The Kathiawari is a breed of horse from India, originating in the Kathiawar peninsula. Closely related to the Marwari horse, and resembling both that breed and the Arabian horse from which they descend, the Kathiawari was originally bred as a desert war horse for use over long distances, in rough terrain, on minimal rations. They are found in all colours except for black, and are commonly dun with primitive markings. Breeding diminished after India`s independence, and today there are very few Kathiawaris left in existence. Originally used as war horses and cavalry mounts, they are currently used as mounted police horses and for the sport of tent pegging. The breed registry and annual shows are organized by the Kathiawari Horse Breeders` Association.
Breed characteristics:
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The best quality Kathiawaris are under 15 hands (60 inches, 152 cm); horses over this height often appear coarse and deviate from the desired breed type. The breed is found in all colours, except for black. Chestnut is the colour seen most often, followed by bay, gray and finally dun. Many dun horses exhibit primitive markings, which show a possible connection to the Tarpan. Pinto patterns do exist, but are extremely rare. The breed has a concave facial profile, with a broad forehead and short muzzle. The neck and body are proportional and relatively short, while both the head and tail are carried high. Although well-proportioned, many Western breeders consider them to be lacking in bone in the legs. However, soundness is an inherent characteristic of the breed. One of the breed`s most distinctive features is its ears, which curve inward to touch and sometimes overlap at the tips. The Kathiawari has the most extremely curved ears of any breed of horse. At some points in the breed`s history, breeders focused on the preservation of these curving ears, to the detriment of some other, more important, physical characteristics. Like many desert breeds, the Kathiawari can subsist on minimal rations and water and is more resistant to the heat than breeds developed in colder climates. As well as the usual gaits, the Kathiawari also performs a swift, lateral pace, called the revaal. They are known as high-spirited, intelligent and affectionate horses.
They are quite similar to the Marwari horse, another breed from India, having much of the same history and physical features. The main difference between the Kathiawari and the Marwari is their original geographic origin – Kathiawaris are from the Kathiawar peninsula while Marwaris are mainly from the Marwar region. Kathiawaris tend to have slight facial differences from the Marwari, and are slightly taller in general. The Kathiawari also resembles the Arabian horse, which contributed significantly during the development of the breed.
