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Jellaldbad Horse Show.—The Judging Committee state :—
Class VIII (a) Mules. Eighteen less competed this year, possibly owing to Transport requirements on the Frontier
Quality very poor. Stamp very ordinary. One or two likely to develop into Ordnance Ammunition Mules.
Kurnal Horse Show.—The Judging Committee state :—
The Committee have seen more mules at this Show than at the three previous ones together. Four extra
Government prizes were directed to be given. Two of the mules bred by a local Nawab were up to Ordnance
standard, being under 2 years of age and already 13-3 and over 60" girth measurement. About half a dozen were
good second class Army Transport mules as to stamp, and a similar number were suitable for Native Cavalry
purposes at the present accepted standard, though probably in the near future the standard will be increased.
Jhang Horse Show.—The Judging Committee state:—
Three likely to develop into Artillery Ammunition mules. The majority of the remainder, speaking generally,
good second class Transport mules.
Multan Horse Show.—The Judging Committee state :—
One good 6 year old fit for Ordnance, the rest were promising young mules. Thirty-one mules have been sent to
Tirah.
Bahawalpore Horse Show.—The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, South Punjab, states :—
Class VI.—Mules of any age. This was not a good class, 12 competed and 5 of these only were suitable for
Transport.
Dera Ismail Khan Horse Show.—The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary
Department, North Punjab, states:—
Class VIII.—Mules.
Out of 6 mules competing, 4 were fair and fit for Transport. It was a small class
very few being present at the Show.
Bannu Horse Show.—The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
North Punjab, states :—
Class VIII.—Mules. Thirty-five very poor mules competed. All the mules in the district worth buying have gone
away either on hire or as Transport animals.
Dera Ghazi Khan Horse Show.—The Judging Committee state:—
Class VIII.—Mules.
One good mule fit for Ordnance, but the class on the whole was below the average.
More inducement should be held out for this class.
Shahpur Horse Show.—The Judging Committee state:—
Class VIII.—Mules.
A strong and good class but no first-class Ordnance mules ; about 6 second class Ord-
nance and 10 to 15 first class Baggage and 20 second class Baggage. Industry well established, and the Kalra Estate
has started mule-breeding. The majority of the mules were, however, somewhat coarse.
Rawalpindi Horse Show.—The Judging Committee state:—
The great feature of the show were the two mule classes, Ordnance and Baggage. A large number of exceed-
ingly good mules were exhibited, and the Committee regret that no Government purchasing Officer was in attendance.
As far as is known to the Committee, the only mules purchased, except by dealers, were a few by the XI
Bengal Lancers, and it must be a great discouragement to breeders to find no demand for their animals after bringing
them in from the district.
Class VIII (a),—Ordnance Mules A really excellent class. The first and second prize winners typical mules,
well-bred and powerful. The dams of those two were by District Board Arabs, another proof of the good the District
Board stallions are doing, and of the advisability of breeding from good pony mares instead of from worn out,
nondescripts, when really first class mules are desired.
With few exceptions, the mules were well grown with plenty of bone.
Class VIII (b)—Baggage Mules. Another equally good class with but few exceptions. All the prize winners
good mules ; several mules turned out as too large for Baggage mules.
Kapurthala Horse Show.—The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
South Punjab, states:—
Class VIII.—Mules.
Sixteen competed. A very good class indeed running from 1½ & to 2 years old. Three
promised to be suitable for Ordnance purposes.
Gujrat Horse Show.—The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
North Punjab, states:—
Class VIII.—Mules. Thirty-four mules competed against 25 last year. There were a number of young, strong, well-
made mules, and included 3 fit for second class Ordnance and nine fit for first class Baggage, but there were no
purchasing Officers present which is to be regretted.
155. I am delighted that the Government of India have decided to purchase
mules from 2 years of age. This was essential to ensure a good supply of Ordnance
animals, for mules are worked when 2 years of age, and to obtain an absolutely
sound one at 4 years of age, is next to impossible.
156. The fact that Government will be steady purchasers at this age will soon
be known amongst the breeders, and will, I feel convinced, induce them to keep
their stock to that age. At present Veterinary-Lieutenant Turnbull asserts that
many young mules from 9 to 12 months old are largely bought up by Pathans
from Swat, Buner and other places trans-frontier; what their ultimate destination is,
is not known; it is supposed that after having done pack work for some time they
are brought back for sale into India when full grown, but it may be imagined that
few are sound enough for Military purposes.
157. Notwithstanding even this, with this reported exportation of young
mules, I feel confident that if only a continuous purchasing policy is adopted, no
apprehension need be felt of the indigenous supply failing. The numbers will, I am
convinced, be forthcoming, and if the hands of this Department are only
strengthened, by regular purchases being made, I feel confident that year by year
not only will the numbers be increased but the quality, size and weight-carrying
powers of the mules will improve.