Breed History of Marwari Horse
Do you know what the key characteristic of a Marwari horse is? The answer is the ears of these horses. In short, “Marwari” is itself a unique breed. This breed comes with extremely curved ears. The two ears are so much curved that two tips touch each other.
Furthermore, the Marwari breed features an extraordinary appearance. Hence, the history of this breed is undoubtedly royal and vibrant. These horses have witnessed many centuries. Unfortunately, Marwari horses are rare in today’s age.
Today, there are only less than 5,000 full-blooded Marwari horses present in the whole world. These horses are precious for their appearance and features.
The mention of the Marwari horses is heard in folklore. You can come across the stories of their livelihood and strength in oral history and legends. The origin of this popular breed is the Marwar region, India.
So, where did such a powerful equine breed come from?
Marwari is the result of breeding between the local horses of the Marwar region and Arabians.
As per the popular belief, these Arabian horses might have reached the Marwar land via Arabian ships. However, those ships destructed somehow off the coast.
However, time passed by. And the Marwari horses from the breeding were reared by the Rathores. It was the time of the 1100s.
It was during the 12th century when the Rathores started breeding these horses. The goal was to boost the best traits in Marwari horses. During the 16th century, these horses started working as cavalry horses.
A worth-noting trait of Marwari horses is that they can sense direction. It is an in-built capability on these horses. Moreover, they were popular for tracing the routes in the desert. They used to return homes with their respective riders.
Besides, the Marwari horses exhibit excellent hearing capabilities. It helped to alert both the horses and the respective riders. That is how they used to avoid potential dangers.
In short, Marwari horses used to be part and parcel of battles of a bygone era. However, time changed and so has the world. The demand for these horses started diminishing.
The 20th century experienced drastic changes in the lifestyle of people. As a result, Marwari horses have become out of fashion. It dropped the count of Marwari breeds.
On the other hand, the British used to start preferring Thoroughbreds more than the Marwari horses.
Unfortunately, improper breeding methodologies were also responsible for plummeting of the number of these horses. Today, Marwari has come to the edge of extinction.
However, a ray of hope still exists. Some breed buffs came forward to preserve the Marwari breed. A big thanks to them for their contributions.
The Marwari Horse Society of India founded a stud book. Also, they started a registration procedure for the Marwari breed in 2009. It proved to be a great help in figuring out every Marwari horse, as per the breed standards.
Thus, this organization has been helping to re-founding the amazing quality of the Marwari breed. Thus, these horses are gaining recognition again that was started with Rathores a long time before.
I hope you found the history of Marwari horses enchanting, is not it?
Physical Characteristics of Marwari Horse
Now, it is time to discuss the physical characteristics of the Marwari horse breed.
These horses have come with a height of 14 to 16 hands. However, they are lightweight horses with a weight of between 750 to 1,000 pounds. The Marwari horses exhibit a slim body.
Even one can easily differentiate Marwari horses from other breeds.
How? It is due to their unique ears. And you already know how their ears are distinctive.
The Marwari horses used to be trained to handle the desert ambiance. Even those typical traits are still prevalent in today’s breed.
Another difference between other equine breeds and the Marwari breed lies in the shoulder bones. The latter breed comes with less slanted shoulder bones.
Owing to such physical characteristics, the Marwari horses can pull up their legs with ease. Thus, they can easily come out of a deep desert and reach the destination.
Due to such a bone angle, these horses cannot stretch their pace like other equine breeds. It has made Marwaris slower as compared to other breeds, including the Arabian. Nonetheless, such bone structure has streamlined the riding of Marwari horses.
Marwaris come as a gaited breed. These horses walk in a slow, relaxed pace with four beats. As a result, riding these horses give a smooth experience to the riders. The gait of Marwari is known “rehwal” or “revaal.”
Such a walking movement has made these horses cover long distances. And they excelled in this capability.
Marwari horses possess amazing stamina, robustness, and strength. Moreover, they show a commanding presence as well.
Colors
Marwari horses are available in various colors, such as grey, skewbald, bay, piebald, palomino, and chestnut. Grey Marwaris are the most popular ones. However, skewbald and piebald variations are also preferred a lot.
Some Marwaris feature white blazes along with four white socks. And these horses are thought to be lucky. They are also popular for the same reason.
Health
Definitely, the awareness and concerns for Marwari horses have increased a lot. Still, these horses are rare. Hence, naturally, the potential health issues of Marwaris have not been found out yet.
However, the popular belief says, they are in-general healthy horses. They are amazingly powerful exhibiting healthy hooves. The Marwari breed is believed to be trainable as well as friendly by nature.
