33
186. From the report I gather that in this district zemindars only
exhibit such animals that they consider likely to obtain prizes or commenda-
tion. The Extra-Assistant Commissioner proceeds to state—
Class I—Branded mares in foal by Government stallions.—Sixty were exhibited, of
which number 17 were selected for competition, and of the latter 11 received prizes. The
number of prizes provided for this class (the most important one) was only 5, and therefore
the competition was too keen. However, the Judging Committee revised (under the rules)
the prizes and their amounts to enable a large number of animals to come in for competition.
Class I-(b)—Branded mares with foal at foot.—Forty were exhibited against 18 last year.
Class II—Branded fillies.—Twenty-two competed against 18 last year.
Class III—Fillies out of branded mares.—Showed a falling off of 4 when compared
with last year.
This is accounted for by the Extra-Assistant Commissioner as follows:—
The reason for the decrease appears to be that a larger number of horse-dealers came to
the fair and purchased young stock before the show began A proof of this is to be found
in the enhanced income from fees.
187. This, taken in conjunction with the following extract from the report
by the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, goes to prove that this
will be one of the most important centres of horse-breeding in India. That
officer states:—
The greatest interest in horse-breeding and the show generally was evinced by the
zemindars attending. Most of the classes filled well. Animals competing generally were in
very good condition, while the number of mares brought up for branding was very
encouraging.
One hundred and fifty mares came up, of which 101 were branded including 26 belonging
to the Mamdot Estate. Twenty-three were by Government stallions; 8 by stallions, the
property of Mamdot Stud. Besides many others by Government stallions came up without
their certificates. Most of those selected were young roomy mares in many cases with plenty
of bone.
Several fillies were branded, varying in age from one year upwards. All these were by
Government or Mamdot Stud stallions.
While at Jellalabad I inspected 90 broad mares, fillies and young stock belonging to the
Mamdot Estate, many of which are sure to do great credit to the Manager of the Stud.
188. I am well acquainted with the mares of the Ferozepore District.
They are, generally speaking, big, roomy mares with good bone. It only
requires the interest which now appears to have been infused into the district
to ensure in time one of the finest breeds of horses in Northern India.
189. The example set by the management of the Mamdot Estate is one
worthy to be followed by other estates.
190. There are two points connected with this show that are not as en-
couraging as the rest. I allude to—
(a) Mule-breeding.—This year only 12 were exhibited against 25 last
year. With reference to this the Extra-Assistant Commissioner
reports:—
Mule-breeding seems to be in its infancy (as regards quality) in this district. I mean to
say that while there is a good number to be found in the district, there are but few that suit
for Government purposes and therefore hardly any are purchased, and thus few mules of
quality are brought to the show. It may also be remarked that this horse fair is mainly a
show for brood-mares and fillies; nevertheless, a valuable donkey stallion has just been pur-
chased by the Mamdot Estate to encourage mule-breeding in this part of the district, and it
is to be hoped that better results will follow.
I trust that this hope will be realized, as there are a large number of good
mares well suited for mule-breeding in the Ferozepore District.
(b) Geldings.—The number exhibited was but 5 against 11 last year.
The Extra-Assistant Commissioner states with reference to this
point:—
The reason for this decrease seems to be that people are not yet quite willing to geld
their animals, and the dealers buy the few that can be had wherever and whenever they can