Popular horse show in Himachal Pradesh ends

Rampur (Himachal Pradesh) [India], Nov. 9 (ANI): The popular three-day horse show held in Rampur city of Himachal Pradesh state came to an end earlier this week. Horse lovers and buyers thronged the fair to have a look at the Chaumurthi breed of horse. Chaumurthi horses commanded the premier price among the 264 animals brought to the fair for sale. The Chaumurti breed of horse is found in the Pin Valley in Lahul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Kullu Valleys of Himachal Pradesh. They are also known as snow horses for their ability to trot in snow at nights. Organizer and Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry Department, S.K. Sharma, said, "The main purpose of the show is to preserve the Chaumurti or Spiti breed of horses. This breed is highly recognized among horses. This is a rare horse species and the aim of the show is to save it from extinction." The Indian Army too was among the buyers at the fair. "This year, 80 of my horses were taken by the army and 23 horses were sent to Ladakh. People from Ladakh bought my horses at around INR 60,000 to 80, 000," said a horse seller, Padma Dorjee. The show also included other events like horse racing which enthralled the visitors. The fair holds immense significance for local breeders and stud farm owners as they fetch good prices for their horses and often earn the money for the rest of the year. (ANI)