(10 Nov 2017) LEADIN:
The magnificent Marwari horse, one of the few indigenous breeds in India, is making a comeback thanks to a breeding centre in Jodhpur.
It's supported by a former royal family who hope to preserve the bloodline and purity of the breed, while ensuring the numbers of this special horse grow.
STORYLINE:
The history of India's royals is full of tales of loyalty and bravery of their beloved horses.
The Marwari, one of the oldest breeds in the world, had been the cavalry horse of the Rajput warriors in Rajasthan and a symbol of Marwari aristocracy for centuries.
The graceful horse is rated high among the equines for its striking features, build, endurance, hardiness and a tolerance to the severe summer heat.
The Marwari has distinctive inward turning ear tips with a slender neck, and is taller than most other breeds.
The Rathore rulers of the western Marwar region are credited with breeding the fiery Marwari horse in the 12th century.
While there were no documented records kept of the bloodlines, the royals and other nobility tried to ensure the purity of the breed.
But the horses faced a decline during the British colonial rule and had to make way for imported thoroughbred horses from Europe and Australia.
The degeneration of the breed continued even after India became independent as the royals and noble families lost their titles and assets and sold their stock.
Colonel Umaid Singh is the the secretary of the All India Marwari Horse Society formed in 1997.
For him the breed represents the Rathore clan's centuries old equestrian tradition and this means it was essential to bring it back from the brink of extinction.
"This Marwari horse is a very prestigious, indigenous horse. We have history back… Rana Pratap (Rajput King), Amar Singh Rathore (Rajput nobleman affiliated with the royal house of Marwar), it's …all the horses were Marwaris. After this British regime we had lost the track of these good horses. Then recently in last 20 years or so, we again thought of this horse must be revived, must be preserved in our country and with that deal, the Marwari horse society was formed. In that Marwari society, His Highness Maharaja Jodhpur (Former Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singh), he played a big role."
At the horse breeding centre at Balsamand palace in Jodhpur, the Marwari horses have got a new lease of life.
Run by the All India Marwari Horse Society , the breeding centre now has 20 highest quality Marwari horses, including 15 broodmares and 5 stallions.
The price of Marwari horses within India ranges from 3000 to 4000 U.S. dollars. They are used for safaris, general riding and ceremonial purposes.
It costs between 400 to 500 US dollars a month to breed and maintain a horse, according to Col. Singh.
Every year, the horses are showcased at an event where breeders, stud farm owners, equestrians and horse lovers gather to promote the Marwari breed.
The former Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singh is supporting the venture to preserve the pure breed of the majestic animal.
Framed pictures of the former royal on his Marwari horse line the walls of the Umaid Bhawan Palace museum.
Gaj Singh's daughter Shivranjani Rajye says indigenous breeds like the Marwari are facing a quality decline due to indiscriminate breeding and lack of codified breed standards.
The All India Marwari Horse society is mobilising breeders and organising camps and educational seminars to determine the phenotypical characteristics of the Marwari breed.
This helps in defining the standard breed characteristics of the Marwari Horse and development of its pedigree.
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