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The Marwari is an ancient breed of horse. The breed is relatively small, standing up to 14.3 hh, however, they are truely horses--not ponies--and should be classified as such. The Mawari usually come in bay, brown, chestnut, and pinto. The animals are from the Marwar region in the state of Rajasthan, India and may possibly have evolved in Northeast India, boardering Afghanistan, although their origins are not certain. The breed is similar to the Kathiawari, and possesses much Arabian blood. The Marwari was a warrior mount for the Rathores, the rulers of Marwar. Selective breeding of the horses began in the early 12th century. The animals were highly prized and legends developed as to their great bravery and loyalty, including that the horses would guard their riders if they fell in battle. During Moghul Emperor Akbar's reign from 1542 to 1605, over 50,000 horses were employed in the Imperial Cavalry, many of which were Marwari. The breed continued to remain popular for some time, and many were used in World War I, but their popularity soon declined and the breed went almost extinct. Maharaja Umaid Singhji saved the breed, buying several stallions to breed with good quality Mawari mares. Today, the Indian government and the Marwari Breeders Association works to preserve the horses still left. |
