The Marwari horse is a breed that originates from the desert state of Rajasthan in India.
They are known for their endurance and sure-footedness, making them perfect for riding through the desert sands.
While they are not as common outside of India, there are a growing number of Marwari Horse enthusiasts around the world who appreciate their unique qualities.
If you’re curious to know more about these fascinating creatures, keep reading!
Marwari Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Marwari:
| Height (size) | 13.3 – 14.3 hand high |
| Colors | All color patterns – black, gray, chestnut, palomino, piebald, skewbald, roan, bay, pinto |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Common Uses | Excels at endurance riding, but also popular for trail riding, polo, lower level dressage, sometimes used in religious ceremonies and equestrian shows |
Marwari Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Rathores, the rulers of the Marwar area, began breeding Marwari horses in the 12th century.
These horses were used as cavalry mounts and were famed for their toughness and courage in conflict.
After being driven into the desert close to what is now Pakistan in 1193, the Rathores continued the careful breeding of Marwari horses.
However, only members of certain castes were allowed to ride these horses.
The Mughals’ occupation of northern India in the 16th century may have introduced Turkoman blood into Marwari lines, explaining the resemblance between the Marwari and the present-day Akhal-Teke horse.
The breed was renowned for its excellent hearing and keen sense of direction, carrying injured soldiers unguided from the front lines.
The Marwari came dangerously close to extinction as a result of political and economic unrest in India at the beginning of the 20th century.
After India attained independence in 1947, modern society progressively replaced the warrior culture and Indian nobility, making Marwari a very rare breed by 1950.
Hadn’t been for the efforts of Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his grandson Maharaja Gaj Singh II, they would have perished completely.
Luckily for the Marwari horse, in 1995, British horsewoman Francesca Kelly established the Marwari Bloodlines group, which served as a much-needed push for the breed’s development.
In 2000, Kelly was able to bring the first Marwari horse to the United States when the restriction against the export of Marwari horses outside of India was temporarily lifted.
Over the following six years, a total of 21 horses were exported until restrictions were re-instituted.
In 2009, a stud book was established, and the Marwari Horse Society moved under the auspices of the Indian government.
Later that same year, the Indian government released a series of postage stamps commemorating the breed of horse.
As of 2014, the Marwari horse was the first Asian horse to have its full genome mapped.
It confirmed speculations that centuries ago local ponies of Mongolian descent were probably mixed with Arabian horses imported to the area.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Intelligent, can be unpredictable at times
Physical Characteristics
The head features a straight or slightly convex profile.
The ears turn inward and touch at the tips.
The eyes are round and set far apart, and the nostrils are flared.
The neck is set high and more muscled at the base than at the poll.
Long and wide, the shoulders are built in a manner that makes it easier to walk over the thick sand of the desert.
The withers are pronounced, and the back is of medium-length.
The hindquarters are rounded and muscular.
The legs are sturdy and built for traveling very long distances.
The Marwari, like other desert breeds, can travel long distances with little water and food.
They are gaited and can perform a quick-four beat lateral gait called rehwal or revaal.
Colors
All color patterns – black, gray, chestnut, palomino, piebald, skewbald, roan, bay, pinto
Height (size)
13.3 – 14.3 hand high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
750 – 1,000 lbs (340 – 450 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Excels at endurance riding, but also popular for trail riding, polo, lower level dressage, sometimes used in religious ceremonies and equestrian shows
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
They have curved ears and are gaited
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
India
Ancestors
Mongolian horse, Arabian, Turkoman horse