THE INDIA OF MARWARI AND KATHIAWARI
BEAUTIFUL SPECIMENS AT RISK OF EXTINCTION BY GIORGIA FERRERO in today’s world. As such, at my stables, we do:
Picture by Vimal Sharma Looking for realities dedicated to equestrian tourism, we “came across” Vimal Sharma, an Indian from Sikar, Rajasthan, who not only has a stable, a breeding farm and a company dedicated to equestrian tourism, but who is also one of the promoters of the “Marwari project ”, dedicated to avoiding the disappearance of this breed of equidae“ with curved ears inside ”. First of all, tell us something about Marwari Horses, a not known breed in Italy and probably in Europe in General. Well, let me tell you about both Marwari and Kathiawari Horses. Both are the indigenous breed of horses originating in the western arid regions of India. Marwari horses are named after the region of Marwar in the western Indian province of Rajasthan. Kathiawari Horses are believed to have originated in the Kathiawar region of western Indian province of Gujarat, India. Both are horses of the desert
and arid landscape and share similarities like the inward curved ears, for which they are also sometimes referred to as “Exotic Horses”. Both are known for their ability to adapt to the hostile desert environment. A thin skin, ability to survive in the limited rations and water, a very alert disposition, light weight are all hallmarks of the breed. Both have been used as means of communication across vast plains and dunes of the area in history. Both share a rich history as cavalry horses of the kings and kingdoms of the bygone days. There are some inspiring real life stories in the region that celebrate the valor of these horses. And both command an important cultural and religious significance in the lives of the people of the area. Which kind of activities do you do with this particular horse? My project for these horses is aimed at development and promotion of them in the modern day equestrian sport, so that the revival of the breed can happen
1. Planned training of horses for sports like Show Jumping, Tent Pegging, Polo and Endurance. We will soon be starting with dressage. 2. We participate in competitive horse shows with them 3. We conduct training and development activities for riders from around the area and villages to ride these horses 4. We do horse trails and safaris with these horses for our guests. While trails run from few hours to overnight, horse safaris are multiple days cross country rides through various terrains and locations. How is the horse riding world in India? Is it a National Sport, or only a few people? Horse riding is very much a national sport. The Equestrian federation of India is the controlling and coordination body for equestrian sport in India and is affiliated to the FEI. Infact India has had participation in the past in Olympic Games and regular participant at the Asian Games. The largest section of equestrians in India are from the Army and Police units spread across the country. In fact, the Indian Army has the world’s only surviving cavalry regiment, which is called the 61st Cavalry and based out of New Delhi and Jaipur. After that, almost all major metro cities of India have Horse Riding Clubs and regular hold club competitions. So, yes, it is a well followed sport
