15
Sibi Horse
Show.
185. This show was held from February 29th to March 3rd, 1892.
186. One thousand two hundred and eighty-four animals attended against 1,273 in
1891. Considering that the country was suffering severely from prolonged drought and a
general want of grass and fodder, this increase, though slight, is satisfactory as showing the
unabated popularity of the show in spite of adverse circumstances. The then recent death of
the lamented Sir R. Sandeman, too, contributed much to rob the show of the interest
shown in it by the Beluch Chiefs. All the animals noted above competed for prizes.
187. Both Major Yate, the Deputy Commissioner, and Veterinary Captain Grainger,
Superintendent, Horse-Breeding Department, Bombay Presidency, report the show as a great
success. It is encouraging to find the Beluch and other border tribes taking an interest in
these shows, and bringing their horses in for sale and exhibition in such large numbers. It is
to be hoped that these horse-loving tribes will retain their liking for these meetings, and the
Government and the general public be thus enabled to obtain stock from the undeniably
superior class of horses existing in this part of India.
188. The following remarks are noted against the various classes competing:—
The noteworthy features of this show are—
(a) The general improvement in the young stock, probably due to better feeding and
to the fact of several of the dams being by Government stallions. In the earlier
shows none of the mares were the produce of Government stallions.
(b) The great development of gelding. Last year only 43 geldings were exhibited.
This year there were 85, and they were of a very superior class to those exhibited
last year. Colt owners are now seeing the advantage of keeping their colts and
having them castrated. At first only the very worst of the colts were operated
on. This year many of the best were, and several have been purchased for the
Government Nursery at Kurnal, and are very promising.
Class I.—Branded mares.—This was a very superior class, showing more quality with
bone and substance than in previous years. Total number exhibited in this class 103.
Twenty prize winnings.
Class II.—Branded fillies.—This class was eliminated, as the fillies were eligible in
other classes.
Class III.—For mares and fillies branded at the show.—This was a very large class, and
the quality was very good. One hundred and one animals were exhibited. The Committee
awarded two extra prizes, making 14 altogether.
Class IV.—Fillies out of branded mares by Government stallions.—Seventy-one exhibited
altogether, most of them of very good quality. Some of the 2-year old were very fine,
well-grown animals. The Committee awarded three extra prizes in this class.
Class V.—Colts.—This was a very good class, and showed great improvement in quality
on former years; but in this class the ill-effects of tying up were very evident. This would
not occur had the colts been castrated.
Class VII.—Yearlings.—In this class there was a very marked difference between
the colts and fillies, the latter being better developed in every way. Breeders should be
enjoined to castrate the colts early, to feed them more liberally, and give them more exercise,
so as to develop their muscles and bones.
Class VIII.—Geldings.—Eighty-five
geldings were shown, a very superior class to
former years. The 2-year olds and yearlings were a particularly good lot.
Class IX.—Ponies.—One hundred and thirty-two animals were shown in this class, but
about half of them were found to be 13-3.
This class was not a grand one, but there were several useful weight carrying luggage
animals in the lot.
It has been suggested that in future the condition of this class be altered into one
for galloways and ponies 14 hands and under.
Class X.—Mules.—Only five mules were shown, to all of which prizes were awarded as
an encouragement. The mule-breeding is in its infancy.
Class XI.—Donkeys.—Some good female donkeys were shown and received prizes.
Only one moderate male was shown.
189. Forty head of young stock were purchased for the Remount Department, 87 for
the Native Cavalry, 94 for the Police: total 221. Highest price Rs. 400, lowest Rs. 80, and
average Rs. 199.
190. No mules were purchased for Government.
191. Rs. 1,000 from Imperial Funds, supplemented by Rs. 1,700 from local sources, made
a total of Rs. 2,700, of which Rs. 230 were distributed to successful prize winners.