For centuries the Marwari has been the cavalry mount of the Rajput warrior, fearlessly carrying him to glory and victory time after time. Its fierce loyalty towards its master is now the stuff of legends. Whether it be, jumping off the ramparts of an enormous fortress in order to protect its master who, after being surrounded by the enemy, fought like a tiger and having cut his way to the ramparts urged his horse to take the fatal jump. The horse responded without hesitation and jumped to his death thus saving the life and honour of his master. Or, carrying a wounded master, with one severed foot and outrunning the enemy in hot pursuit, eventually taking the final leap across a flowing rivulet to safety. This legendary horse died in the arms of his master. The name “Chetak” stands tall as a personification of loyalty and courage and is taken with great reverence to this day.

The latest DNA reports throw light on two facts. First - Contrary to popular belief the Marwari does not fall in the same group as the Arab, and second- that it is one of the oldest breeds of the world and is indigenous to this land. The fact that there is mention of the presence of the equine in our ancient texts and scriptures is proof that the horse has always been in India and did not come with the invaders from the Northwest. The Marwari is one of the few indigenous breeds left in the country and the need to protect, preserve and promote it is stronger than ever.

Even though no documented records were kept of the bloodlines and the breeding program me of Marwari horses, the erstwhile royal houses and nobility took great pains in ensuring that the purity of the bloodlines were maintained, and they constantly strived towards improving their stock.

Unfortunately, the breed did not find favour with the British in India. During the days of the Raj, the Marwari was side-lined and had to make way for the imported horses from Europe and Australia. So much so, that under the British all Indian cavalries, including the legendary Jodhpur Lancers, were mounted on imported horses. Things got worse for the Marwari post-independence. After having signed the instrument of accession, the royals and the nobility, who were the chief patrons of the breed, uncertain of the future, started selling their stock. The horse went into the wrong hands. People with no equine knowledge became its masters and thus started the slow degeneration of the breed and the dilution of bloodlines. In its present state the Marwari was crying out for help. It desperately needed someone to pull it out of oblivion, nurture it back to its former glory and place it where it would be counted amongst the finest old breeds of the world. Its voice was heard by none other than its own king. The Maharaja of the land it hails from - Marwar.

Unfortunately, the breed did not find favour with the British in India. During the days of the Raj, the Marwari was side-lined and had to make way for the imported horses from Europe and Australia. So much so, that under the British all Indian cavalries, including the legendary Jodhpur Lancers, were mounted on imported horses. Things got worse for the Marwari post-independence. After having signed the instrument of accession, the royals and the nobility, who were the chief patrons of the breed, uncertain of the future, started selling their stock. The horse went into the wrong hands. People with no equine knowledge became its masters and thus started the slow degeneration of the breed and the dilution of bloodlines. In its present state the Marwari was crying out for help. It desperately needed someone to pull it out of oblivion, nurture it back to its former glory and place it where it would be counted amongst the finest old breeds of the world. Its voice was heard by none other than its own king. The Maharaja of the land it hails from - Marwar.

His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II has spearheaded the cause of the Marwari. Under his patronage the All India Marwari Horse Society (AIMHS) was founded in the year 1998. Under his watchful eye and guidance, the AIMHS has strived to champion the cause of the Marwari. It organised the first major seminar in 2002 which was aimed at determining the physical (phonotypical) characteristics of the Marwari breed of horse. The phonotypical characteristics were formalised at the conclusion of this seminar. The AIMHS has worked long and hard, in organising educational seminars for breeders, veterinary seminars throwing light on the common ailments of the breed, organising camps and veterinary clinics, organising horse shows and in-hand showing classes to determine the finest of the breed and hosting the National Endurance Championships Seven times.

The Biggest achievement for the AIMHS however, has been the launch of the stud book for the Marwari breed. The AIMHS was entrusted with the all-important task of forming and maintaining a studbook for the Marwari breed of horse by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Government of India. The Stud Book Registration Society was thus formed and for the first time ever, Marwari horses are being registered in earnest.

We, the members of AIMHS hail from every strata of society… from royals to rural farmers… but the one thing that binds us together is the burning passion for the horse. We urge you to spare a moment to savour this most sublime creation of the equine species… The Marwari.