PONIES. 145 



Eecent Expeditions, North-Western Frontier Force, 

 Waziristan, etc. The records of recent expeditions show a 

 marked improvement, not only in the quality of the Indian 

 country ponies employed, but in their work generally. Even 

 then they have not shown the same degree of efficiency as mules. 

 The draught pony corps of N.W. Frontier Force up the Khyber 

 fell off in condition during the extreme heat of June and July 

 1919, and their feet were somewhat neglected in shoeing. Mules 

 have a distinct advantage in their ability to perform work 

 unshod. Excepting perhaps in wet weather, when maceration 

 of the horn is more likely, many country-bred ponies also could 

 go without shoes — at least hind shoes. One unit in Waziristan 

 did so quite successfully. The draught ponies of the Force in 

 Waziristan, during a less exhausting season, performed very 

 satisfactory Work and were in very good order. The most cases 

 of sore-backs were in Pack Pony Corps, this class of ailment 

 being much less in mules. 



There is no doubt that it is much more difficult to maintain 

 the utility of pony corps than mule corps, and serviceability of 

 the former therefore resolves itself into more careful animal 

 management, including those most necessary items, adequacy 

 of ration and a proper water discipline, which are so apt to be 

 at fault in war. When these are in force, and suitable ponies 

 selected for the purposes required, there is no reason to suppose 

 that pony transport will be otherwise than efficient. Indian 

 country-bred ponies are more suitable for draught, but the 

 necessity for pack in the frontier regions must always be borne 

 in mind, and animals suitable for the dual purpose selected. 



