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Dundlod Fort / Endurance Riding / Horseback Safari / Marwari Horse

Endurance Horse Riding in India – Mohit Bachhav

Mohit Bachhav is an endurance horse rider who competes across India on the Marwari horse breed.

Mohit is passionate about the native horses and ponies of India and is the volunteer Digital Consultant for the Indigenous Horse Society of India

Endurance Marwari Horse and Endurance Rider
Mohit during an endurance competition on Marwari horse ‘Rafael’.

Describe your riding background, Mohit

I have been riding horses for almost 17 years. As my family occupation is farming, we have had horses since I remember. Previously I used to ride just for pleasure until I discovered endurance riding by watching videos of the Dundlod Safaris endurance championships. Then I joined “Digvijay Horse Riding Academy” in Pune, Maharashtra, and there I learnt more about endurance. I worked as an instructor and participated in some endurance championships. Now I’m working as an instructor as well as stable manager at “County Ranch” based at Nashik in Maharashtra. I own a horse called Laxmi, which means goddess of wealth and prosperity in Hindi. I am preparing Laxmi to be an endurance horse and training her currently.

Black endurance marwari horse
Mohit’s Marwari mare, Laxmi

What do you love about Marwari horses?

I love their kind nature towards humans and the way they sense our emotions. They are just amazing and I can’t explain in a few words. Whilst riding a Marwari horse they know what exactly the rider wants; they catch the vibes and act accordingly.

How would you describe the Marwari horse?

Marwari horses are always easy to interact with. They are at a very high level of spirit, energy and most importantly they are fearless. If you have good bonding with your horse it will take you to the highest level of joy and happiness. They have a very unique identity from their ears, it makes the heart shape when both ears are facing forwards.  

What advice would you give to equestrians who are keen to journey to India to ride the Marwari breed?

I would recommend equestrians all over the world to come over and ride Marwari horses, it will be a heavenly feeling. They have very smooth gaits. We have a very beautiful culture here in India to see, and it varies after every 20 to 40 miles. Different lifestyles, and the kindest and most hospitable people. We’ve a variety of food as we Indians take food very seriously, just like the country itself it is diverse. Starting from North India to South India we’ve very beautiful landscapes to ride in. We’ve desert land to ride in such as Rajasthan and also green pastures.    

You’ve ridden at Dundlod Fort Stables, what is that like?

Dundlod Fort is a heaven for any horse lover. Once you have visited there the place itself calls you back again and again. At the entrance of the fort there are two horse statues who are welcoming you to forget your fatigue throughout your journey to the fort.

Then comes a Diwan Khana with very beautiful architecture, hanging chandeliers, photographs and paintings of ancestors and much more to see. The Fort has beautiful bedrooms and has very tasty food. The stables are down the road from the fort, and they are in excellent condition and keeps horses safe and in their natural habitat. They have separate paddocks for mares, stallions and broodmares with foals. The stables and horses are always kept immaculate by the talented team of grooms. The Grooms understand each and every horse and are really professional and caring with the horses, as well as with the guests who are visiting stable.

Marwari horse statue Dundlod Fort horseback safari Rajasthan
One of the Marwari horse statues at the entrance of Dundlod Fort

As an endurance rider, can you describe what Marwari horses are like at competitive level endurance?

Marwari horses are endurance horses basically. They are calm and steady, they are fearless, they go anywhere in any kind of terrain. I ride a marwari horse for endurance, and I suggest others do so. They have a very soft gait so that we don’t get tired. There are very less chance that they will get dehydrated because they have adapted over hundreds of years as a desert breed of horse.

What is the equestrian scene like in India?

As India is a developing country the scene is the same, we’re developing in the equestrian field. Trying our horses and riders in different disciplines, though many are more focused at endurance and it’s getting more popular day by day. Many states are trying their best to promote equestrianism among enthusiasts, educating people about the sport through various State Associations. The number of riding club is increasing day by day.

Mohit is a keen equestrian photographer, some of his Marwari pictures can be seen below.