Understanding the Marwari

Relief Riders International works with excellent stables and outfitters in India to provide our guests with a wonderful riding experience. In Rajasthan we ride the Marwari, an ancient breed with a long history in India. Today’s Marwari horses are descended from the war horses that served the ruling families and warriors of feudal India.

These horses have several distinctive physical characteristics, which will immediately set them apart from the Thoroughbreds and Arabian horses more familiar to Western riders. Lighter in weight and less massive than their Thoroughbred or Arabian counterparts, Marwari horses have an extremely proud bearing, distinctive aquiline head and deeply expressive eyes. Perhaps most noticeable are the ears – their unusual scimitar shape is unique to the breed.

With their long history as warrior horses in the desert, the Marwari are adaptable and agreeable in a variety of rugged environments. In the desert, their smaller frame and light weight help them negotiate uneven and soft desert sand. You’ll immediately notice their graceful, active gait; their good nature and stamina will win your heart.

Caring for Our Marwari on the Ride

On the ride, we make every effort to take excellent care of our horses. We will generally begin our rides in the morning while it is still cool outside, rest in the heat of the midday, and resume in the late afternoon.

A team of grooms accompanies our relief mission caravan and is responsible for caring for the horses. The grooms are responsible for daily feeding andwatering of the horses, and alsomaintaining tack in good condition.

Some riders also enjoy purchasing carrots from village vendors as a treat for their horses.

If you should experience any problems with equipment on the ride, replacement equipment is always available, and every effort is made to ensure your comfort. Should your horse become injured or fatigued, it will be transported by truck back to the stables to rest and recuperate. Spare horses accompany our caravan in case of any such emergency and you will be provided with a new horse.

Relief Riders International regularly evaluates the performance of our Indian horse outfitter to ensure the highest standards of care for our horses are being met, and that everyone – including the horses! – enjoys a safe and fun ride through the beautiful Rajasthan desert.http://www.reliefridersinternational.com