Marwari horse

The Marwari Horse: A Rare Gem of the Indian Desert

Imagine a horse that has been a symbol of royalty and bravery for centuries, with a unique feature that sets it apart from all others – inward-curving ears that can rotate 180 degrees. This is the Marwari horse, a breed so rare and special that it’s almost like a mythical creature in the world of equine breeds.

The History of the Marwari

How did this majestic breed come to be? The Marwari has its roots in the Marwar region of Rajasthan, India. It was the traditional rulers of Marwar, the Rathores, who first bred these horses and followed strict selective breeding processes to ensure their loyalty and bravery.

The Marwari in Battle

During the days when cavalry was a crucial part of warfare, the Marwari horse was renowned for its courage and loyalty. These horses were used as cavalry mounts by the people of the Marwar region, and they played an essential role in battles.

The Decline and Revival of the Marwari

But like many breeds that once thrived, the Marwari faced a decline due to British colonial rule, Indian independence, and changing needs for warriors on horseback. By the 20th century, the breed was nearly extinct.

The Intervention of Maharaja Umaid Singhji

It was during this critical time that Maharaja Umaid Singhji stepped in to save the Marwari from extinction. His intervention helped the breed regain some of its popularity and paved the way for its preservation.

Conservation Efforts

The Indigenous Horse Society of India, co-founded by Francesca Kelly and Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod, played a crucial role in conserving the Marwari. They worked with the government, breeders, and public to ensure that this unique breed would not disappear forever.

Government Involvement

The Indian government took steps to protect the Marwari by banning its export. However, a few horses were allowed to be exported after receiving licenses in 1999. In 2008, temporary exports were permitted, and in 2009, a registration process was initiated, making the Marwari Horse Society of India a government-authorized body.

The Physical Characteristics

Now that we’ve talked about the history, let’s dive into what makes the Marwari so special. The breed is found in various colors and is known for its hardiness, loyalty, and bravery. Its facial profile is straight or slightly Roman, with medium-sized ears that curve inward so that the tips meet.

Unique Features

The Marwari horse can rotate its ears 180 degrees, a feature that sets it apart from other breeds. The breed also has an arched neck carried high, running into pronounced withers, and a deep chest and muscular, broad, and angular shoulders.

Temperament and Uses

The Marwari is hardy and easy to keep but can be of tenacious and unpredictable temperaments. It’s quite similar to the Kathiawari horse, another breed from India, having much of the same history and physical features. The main difference between the two breeds lies in their original geographic origin – Marwaris are mainly from the Marwar region while Kathiawaris are from the Kathiawar peninsula.

Genetics and Research

Research studies have been conducted to examine the genetics of the Marwari horse and its relationship to other Indian and non-Indian horse breeds. The study found that there was no evidence of a genetic bottleneck in the breed’s history, but since the population has decreased rapidly in past decades, bottlenecks may have occurred that were not identified.

Uses and Crossbreeding

The Marwari is primarily used as a riding horse; it may also be used for shows, horse safaris, sport, ceremonial & religious purposes, and during earlier days in war. Marwaris are often crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce a larger horse with more versatility.

Strains

A strain known as Natchni, believed to be ‘born to dance,’ was highly decorated and trained to perform complex movements at ceremonies but is now extinct.

The Marwari horse is a true gem, a symbol of the rich history and culture of India. Its unique features and strong character make it a breed that deserves recognition and preservation. As we continue to learn more about this remarkable breed through research and conservation efforts, let us also remember its historical significance and the role it played in shaping the region’s past.