Horse Show At Ismailia.

The Military Horse Show held at the Sports Ground, Ismailia, on June 12th. and 13th. proved to be one of the most successful exhibitions of its kind yet held in Egypt, and it is doubtful whether horsemen from so many different nations (Allies against a common enemy) have ever competed against one another at a similar display in this or any other country.

Tall trees surrounding the ground afforded spectators a pleasant shade from the sun's rays and the cloudless sky seemed to be intensely reflected in the blue waters of Lake Timsah, in the distant background. Bright flags fluttering in the breeze gave a carnival air to the gathering, and the whole setting was picturesque. From early morning until well on into the afternoon, cars, lorries, gharries and various other vehicles were used to convey visitors from far and near to the scene. The ringside was thronged early each day by those who did not want to miss any of the features of the programme.

Officers and men of British, French, Australian, New Zealand, Italian, Indian and Egyptian Forces were present; but although khaki was the predominant colour, it was relieved here and there by the dresses of ladies, the bright red and blue uniforms of the Spahis, and the white summer garb of British and French sailors. Much interest was taken in the band of the Chasseurs d'Africque, which enlivened the show at intervals throughout the day, with martial music drawn from cavalry trumpets and quaint key bugles to the accompaniment of deep rolling side drums. The lion's (or should it be kangaroo's) share of the musical part of the proceedings, however, fell on the shoulders of the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade Band, which, under the able leadership of Lieut. F.O. Boyle, played popular selections, and contributed in no small manner to the success of the Show.

Interest chiefly centred in the performance of those bizarre troops, the Spahis, who won plenty of applause with their fascinating "Fantasia." To the accompaniment of weird music, these troops, mounted on grey Arabs, dashed into the ring, and we had a display of "Parthian" shooting, and various other kinds, which involved the rapid handling of two carbines by each man, who could sling them as quickly as they were fired, to make way for fierce looking sword-swinging tactics.

The mule race for Allied Naval riders caused uproarious excitement. At times during this event the ring seemed full of plunging, prancing mules. The sailor men couldn't get any steerage way on at all in some cases, and even when they did, it was only a matter of a slight prop on the part of the mule, and the rider metaphorically bit the dust for a little while. The judges had their work cut out to decide who to place in this event.

The Show was held under the Patronage and in the presence of Major General A.R. Hoskins, C.M.G., D.S.O., Colonel J.M. Arnott, C.M.G., Commandant A. & N.Z.T.C. & D. Camp, Major C.S. Reynard, Administrative Commandant, Ismailia, and Colonel Lebon, Commanding French Cavalry.

Brigadier-General Peck, C.M.G., D.S.O.,R.A., was the most indefatigable official on the ground, and his unflagging energy and personal supervision of practically every every were largely responsible for the success of the exhibition. Co-operating with Bgrdr.-General Peck on the Committee were Major S.E.B. Grimwood, A.L.H., Major A. B. Paterson, Australian Remount Depot, Major E. R. Tomlinson, D.A.A G. A. & N.Z.T.C. & D.C., Major Brooks, D.S.O.. A.L.H., Capt.Pichon, Chasseurs d'Africque, Lieut. A.C. Pigou, N.Z.M. Rifles, Capt. R.N. Cadden. A.L.H., Capt. CJ.S. Clarke, D.G., Capt. A.J. Chauvel, A.L.H., Capt. Broadley, AL.H., Lieut. Land, A.L.H., Capt. Moyle, A.L.H., Lieut. C.E. Hughes, A.L.H., and Capt. P.P. Buckland,

A.L.H. Both prior to and during the Show these officers worked assiduously.

Results of some of the principal events are as follow:—

Best Officers' Charger (Light-wright): Brig. General Beatty's; Lieut.-Colonel J.C. Dunbar's, 2.

Officers' Charger (Heavy-weight): Capt. Joynson's, 1; Capt. A.J. Chauvel's, 2.

Officers Pony: Capt. A.J. Chauvel's, I; Major Foster's, 2.

Light-weight Troop Horse & Turnout: Pte. Helme (Lancers), 1; Tpr. J.D Raine (A.L.H.), 2.

Heavy-weight Troop Horse and Turnout; Tpr. Gould, (A.L.H.), 1; Sgt. Dore (I.D.A.C), 2.

French Officers' Charger: Lieut. Zimit's. 1; Capitaine Guichard's, 2.

Best G.S. Waggons: Australian A.S.C, 1; New Zealand, 2.

Best Limber Turnout:— Battery R.F.A., 1; A.L. Horse, 2.

Officers' Charger Jumping: Capt. Knight, 1; Capt. Joynson, 2.

Troop Horse Jumping: Corporal Belford, 1; Sgt. Solomon, 2.

First Mule Race (Allied Naval Riders); Stoker Udey (British Navy), 1; Yeeho (French Navy), 2.

Second Mule Race (Allied Naval Riders); Benicasse (French Navy), 1; Stkr. Udey (British Navy), 2.

Best Humorous Turnout: 3rd L.H.T. Regt, 1; Aus. Remount Depot, 2.

Moascar. "Mk. 3099."