A horse of Marwar
The breed takes its name from Marwar in Rajasthan. The Rathore rulers kept these horses as cavalry mounts. Breeders also raised them in Mewar, and the National Research Centre on Equines records breeding areas stretching from Jaisalmer and Barmer to Udaipur. Some owners know the breed by another name, Malani.
Reading the silhouette
A Marwari often holds its head high, with ear tips that curve inwards and may meet. Kathiawaris can share this feature. An Indian field study found the Marwaris it measured were taller on average, but several traits overlapped. If pedigree matters to you, ask the owner how the parents were identified and who issued any registration record.
Looking after a riding horse
Ask what a typical week under saddle looks like, including days off. When visiting in hot weather, look for drinking water at both the yard and the work area and a shaded place to rest. Plan exercise around local conditions and the individual horse’s fitness. A history of desert riding is little help to a horse working through the hottest part of the day.