, have been passed.
9. I mention these facts in order to show the difficulties with which
Sir John Watson has to contend, and to enable me to make certain remarks
on the horses imported, which I would otherwise not like to make.
10. Of the thirteen horses imported, "Aureus", "Hebron", and "Poldo",
are really nice horses and are likely to get troop horses, but the remainder are
wanting in substance for the purpose for which they are intended. Another
great point to be considered is, their fault in having twisted fore-legs. This fault
was noticed in the Thoroughbred stallion "Agappo" imported to Bombay
about four years ago. The Bombay people would not have him, so I tried him
in Upper India, but have been compelled to order him to be castrated and
sold in consequence of getting bad-limbed stock like himself. This remark
holds good with "Cæsar" whose off fore is very crooked, and with "Westburton
Junior" who is "pigeon-toed." The faults to be found with the English
Thoroughbreds are:—
(a) Twisted fore leg.
(b) Faulty action.
(c) Small and bad feet.
(d) Weak back and loins which render them unsuitable as remount getters.
(e) Light limbed.
11. I trust that Sir John Watson will pardon me for this unfavourable
report on the horses selected by him, but I was asked by the four Superin-
tendents connected with horse-breeding centres to bring to notice the above,
facts, in order that the importation of English stallions might be as restricted
as possible. I have reduced the indents on England as far as possible, for,
as Australia is the only other country from which Thoroughbreds can be
obtained, and as we already obtain 9 per annum, I am afraid to overdo the
matter, as by drawing too largely on that country we are liable to reduce
the standard of sires, which up to date has been excellent.
Thoronghbred
Australian stallioas.
12. During the year under review, the Government of India sanctioned
the importation of eight horses, being an increase of two on former years. The
commission was, as usual, given to Messrs. Krcrouse and Madden, who have
given such great satisfaction on former occasions. I am pleased to be able
to report that they have even more fully maintained the standard that up to
date has been generally granted to be a high one. Had I to depend on my
own opinion in this matter, I would hesitate to express it in such strong terms,
as it might well be supposed that I was prejudiced in favor of these horses
owing to the fact that I may be said to have started the market; but I am
pleased to say that I am fully borne out in my opinion by the best judges of
horse flesh in Madras where the horses were landed, by Lieutenant-General
Sir G. Luck, Major-General Maitland, and Lieutenant-Colonel Goad, all of
whom have seen these horses and agree with me in thinking that they are
exactly the stamp required to obtain for us what we so much need in this
country—a good Light Cavalry horse capable of carrying weight. It may be