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270. The total number of horses and mules present this year was 5,049 as
compared with 5,766 last year, being a reduction of 717. This, however, must
not be wondered at and can be attributed to the high price of food. This did
not in any way lessen the number of horses available for Native Cavalry, the
reduction being brought about by less animals of a useless description being
sent to the fair.
271. On the subject of remounts purchased, the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, states: —
" No British remounts were secured for Government purposes, but this was not because there were none
suitable in the fair. I saw a few colts and fillies, 14-1, two years old, and not less than 7 inches in the
shank."
With this I fully agree, having carefully watched the young stock when
competing in the show.
272. Referring Native to Cavalry remounts, the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, states:—
"Sufficient Native Cavalry remounts, I believe, were purchased, at least I heard no complaints to the
contrary."
273. In all, 162 horses were purchased for Native Cavalry and Imperial
Service Troops, and when we consider that 178 were purchased at the Dewali
Fair, making a total of 340 during the year, there can be no doubt that
Amritsar has established itself as the great horse market of Upper India.
274. The following are the remarks made by the various purchasing
officers :-
Captain Angelo says:—
"The class of remounts obtainable at the fair is fast improving, and it is apparent to all that great
strides in horse breeding are being made."
Lieutetant-Colonel O'Mealy states that:—
"Some high class young stock, the result of Government stallions mostly, far out of reach of Native Cavalry
prices."
Lieutenant-Colonel Abbott remarks that:—
"The proportion of under-limbed animals appear to me to be excessive ; the quality of those worth buying
very good, but number insufficient."
Where 5,000 odd horse stock are picketted together, the proportion of under-
limbed ones probably would appear great.
Colonel Richardson, who has had great experience of Horse Fairs and in
purchasing remounts, says:—
"A very much better class than previous years; the remounts were better bred, better bone, and, with few
exceptions, whole colors."
Captain Luck says:—
"More quality and cheaper. Mules of a good class were plentiful, and therefore obtained cheaper."
Major Macdonald says;—
"Above average lot."
275. For the first time within my recollection, has every officer attending
a fair expressed himself in favorable terms, and this fact alone will, I think,
prove that an improvement is taking place in the horse stock of India.
276. Thirty-three baggage mules were purchased by Native Cavalry Regi-
ments, and one is reported to have been bought by the Remount Agent; more
might have been obtained.
277. I must now offer a few remarks on the Horse Show. As was stated,
when alluding to the fair held during the Dewali, prizes were discontinued,
but, owing to the representations made by the local authorities, it was
decided to offer R300 for locally bred stock, the Municipality giving a similar
amount. This latter amount was increased to R370, and in addition to this,
the District Board gave R75, making a total of R745.
278. The results were encouraging, and warrant the awarding of a similar
amount in future years. There was a marked improvement in the quality
and stamp of the young stock, as it was of better color, and showed better
shape, make, and bone.