The Kathiawari is one of the most popular horse breeds in India.
They are used for riding, farming, and pulling carts.
They are also very popular in equestrian sports competitions.
Here is everything you need to know about the Kathiawari horse breed.
Kathiawari Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Kathiawari:
| Height (size) | 13.3 – 14.3 hands high |
| Colors | All colors are allowed except for black. Dun horses often have the primitive markings – a dorsal stripe and zebra stripes on the legs. |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Common Uses | Riding, driving, for sport (particularly for the sport of tent-pegging), and sometimes by the Indian police forces |
Kathiawari Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
Kathiawari horse comes from the Kathiawar peninsula in Gujarat, located in western India, and is associated with the Kathi people who live there.
Even though the history of the breed cannot be traced back to a specific point in time, it is safe to assume that this horse rose into popularity as native stock long before the reign of the Mogul Emperors (1526 – 1857).
One theory is that the breed might have evolved from a cross between native horses in the area and Arabian horses imported by Muslims.
However, the superintendent of the Gaekwad Contingent in 1880 indicated that the Kathiawari breed could have arisen from the wild horses of the Kathiawar region.
It is also believed that the breed is descended from other horse breeds, such as the Kabuli and the Baluchi, which originated in the north and were related to the steppe and desert horses that were found farther to the west and northwest.
Similar to the Kathiawari, these horses had the ability to pace and often had curled ears and a “dry” skull.
It is likely that the introduction of Arabians during the Mogul period improved the overall quality of the breed.
The horses were developed specifically to be used as war horses in desert environments: they needed to be able to travel great distances, traverse difficult terrain, and survive on minimal food.
The Kathiawari Horse Breeders’ Association holds the stud book, and also organizes annual events.
The breed standard was set up in 2008.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Kathiawadi”
Temperament/Personality
Spirited and intelligente
Physical Characteristics
The Kathiawari, like other desert breeds, can survive with very little food or water and can withstand higher temperatures with more ease than breeds from colder areas.
The Kathiawari is gaited, and can perform a quick lateral pace called revaal.
Kathiawari resembles the Arabian, which had a significant role in the evolution of the breed.
The head is carried high and features a concave profile.
The forehead is wide, and the muzzle is short.
The neck is also short. The body is proportional, and the tail is set high.
The back is short.
Despite its proportionality, many Western breeders criticize their lack of bone in the legs.
On the other hand, soundness is a breed-specific trait.
Ears that fold inward to almost touch each other and sometimes overlap at the tips are one of the breed’s most recognizable characteristics.
The Kathiawari horse breed has the most pronouncedly curled ears in the horse world.
Colors
All colors are allowed except for black.
Dun horses often have the primitive markings – a dorsal stripe and zebra stripes on the legs.
Height (size)
13.3 – 14.3 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
600 – 650 lbs (270 – 300 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Riding, driving, for sport (particularly for the sport of tent-pegging), and sometimes by the Indian police forces
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Inward curving ears and a lateral pace called the revaal
Feeding/Diet
Can survive on minimal food and water
Country of Origin
India
Ancestors
Wild horses of Kathiawar (speculated), Kabuli, Baluchi, Arabian