There are six indigenous horse and pony breeds in India.
Many of the native horse breeds of India need conservation assistance.
Somehow, whilst daydreaming over a map of Northern India, I made a vague plan to travel across this large and diverse country to discover all of the native horses of India in their native regions. This blog has been created to share the experience.ย
A great part of the rides is to raise awareness of the indigenous equines of India. Theyโve been sorely overlooked in equestrian circles, and have dwelled quite under the radar in the Subcontinent for too many years now.
Another reason, one deep set in my heart, is that I live with the hope that through each hoofbeat across this fascinating land, a layer of Indiaโs veil will be unravelled and I will glimpse at an understanding of her.ย
From Rajasthan to the towering Himalayas and the highest desert in the world, Leh Ladakh, this is an equestrian immersion, diving into the geographical, cultural, and historical tapestry that is Mother India.
Native horses of India – the Marwari horse
Rajasthan is where the journey has begun, a sandy land of towering ancient forts rising out of the dust and the heat. Once a noble princely state, full of myth and vigour and cavalries. Here, in the Marwar region, the hot blooded, proud and strikingly beautiful Marwari horse was bred.
I first rode the Marwari horse in 2015 when I travelled to Rajasthan from Sydney to join a horse back safari. The Marwari mare I rode, pictured below, was sensitive and intelligent. Riding her was like being on the winged back of Pegasus. From then onwards, I was under the magnetic spell of the Marwari.ย
Native Horses of India – The Kathiawari Horse
The journey will first head West to explore the Kathiawari horse in Gujarat. A close cousin of the Marwari, the Kathiawari is similar in many ways but is a distinct native horse breed in itโs own right.ย
One way to distinguish between the native Kathiawari and the Marwari is by looking at the ears. The Marwari ears typically meet at the top, whereas the Kathiawariโs ears will often cross.
Native horses of India – The Spiti Pony
Eastwards and upwards, the journey will then weave into the Himalayaโs to the sturdy Spiti pony.
The mountain goat of Himachal Pradesh, the Spiti has been used by overland traders for centuries to transport goods such as jewellery, rugs, and pashminas. The ponies are used by the Indian army to enter mountainous areas unaccessible by vehicles. The Indian government runs much needed breeding schemes to maintain the conservation of the Spiti breed. I came across the Spiti pony below peeking out of the Buddhist Wind Horse prayer flags in McLeod Ganj.ย
Native horses of India – The Zanskari Pony
From there, it goes further North to Jammu and Kashmir where the rugged Zanskari ponies evolved to withstand both the blasting inferno of summer and the freezing winter temperatures of Leh Ladakhโs high altitude desert.
Native horses of India – the Manipuri Pony
Finally, the journey will end in the extreme far East of India, Manipur, home to the Manipuri ponies. Heralded as the very first polo ponies, the population of this breed has dwindled to concerning proportions. Whilst on the Manipur ride, a great focus will be on how to assist in the conservation of the breed.
Whilst in these remote, rural regions, education will be spread, only when needed, on various aspects of horse care such as feeding, the damage done by using harsh bits, and the great importance of preserving Indiaโs native breeds. This will be done through the guidelines established by the Indigenous Horse Society of India.
The uniting theme of the expedition is to connect with Indiaโs horses, history, culture, and geography, experienced through the rides and the lens of equestrianism.
The Native Marwari Horse
I have spent the majority of my time exploring the native Marwari horses in Rajasthan. You can have the same incredible experience by riding with Dundlod Safari’s. I partner with Dundlod Safari’s who have been leading rides in this area for over thirty years.
My top recommendations are joining either the Jaisalmer Marwari Trail or the Desert Ride to Alsisar. Both have amazing riding terrain. From endless miles of sandy tracks for epic canters, to beautiful heritage hotels and forts we stay in on the route.
Some of the riders who have joined the horseback safaris have shared their experiences. In the Who Rides in India section, you can read their stories which bring the experience to life.
Many riders return again and again on different routes. Once you’ve experienced riding the native horses of India you’ll be hooked!
