June 2024
WRITTEN BY DANIELÉ BAUBLYTÉ
The MArwari
Breed
The Marwari horse is a rare and distinctive breed originating from the Indian state of Rajasthan. The name "Marwari" translates to "region of the desert”, located in the western part of Rajasthan, India. The Marwari breed is known for its unique physical characteristics and historical significance, the breed has a rich heritage and cultural importance.
The breed was prized for their bravery, agility, and the ability to maneuver quickly in battle. The Marwari horse holds a significant place in Rajasthani culture and is often associated with nobility and valor.
The Marwari
The Marwari horses are not the only horses in the world with the exotic look of curled ears. There are two other Indian breeds originating from India – the Kathiawari or Kathiawadi, and Sindhi horse breeds, which also have curled ears and are named after the regions in which they were bred and nurtured for centuries.
Marwari curly ears
One of the most notable and celebrated features of the Marwari horse is its inward-curving ears. This unique trait is a result of selective breeding over centuries rather than evolutionary adaptation to environmental conditions. Marwari horses typically stand between 14 to 16 hands high (about 56 to 64 inches or 142 to 163 cm). It is a breed able to withstand the harsh desert climate as their thin skin can adapt well to the heat. The small slant in their shoulder bones allows them to walk in deep sand. This physiological structure also lends itself to a gait that makes this breed very comfortable to ride. Although the Marwari is not the fastest horse, their sturdy build allows them to travel extremely long distances at a medium pace. They come in a variety of colors, including bay, grey, chestnut, and palomino. Marwari horses are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and spirited nature which qualifies them as excellent warhorses.
Marwari characteristics
Historically, Marwari horses were bred and used by the Rajput warriors of Rajasthan since the 12th century. The Marwari breed has long been thought to share genetics with Arabian and Mongolian horses.
Their origin
Today, Marwari horses are used in various equestrian sports, including dressage, show jumping, and endurance riding. They also continue to participate in cultural and ceremonial events. However, as the days of battle with horses came to an end, there was a significant drop in the number of Marwari horses around the world. Due to their historical and cultural importance, there are ongoing efforts made to conserve and promote the purity and quality of the Marwari lineage. The breeders are currently facing challenges related to genetic diversity due to the limited population of purebred Marwari horses. For many years, the Indian government had imposed strict export laws on the export of horses to maintain the endangered breed’s purity and as a result it is very rare to find these exotic horses outside India. There have been very few instances, often through special permissions and arrangements, where Marwari horses were exported to the United States and Europe, primarily for private horse owners and participation in equestrian events.
Marwari in Modern times
While the Marwari horse breed is recognized in India, international recognition and awareness of the endangered horse breed is still growing. The Marwari horse is a symbol of India's rich equestrian heritage, combining beauty, bravery, and historical significance. Conservation efforts continue to ensure that this unique breed remains a vital part of India's cultural legacy.
Marwari legacy
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