In short, Marwari horses are extremely social animals. But, they need proper care and attention. They become unhappy if they do not get enough attention.
Since they are social horses, owners must give them enough scope to mix with each other. It is because animals of the same breeds share some special bond with one another. Also, owners must give them enough time as well.
The best place to keep a Marwari horse is inside a farm, where other horses are present. As a result, all of the horses of the Marwari species can well socialize.
Temperament of Marwari Horse
Are you looking for a smooth horse riding? Then, you can opt for a Marwari horse for your journey. The main credit goes to the convenient gait of these horses.
Some riders suffer from backache or other health ailments.
However, gaited equine breeds set an ideal riding opportunity for them. And you already know Marwari is a gaited breed. These horses show outstanding endurance.
Since Marwari horses carry rich desert heritage, they are an ideal species for hot environments (e.g. deserts).
Moreover, Marwari horses are also popular for their performance in intense trail riding. The same goes well for endurance riding.
There is no denying that the Marwari breed features loads of amazing characteristics. However, you cannot expect this breed abundantly available in the US.
Are you not a Marwari breed enthusiast?
If you are not determined to adopt a Marwari horse, then you can search for some more common breed. You can opt for Arabian, which is a popular yet easy-to-get equine breed.
Activities
Marwari horses are difficult-to-find equine species. However, they contribute in many areas. First of all, Marwaris exhibit amazing appearance. That is why they are a popular choice in ceremonial events and parades.
The breeding of Marwaris and Thoroughbreds results in horses of a bit larger size. Moreover, these horses came out as more versatile.
These horses are also ideal for dressage and polo. All credits go to their stamina, power, and liveliness.
These horses have been contributed to religious functions for a long time. They are still used for the same purpose to some extent. As per the tradition, only white Marwari horses are given this privilege to participate in religious events.
However, white horses of this breed have not been approved by Marwari stud books. Instead, grey horses are given the tag of the most valuable as well as the attractive Marwari horse. Skewbald and piebald Marwaris come up as the second most prominent choice.
Marwari horses used to contribute a lot to brave wars. These horses were chosen for wars for multiple reasons.
First of all, they were extremely loyal breed and they could come back to the respective rider’s residence by finding out the routes.
Moreover, they also used to carry lost or wounded warriors and take them back home with safety.
Marwari horses could also alert their masters after suspecting danger. Even they could sense danger even before witnessing it.
Diet
The Marwari breed exhibits excellent stamina and robustness. Even horses of this breed can live on limited food servings.
Furthermore, not much information is there on certain nutritional requirements of Marwaris. It is due to the rarity of this breed.
As an owner, you need to serve your Marwari horse high-quality hay. Moreover, it is also a must to balance the nutrition of this breed. You can take the help of a ration balancer. Other high-quality nutritional supplements will also work well.
Marwaris are healthy and sturdy, depending on their breeding. Moreover, they also exhibit an effective and powerful digestive system.
It implies that Marwaris do not need a lot of carbohydrates or fat like other equine breeds. Besides, these horses may not respond to conventional equine feed.
Do you want to ensure the best feed for your Marwari horse?
Then, you need to set them free in natural conditions. Thus, they can take their food, as per their choice.
Note that Marwaris do not like confine lifestyle. It makes them restless. Therefore, you must arrange an exercise session outside for them on a daily basis.
Grooming and Upkeep
Marwari horses exhibit extremely thin skin. That is why their skin calls for extra grooming and utmost care. Marwari horses need additional care in summers and springs.
Why?
These seasons experience the maximum attacks of the bugs.
That is why you must arrange fly protection for your adorable horses. Moreover, addressing fly bites as soon as possible is also a must requirement. As a result, you can provide the needed comfort and convenience to your Marwari horses.
Most of the owners want a natural growth of their Marwari horse’s manes. However, it is critical to take care of and detangle their tails and manes on a daily basis.
Provide Marwaris with proper nutrition and daily grooming & care. And the natural shine in their coat will testify it.
Adoption
Do you want to adopt a Marwari horse in the US?
Unfortunately, this breed is rare there.
The exportation of Marwari horses is not permitted in India.
That is why it is rather difficult to find out Marwaris in the US.
Are you decided to adopt a Marwari horse anyway?
Then, you must have more patience and invest more amount than you would do for other equine breeds.
The main reason for it is the rarity of this breed. Since these horses need to be shipped a long distance, the cost of adoption gets increased.
Things to know about Marwari Horse Breed
Height: 14 to 16 hands
Live Weight: 750 to 1,000 pounds
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