62
Shahpur Horse
Show.
362. In many respects this show, which is generally considered to be the
best in the Punjab, was disappointing. When, however, we analyse the
numbers and the quality of the stock generally, we are compelled to own that
our disappointment is not so great. In a return received from the Deputy
Commissioner, it is shown that nearly 900 less animals were present than last
year, but the falling off in the number of branded mares and fillies was 35, and
in the young stock 13, so that we may say, from a breeding point of view, that
this show was up to the average.
363. The Senior Member of the Judging Committee reports that all the
classes of horses shown were of good stamp and quality, and that the thorough-
bred English class produced by far the greater number of prize-winners.
364. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports as
follows:—
"There were a number of high class animals present at the show; I noticed a considerable number of mares
which showed very heavy tops on somewhat indifferent legs, but amongst the younger generations this failing
is much less apparent, breeders having become keenly alive to the advantages of breeding from thoroughbred
English or thoroughbred Australian blood."
365. On the question of young stock, this Officer states:—
"Of the classes for young stock the yearling colts and fillies were about the same as last year in point of
numbers, and were about the average in size and quality, though some of the prize-winners were really very
good and promised well. It is notable that with the exception of the 2 year old geldings, nearly all the prize-
winners were by thoroughbred sires, with a few by Arabs. It is evident that all the geldings by thorough-
breds had been bought up, leaving only those by Norfolk Trotters for competition. These were a very poor lot
when compared with some of the other classes. The yearling geldings on the contrary were much better, and
the prize-winners were mostly by thoroughbreds."
366. Only 3 head of young stock were purchased by the Remount Agent.
As, however, I before stated, this Department has this year restricted its pur-
chases and therefore the number bought can be no indication of what was present.
Fourteen remounts were purchased for Native Cavalry. The number is dis-
appointing. The reason for this insufficiency of remounts is reported by both
the Senior Member of the Judging Committee and by the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, to have been due to the fact that dealers had bought
largely, and had taken away their purchases before the Show.
367. Major Younghusband, Queen's Own Corps of Guides, visited this
district a few months before the Show was held, and is to be congratulated on
having obtained 15 head of young stock from Shahpur for their Stud Farm. I
say he is to be congratulated because the young stock of this district put into a
run and allowed liberty is sure to turn out the best possible remounts for
Native Cavalry.
368. Mule-breeding is making strides in this district; 83 competed
against 55 last year. The majority of these are reported by Captain Kaye, R.A.,
who was a Member of the Judging Committee, specially appointed for mules, to
have been good for Transport, but six of them are reported by him as being fit
for Ordnance. If we wish to obtain all our mules for Mountain Batteries from
this country, and to be independent of a Foreign supply, we should be prepared
to purchase a few in each district wherever they are found, in order to stimu-
late the breeding of this class of stock; if not bought, they are driven into the
hands of dealers to whom the profit goes, and any incentive to breeding is
removed.
369. A Special Committee of District Officers assembled to judge mares
and young stock that had been covered or were by District Board stallions.
The Deputy Commissioner having asked me to join the Committee, I was very
pleased to be able to note the excellent stock got by some of these stallions.
I, however, noted that some of the mares that were branded had been covered
by these stallions; as this is not the intention for which District Boards main-
tain these stallions, I asked the Deputy Commissioner to be good enough to
pass orders that they were to be kept solely for un-branded mares, as otherwise
these would frequently be unable to obtain their services.
370. I also notice, with regret, the stock of a country-bred sire—" Anmol"
—maintained by the District Board. He is simply perpetuating the faults of
the country-bred, especially with reference to over bent hocks and color. I
strongly recommended that he should be got rid of.