22
this conformation being probably due to bad Turkoman blood. They are
quiet, docile horses, easily broken, stand the heat of the plains, and are less
liable to skin disease than the Cabuli. I think I may safely say that horses
of this stamp carefully selected are next to country-breds and Arabs the best
troopers obtainable at Native Cavalry prices. The Native Cavalry Regi-
ments in Sind are mounted almost entirely on horses of this class and they
speak very highly of them for the particular country in which these regi-
ments are stationed. That they are fast enough for Native Cavalry was
proved by the late Inspector-General of Cavalry who galloped a squadron
belonging to the 5th Bombay Cavalry, composed entirely of these horses,
over a measured quarter of a mile in 36 seconds, making a uniform
pace of 25 miles an hour. That officer also tested their marching capa-
bilities very highly and was more than satisfied with the result. The best
of these horses are undoubtedly bought by the regiments in Sind and the
Láhore dealers, who supply regiments both in Bengal and Bombay, the
Calcutta and Bombay tramway companies. The remainder after attending
all the various shows gradually work their way into India, and some few of
the best are shipped at Karáchi, and horses that to my certain knowledge
could be bought in Sind for Rs. 200 sell in Bombay for Rs. 600 and up-
wards. Those not shipped at Karáchi inarch across the desert and are
generally to be met with at Ahmedabad, and from there they usually strike
across India, and the same dealers and horses that one met in Sind are to
be found as low down as Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Madras. It will be
seen that they cover a vast tract of country during the season, doing long
marches, seldom railing ; yet it is quite the exception to see a horse in poor
condition at any stage between Peshin and Madras and under conditions
where the food and water are constantly being changed and without shelter.
I think that these facts speak for themselves and prove that this particular
class of horse can gallop 15 miles an hour and can march under adverse
circumstances from one end of India to the other without losing condition.
The Manager, Calcutta Tramway, says of these horses " that they are easily
kept in condition except during latter part of the hot weather and beginning
of the rains ; that they do better and live longer than the Waler." The
Manager, Bombay Tramway, says " that in our work and climate it is easier
to keep these horses in condition and that they are less liable to sickness,
debility and sun-stroke than Australians. "
The Manager, Karáchi Tramway Company, says " I know of no specific
fault to which, as a class, this horse is subjected. He is particularly free
from disease and the mortality is less under conditions of hard work than
other class of horse."
Statement showing the Percentage of Northern Horse in the various Regiments,
and the Opinions of Officers Commanding.
Regiment.
1
1st Bengal Cavalry ...
2nd do. Lancers ...
3rd do. Cavalry ...
4th do.
do. …
5th do.
do ….
6th do.
do. …
7th do.
do. …
8th do.
do. …
9th do.
do.
…
10th do. Lancers …
11th do. Cavalry ...
12th do.
do. …
13th do.
Lancers
14th do.
do. …
Percentage
of Khorásans
and Cabulis.
2
11½ per cent.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
2½ per cent.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil,
2 per cent ...
Nil.
Nil.
20 per cent...
Nil.
Opinions of
Officers
Commanding.
3
Unfavourable ...
……
……
……
Favourable …
......
……
……
Unfavourable ...
Do.
… …
……
Favourable …
……
Mounted on
4
……
Country-bred
Do.
Do.
Country-bred
Do.
Do.
Do.
……
Country-bred
Do.
……
Country-bred
Remarks.
5