23
PART I-IMPERIAL REPORT.
III-HORSE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
Horse Fairs and
Shows.
142. During the year under review the terrible fodder famine which has
prevailed in most parts of India has been responsible for the abandonment of no
less than 11 Horse Shows. These were situated in the following Provinces:—
Rajputana . . . . . . . .
Punjab
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Deccan
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Sind. . . . . . . . . .
N.-W. Provinces.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
5
3
1
1
1
11
With the exception of Aligarh in the North-Western Provinces, none of the
other Shows were such as produce any large number of remounts, therefore
the Native Cavalry suffered but little from their being abandoned.
143. In accordance with the rules which have lately been laid down for the
compilation of this report, a summary, in which only important Fairs should be
dealt with in any detail, is required. I therefore purpose to give the most
important facts connected with the large Fairs first and then to summarize the
whole. Following the procedure adopted in former years, I shall allude to
these Province by Province.
NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCES.
Batesar Horse Fair.
144. Always a large dealers' Fair, and although the number of remounts
purchased did not fall off greatly, still the general opinion of purchasing officers
was that the stock brought was not as good as it used to be. This is easily
accounted for, as the dealers are waylaid on the road and all the best are
bought before they come to the Fair.
Bulandshahr Horse
Show.
145. This is one of the best Horse Shows held in the North-Western Prov-
inces and fully maintained its reputation. More stock attended and competed
for prizes this year than last. This is most satisfactory especially as the increase
consisted of animals over 14 hands.
146. Sixty-four remounts were bought for Native Cavalry at an average
price of R272.
147. Officers attending this Show complain greatly of the dealer element,
which seems to increase yearly, thus rendering it difficult for Remount Officers
to supply their wants.
Major Turner, Imperial Service Cavalry, states:—
"Everything is bought up by dealers before the Fair begins. They buy the best horses leaving the bad
ones in the hands of the less knowing zemindars who consequently find that breeding does not pay. The number
of dealers seems to increase with every Fair. I should like to see an agreement among all regiments never to
buy from dealers."
Major Davison, 2nd Bengal Lancers, states:—
"I think the class of remounts is improving. The stock of Thoroughbred English, Walers and Arabs is
distinctly good showing both bone and quality. The show of young stock was very good particularly the year-
lings. The brood mares too I considered a capital lot. The supply of good 4-year-olds suitable for Native
Cavalry is quite unequal to the demand and prices ruled high."
The remarks by Major Davison confirm those by Major Turner, that
the dealer was particularly active. We produce the stock but cannot control
the market.
Garhmuktesar Horse
Show and Mule Fair.
148. Generally a large Mule Fair, fell off greatly this year. This is attribut-
able to the large demand all over Northern India.
Meerut ( N a u c h a u d i ) Horse Show.
149. The only other Horse Show in the North-Western Provinces calling
for any special mention is that held at Meerut (Nauchandi).