NHBSI over the years

The National Horse Breeding Society of India, originally known as National Horse Breeding and Show Society of India, was formed in 1920 and was basically meant to promote equestrian activities. In 1959, the nomenclature of the society underwent a change and the society was re-christened as National Horse Breeding Society of India, with the objective of representing the interests of Indian thoroughbred breeders, both individual as well as stud farm owners. Membership was open to all who had an interest in breeding.

The people who were responsible for the formation of NHBSI were H H Jiwaji Rao Scindia of Gwalior, Lieut. General His Highness Sir Harisinghji of Jammu and Kashmir, H.M. Maharaja Dhiraj Shree Himmantsinghji

Dowlatsinghji of Idar, Framji Dossabhoy Wadia, Darbar Shree Khacher Ala Vajsur – Chief Sahib of Jasdan, Col. Yemin-ul-Mulk Nawabzada Rashid-uz-Zaffar Khan of Bhopal, Seth Badridas Kasturchand Daga , Lieut. General M.S.Wadalia , Lieu General D.R. Thapar (Retd) C.I.E., O.B.E., MD , M.P. Davis, Esqr , Burjor H.Reporter, Esqur, Soraba Shavak Chenoy. Esqur., Nozer Erach Pandole, Esqur., C.S. Balakrishnan, Esqr., B.A., G.M.V.C.H H Jiwaji Rao Scindia was the President (Trustee) while F D Wadia in whose premises at Yearavada, the office premises is located even now, was the Vice President (Trustee) along with a governing council of 14 members. Later, H.H. Maharaja Dhiraj Shree Himmantsinghji Dowlatsinghji of Idar was the President followed by General P P Kumaramangalam. F D Wadia was its president for a number of years before his son Dr F F Wadia became its President about 10 years ago and continues to hold that position. In March 2009, the new office bearers were elected for a term of three years. After more than 50 years of fruitful existence, the NHBSI which was an association of people sharing common interest in breeding and thoroughbred racing is now being registered as a society.

The NHBSI played a stellar role in protecting the interest of thoroughbred racing and breeding and has navigated it out of the turbulent times that it faced from time to time. The society also ensured that racing activities would not be compromised and horse breeding operations came under the agricultural ministry which ensured several benefits. The NHBSI also successfully negotiated to get relief from land ceiling which otherwise would have ensured the closure of so many of the leading stud farms in the country. Over the years, the NHBSI has also opened up a new window of opportunity for Indian racing.

The six years between 1947 and 1953 were crucial for the society as they had to battle to save racing from closure as the states of Mumbai and Madras were against permitting racing activity. Despite several obstacles, the society was able to get interim relief for six years for winding up all operations pertaining to breeding and racing. This had a catastrophic effect on horse racing industry as well as breeding suffered immensely and it took several years for the industry to come to normalcy. During the interim period, the number of broodmares came down from 1200 to about 200. Indian racing was on the verge of collapse but the society succeeded in convincing the government of the danger of closing down a useful economic activity. It was the then Prime Minister of India; Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who came to the rescue of racing by instructing the states not to stop being hostile to racing as the economic activity even if in small way, was of great value. The society was able to get relief from governmental threat in 1953 but the scars remained for a long time.

Before the establishment of the Stud Book of India, the NHBSI also published Indian Thoroughbred Statistical Record and two volumes of Indian Stud Book.