Marwari horse
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Marwari is an ancient breed of horse. The breed is of medium size, standing on average 14.3 hands, however, they are known to grow quite tall, to 16.4 hands. Marwaris are truly horses--not ponies--and should be classified as such. The Mawari usually comes in bay, brown, chestnut, pinto, and the preferred black.
- The animals are from the Marwar region in the state of Rajasthan, India and may possibly have evolved in Northwest India, bordering Afghanistan, although their origins are not certain. The breed is similar to the Kathiawari of bordering state Gujurat, and the Akhal-Tepe of Central Asia. + The animals are from the Marwar region in the state of Rajasthan, India and may possibly have evolved in Northwest India, bordering Afghanistan, although their origins are not certain. The breed is similar to the Kathiawari of bordering state Gujurat, and the Akhal-Teke of Central Asia.
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.
Marwari horse is also called as Malani by proud Rajasthani breed growers. It is difficult to trace the origin of the true Malani (Marwari) horse with precision. Three breeds Viz Sindi, Kathiawadi and Malani (Marwari) have been Co-existing in Rajasthan over last a few decades. Co-existence with lack of awarness among their owners resulted in such inter breeding which has brought the Original Malani on the verge of extinction. It is thought how ever that the Malani breed is closely related to the Kathiawadi and has similar origins with some Arab blood. The Malani horse is synonym of both beauty and strength. It inherits the character of beauty from 'Kathiawadi' and at the same time is unparalleled in speed like 'The Arabi Horse'. With selective breeding the breeders of the past produced a horse with speed and stamina. It also possessed the remarkable characteristic of refusing to go down even when seriously injured until it had carried its rider out of danger and for standing near its wounded rider, biting and kicking at those who attempted to approach. These characteristics are only found in the famous Malani (Marwari) breed of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is the main breeding tract of this breed and is found mainly in the districts of Jodhpur, Pali, Barmer, Jalore, Jaiselmer and Guda Malani. Prior to the independence great efforts were made to protect this breed. But unfortunately due to many reasons this breed is gradually on the verge of extinction, the few remaining Malani (Marwari) horses are used in wedding ceremonies or to pull tongas (Horse-Carts). Some of the Marwari horses are used simply for the shows and seen very rarely to the common people. But these few are taught the rehwal gaitm very akim to the pace. Malani horses are born with this gait, many others have to be taught this gait. This is the reason for high demand of Malani Breed now a days in the famous, "Tilwara Malinath Animal Fair" in Barmer district and " The Pushkar Animal Fair" in Ajmer district. These horses are in high demand during these fairs for the purpose of race course, Polo, horse riding as well as for the Police force and army. Now a days the horses which are used in the film industry, are of Malani (Marwari) breed only these horses are used because of there intelligence and good looking.
The Marwari is an elegant breed with much intelligence and quality. The head is refined wide between the eyes and usually with a straight profile, the ears of the Malani horse are so long that they meet at their upper edges, which enhance the majestic look and gives uniqueness to this breed. The ears can even catch hold of a coin. The neck is clean at the throat, slightly arched and of medium length withers and the well pronounced back is short and strong, the croup is gently sloped, the tail is set high, the shoulders are well sloped and muscular, hindquarter are muscular and strong, the limbs are long with smooth, musculing and strong joints, the pasterns are sloped, the feet are extremely hard. The Average height of Malani Marwari horses is 62 inch to 66 inch i.e. 15½ to 16½ Hands. The Marwari is free of hairs on the legs and has a fine silky Coat. WHORLS play an important role in the selection of malani (marwari) horses. If the horse has a whori below the level of the eyes, it is known as an 'ANUSUDHAL' and few will buy such a horse. The long whori down the neck is known as 'DEVMAN' and it is considered lucky. The Marwari horses can travel as long as 80 kms, with little or no rest. The main reason behind the malani breed being superior is the adaptation of the good character from its parent breed. Its Majestic looks come from 'The Kathiawadi' where as quick pace comes from the ' Arabi breeds'.
In the bygone era the horse breeding was at its prime in the rural areas, as horse were the important means of transportation. At present these horses are kept in the farm houses situated in the periphery of the cities and trained for activities like, polo, horse riding, racing and other sports activities, so that they may fetch a higher price. Some of the fine horses of this breed fetch a price upto rupees one lac and above in " Tilwara fair" and in "Pushkar fair". Some of the Malani horses have not only earned a reputation in the race course, but also won many championships at the national as well as the international level. The famous horse Chetak of Maharana Pratap is legendary but few know that its breed was Malani (Marwari)- good for long distance riding. Neglect of the breed almost led, to its extinction. Late Maharaja Hanwant singh ji of Jodhpur who had been a renowned international polo player for many years, used to keep up Malani horse at his farm house.
The Malani horse is very sensitive, quick paced and very obedient to its owner. Regular and proper feeding, exercising and utmost care along with proper training is required. Horse breeders and the owners should very well be aware of the areas of demand as sports, race course, polo etc. If a horse is well trained it fetches a handsome price. Along with being the symbol of prestige, these horses are also good means of making an occupation out of horse breeding.
The average life span of Malani horse is 30 years and during its life time, it produce 10-12 offsprings. Every month, mares have 'The Estrovscycle' or the 'heat period' for Seven to ten days. During this time, either a cross can be made or artificial insemination can be done. The offspring becomes 'mature' in 2½ to 3 years and is suitable for reproduction. To prepare the offspring for the future purpose of race course or other sports activities , it is also fed with cow's milk simultaneously with "Mother's milk" and at the same time, specially formulated diet is given which contains all the nutrients. To keep the skin custurous, regular brushing is done so that the hair is shed regularly giving rise to new soft and custurous hair.
In order to conserve the "Marwari/Malani breed" the horse breeders of Rajasthan have established an institute under the supervision of Mr. Kishore Singh, and Ms. Pooja gehlot namely "Marwar Horse Breeding & Research Institute, Chopasni, Jodhpur" .This institute is committed to save the Malani breed from extinction and get back the lost honour of horse breeders of the land and break the barriers coming in the way to international scenario. It registers the horses at its own level and conduct many programs for this purpose. The Institute is engaged in spreading awareness and education regarding breeding of the breed. It also encourages common breeders to take the profession with pride.
For the development of Malani breed this institution conducts various programs during different fairs held in Rajasthan especially in "Tilwara & Pushkar Animal fair", for the horses of Malani breed to encourage the horse breeders. By providing Certificates, cash prizes and trophies. Institute receive financial support from animal husbandary department govet. of india under centrelly sponsered scheme 10th five year plan'
