57
304. The most suitable class of sire is stated by the Judging Committee to
be the Arab. This class is also preferred by the breeders. This opinion coincides
with that which I have frequently expressed that the best strain for one or two
generations is that of the Arab.
Dera Ghazi
Khan Horse
Show.
305. This, one of the best if not actually the best in the Punjab.
has, I am glad to say, regained its former state and I trust that it will be found
that the horse-breeding industry has not suffered owing to the scarcity which pre-
vailed last year.
306. Three thousand (3,000) animals were present against 1,231 last year,
whilst it may be said the numbers that competed for prizes were exactly the same,
viz: 560 against 559.
307. The brood mares, of which 82 were present, were good roomy ones,
shapely, with good action and showed much breeding and bone. The Judging
Committee did not consider them quite equal to those exhibited at Sibi (Baluchistan).
308. The branded fillies, always a class to be carefully considered, are
described by the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, as an excellent class,
all by Government sires. He further adds:—
A better lot of branded fillies I have never seen.
309. The young stock is specially remarked on by the Judging Committee
who considered it better than that exhibited at Sibi. I was unfortunately unable
to be present at this Show, but all I can say is that if the young stock of Dera Ghazi
Khan can surpass that of Sibi, they must be excellent, for the Sibi young stock is
wonderfully well grown, and possesses excellent bone. It may be that those ex-
hibited at Dera Ghazi Khan show more breeding, as Horse Breeding Operations
have been established longer in that district.
310. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states:—
The class of sire producing the most prize winners was the Thoroughbred English. The Norfolk Trotter class
took 15 prizes of which 14 were awarded to the stock of one horse 'Walton Gentleman.' This shows what a good horse
can do. His stock is described by the Judging Committee as possessing none of the usual faults of the Norfolk Trotter
progeny.
311. As a field for remounts, Dera Ghazi Khan gives large scope. Nine head
of young stock were bought by the Remount Agent. This is most disappointing,
as this Show is always considered to be able to produce 20 fit for British
Cavalry, and considering the report submitted by the Judging Committee I am
greatly surprised to find that only 9 were purchased.
312. Thirty-three remounts for Native Cavalry were purchased. These
are described by the Committee as "a very good lot of remounts, good height with
plenty of bone and breeding. The best lot the Committee has yet seen."
Captain Unwin, 1st Punjab Cavalry, reports them to have been of a good
class.
Captain Templer, 5th Punjab Cavalry, says:—
I consider that the class of remounts purchased this year compare more than favorably with former years.
The horses exhibited show a lot of breeding and are just the stamp for Native Cavalry remounts.
313. A large number of remounts were purchased in the district a few weeks
before the Show commenced. The native dealers took away 43 horses and ponies,
whilst the Bhojpuris secured above 100 head of youngsters.
314. Altogether the Dera Ghazi Khan Show was a great success, and our
best thanks are due to Captain Powney-Thompson for the great interest he takes
in fostering horse-breeding in this district.
Dera Ismail
Khan Horse
Show.
315. This Show was held on 11th and 12th March 1898. No Show was
held last year owing to scarcity. The Show, as regards stock, the gets of Imperial
stallions, was a very poor one; only 116 animals competing. The young stock
was generally in poor condition, badly grown, and ill cared for.
316. It was considered advisable by the Deputy Commissioner to duplicate
each class, viz. to separate stock—(a) by Government sires, (b) by Country sires.
On this point the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states:—
Amongst the mares covered by country stallions I saw many nice branded ones, the property of Powindahs.
with possibly a half share in them belonging to inhabitants of the Dera Ismail Khan District, which had been covered
by country stallions.
It seems impossible to get any statistics or results of coverings of those mares which are taken away by
Powindah owners, and if the mares are covered by Government stallions we must be content to leave the result to
chance.