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JODHPUR, INDIA, January 3, 2004: The most famous Marwari horse was Chetak who saved the life of Maharana Pratap, one of the great military heros of Hinduism. It is counted among one of the many gifts from the Gods brought forth at the “churning of the ocean” — and was originally equipped with wings. But this courageous breed is now a dying breed, found only on ceremonial occasions. It is known for its fine carriage and showmanship. The most distinguishing feature of the Marwari horse is a long flat head and unusual ears that touch on the top. Yes, the horse has a home page, here.



But the Marwari breed known for his courage and endurance is a dying breed. Less than 400 Marwari pure breeds now survive. “They were sure footed and courageous animals and could live on meagre rations. And this role continued right up to the time there were horse cavalries like the Jodhpur lancers,” says Maharaja Gaj Singh, Patron, Marwari Horse Society. Once the cavalries of Rajasthan were disbanded these horses were left without patrons to maintain them. Interbreeding with local horses also led to their decline.



But now efforts by the Marwari Horse Society in Jodhpur, which has standardized the points of the Marwari horse, has once again revived this breed. “These are one man horses. If trained and loved, they will do anything the owner tells them to,” says Gajendra Pal Singh, Joint Secretary, Marwari Horse Society. Horse races and shows are now being planned to make Rajasthan’s most historical breed relevant in the modern context.

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