Mahima is the feisty Marwari horse who inspired Mahima Rides.
I journeyed with Mahima on countless rides across Rajasthan. Mahima opened my eyes to India. I will share the experiences I had with Mahima, a very special Marwari horse.
Dundlod Marwari Horse Breeding
Mahima is a Marwari horse who was bred at Dundlod Fort’s stables. This is one of the leading breeding and conservation yards of Marwari horses in Rajasthan and India. Dundlod Fort is the headquarters for the Indigenous Horse Society of India, who are dedicated to preserving and promoting the native horse and pony breeds of India.
Mahima means โHighnessโ, โGloryโ and โGreatnessโ in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India.
Mahima is one of the pure bred Marwariโs who are more rounded in their conformation. I asked the vet of the Indigenous Horse Society of India, Dr. Gulvinder, about this. In general, the Marwari is a more angular desert breed. Pending on the breeding line, the Marwari can be more rounded like Mahima, particularly when they are young, which she is.
Blue – Grey Colouring
In India, Mahimaโs colouring is considered to be highly auspicious. She is a grey who has the blue tone of skin as opposed to the pink skin of the albino or โNukraโ horses of India. The blue-grey is considered, as I have been told by the horse men and women of Rajasthan, to be lucky on Marwari horses.
Chetak
The most famous of all Indian horses, Chetak, was known as โThe Blue Horseโ, or โNeela Ghodaโ in Hindi which could be attributed to his blue-grey colouring. Chetak was the Marwari stallion of King Pratap who ruled a region of Rajasthan called Mewar in 1540. Despite being fatally injured in battle, Chetak managed to carry the King to safety. This firmly established the horse as a hero in Rajasthan.
The name Mahima
In Hinduism, names correspond with the zodiac, known as the Hindu โRashiโ. Mahima is under the Leo or Lion horoscope, known as โSimha or Singhโ in Hindi. According to Hindi astrology, 9 is the lucky number associated with her name. Mahima’s star, or โNakshtraโ is โMakha,โ which means โthe bountifulโ. The symbol for the name Mahima is the royal throne.
Names are imbued with meaning and symbolism, and Dundlod Safariโs name their horses based on their date and time of birth, taking into consideration the phases of the moon and religious festivals.
The Start of Mahima Rides
I clicked with Mahima the moment I met her at Dundlod Safariโs. Together we rode hundreds of miles across Rajasthan, starting with the Jaisalmer Marwari Trail.
Whilst on one of these many rides with Mahima, I named this horse and travel blog after her. Not only because I love her character and spirit, but I love the meaning behind her name.
Mahima Rides will venture to diverse parts of India, exploring the variety of this countryโs indigenous horses and ponies.
Riding in Rajasthan
You can experience riding in Rajasthan on Marwari horses. Mahima Rides partners with Dundlod Safari’s, who have been leading rides for over three decades now! Dundlod were the very first horseback safari holidays, led by Bonnie Dundlod. Dundlod Safari’s are ethical and absolutely love their horses. They are passionate about conserving the authentic native Marwari horse breed. I rode with Mahima on both the Jaisalmer Marwari Trail and the Desert Ride to Alsisar. These rides are hands down my favourite routes. I love galloping along endless sandy tracks, seeing a part of India untouched by modernity and camping under the stars.
