Marwari horse
The Marwari or Malani[1] is a rare breed of horse from the Marwar (or Jodhpur) region of Rajasthan, in north-west India.
Imperial history
changeThe period of British colonial rule hastened the Marwari's fall from dominance, as did the eventual independence of India. The British preferred other breeds, and tried to eliminate the Marwari, along with the Kathiawari.[2][3] Britons living in India instead preferred thoroughbreds and polo ponies, and reduced the reputation of the Marwari to the point where even the inward-turning ears of the breed were mocked as the "mark of a native horse".[4]
Uses
changeThe Marwari horse is a riding horse; it may also be used for shows, horse safaris, sport, ceremonial & religious purposes, and during earlier days in war.[5] Within the Marwari horse breed was a strain known as the Natchni, believed by local people to be "born to dance". Decorated in silver, jewels, and bells, these horses were trained to perform complex prancing and leaping movements at many ceremonies, including weddings.[6] Although the Natchni strain is extinct today,[4] horses trained in those skills are still in demand in rural India.[6]
References
change- ↑ "Marwari horses find new home in India". The Times of India. 14 September 2006. Archived from the original on 6 May 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2009.
- ↑ "Marwari Horse". Horseman Magazine. 10 August 2008. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
- ↑ Sirhindi, Manish (8 June 2008). "Reliving History on Horseback". The Tribune, Haryana Edition. Retrieved 18 January 2010.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Eveleigh, Mark (June 2009). "The Marwari Horse: Divine Horses of Rajasthan" (PDF). NagMag. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2010.
- ↑ "HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION". Marwari Horse Society. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Dutson, Judith (2005). Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America. Storey Publishing. pp. 160–164. ISBN 1-58017-612-7.