Understanding the characteristics of eight Indian horse breeds for breed-specific regional identification

Introduction Historical References

Ain-i-Akbari: One of the most detailed historical write-ups to come across is Abu Fazl's (court historian of Emperor Akbar) Akbarnama, within which specifically the Ain-i-Akbari (this is the Volume III of the Akbarnama and details the administrative systems of governance etc), published around the year 1599-1600. It details not only horses, but also specific allowances of food for particular horse breeds as well as detailed information on caretaking of the horses-such detail on the subject is not encountered elsewhere in works of this kind. controversially footnotes that Kathiawar bred India's finest horses due to Arabian crossbreeding, a claim the text acknowledges likely involves some mixing due to Gujarat's transit role but is probably an oversimplification. Sir Walter Gilbey's 1906 book mentions a British horsebreeding commission in Ambala (1900-1901) that identified the Kathiawari, Marwari, Baluchi, and "Unmol" breeds as pure and worthy of preservation, equating their potential to that of Arabs. The commission recommended encouraging breeding in Kathiawar, Marwar, Baluchistan, and northern Punjab, and urged the Indian government to acquire the best stallions of these breeds for stud. Notably, the text positions the "Anmol" as a pure Punjabi breed and suggests that introducing Thoroughbred blood would be detrimental to these native lines Archibald Adams' 1899 book on western Rajputana states Marwari horses are extensively bred in Marwar and celebrated for hardiness, beauty, and easy pace. They are noted for good height, ability to carry heavy weights despite light bones, and endurance like desert camels. The Rathore hold their horses in high regard, often prioritizing their care and considering them family. Adams also mentions a smaller, handsome, and hardy horse breed in Jaisalmer, though camels were more prevalent there. The Marwari horse was highly favored and widely used in Sirohi. The book contains a photograph, likely one of the earliest, of a Marwari horse. In a 1920 speech at Jodhpur, Viceroy Lord Chelmsford praised the Marwari horse as equal to, if not superior to, other Indian breeds. He also noted the famous Nagore and Mallani cattle, highlighting the region's rich pastoral resources. Lord Chelmsford mentioned ongoing efforts to improve the state's horse breed and specifically develop the pure Marwari type.

The historical significance of equines, particularly horses, within India is well-established. However, the period spanning 1951 to 2019 has witnessed a notable decline in the populations of horses, mules, and donkeys. A contributing factor to this trend is the lack of widespread understanding regarding pure breed identification, leading to indiscriminate breeding practices and consequent genetic dilution within progeny. This review article aims to delineate the distinct characteristics of eight recognized Indian horse breeds. By providing a comprehensive overview of these breed-specific traits, this study intends to facilitate accurate identification of these equines within their traditional breeding regions, thereby contributing to more targeted and effective conservation strategies aimed at preserving these valuable genetic resources.

Status of equines population in India

Indian horse breeds are unique due to their adaptation to diverse climates and their inherent sturdiness, endurance, and disease resistance. However, road development, mechanization, and crossbreeding have severely reduced their populations. With only a few thousand purebred individuals remaining (Singhvi, 2001; Yadav et al., 2001) [14,16] , conservation strategies are crucial. India has approximately 0.54 million horses according to the 2019 livestock census.Total number of horses and ponies in the country in 3.4 lakh in 2019 decresed by 42.2% over previous census.The total population of mules in the country is eighty four thousand in 2019,decreases by 57.1 over previous census The total population of donkeys in the country is 1.2 lakh in 2019,decreased by 61.2 over previous census shown in (Fig. 1) Source 20 th Livestock Census. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab are among the leading regions with a substantial population of horses and ponies. According to data from the 20th Livestock Census, the equine population in Uttar Pradesh declined from 1.52 lakh to 0.76 lakh, reflecting a decrease of 50.14%. Similarly, in Jammu & Kashmir, the population fell from 1.44 lakh to 0.63 lakh, a reduction of 56.17%. A downward trend in horse populations has been observed across most other states as well, with the exception of Gujarat, which recorded a positive growth of 19.42% during the same period. The Importance of Monitoring Equine Populations and Trends in India Continuous monitoring of horse and pony populations is crucial for a multifaceted understanding of prevailing trends in breed preference, the status of genetic diversity, the identification and management of health and welfare issues, and the formulation of informed policies aimed at the sustainable management of these vital equine resources. Analysis of population dynamics between 1951 and 2019 reveals a concerning annual decline of 1.81% in the number of horses and ponies, alongside a similar annual decrease of 1.53% in the donkey population. All the four pony breeds are endangered breeds because of their shrinking number in their respective breeding tracts (Gupta et al., 2012) [7] . These trends underscore the necessity for comprehensive monitoring to inform effective conservation and management strategies.shown in (

Breed Classification in Indian Horses

India's equine landscape is characterized by a fascinating diversity of indigenous horse breeds, each shaped by centuries of adaptation to specific regional environments and human needs. Horse breeds India is inhabited to eight unique indigenous horse breeds. Distinct categorization systems for Indian horse breeds exist across different authors and organizations in India. According to the National Commission on Agriculture (1976), horses (Equus caballus) in India can be placed broadly in two classes viz. the slow moving pack ponies and the fast running saddle horses used for riding or for drawing carriages.India has two horse (Kathiawari and Marwari) and four pony (Manipuri, Spiti, Zanskari and Bhutia) breeds inhabiting in different agro-climatic regions (Gupta et al., 2012) [7] . ICAR-NBAGR, the nodal agency for Indian livestock breed registration in Karnal, has registered eight horse breeds: Marwari, Kathiawari, Manipuri, Spiti, Bhutia, Zanskari, and Bhimthadi. In contrast, the FAO's DAD-IS lists nine breeds, including Arab, Chumarti, and Dakani, while using "pony" for some breeds listed by ICAR-NBAGR. Both sources acknowledge the distinctive and adaptive traits of these Indian equines. Marwari horses contain the blood of Arab horses and were developed to produce multi-purpose horse breed, suitable for battle fields and travel for long distances at plain and hills with equal ease and hardiness (Singh1999) [15] . Based on historical references, it is also believed that the Marwari horses have been developed by breeding. Kathiawari horses with the Arab, Persian, Turkestan, Sindhi/ Baluchi and other similar breeds (Gadhvi, 2017) [6] . Jun et al., (2014) [9] confirmed strong Arabian and Mongolian inheritance in Marwari breed while DOIng whole genome.

Phenotypic Characterization of the Marwari Horse Breed

2.Kathiawari

Derived its name from the area of its origin i.e. Kathiwar area of Gujarat. Kathiawari, the native breed of Kathiawar area, Gujarat, is also known for its speed, stamina, endurance capability of fast moving, etc. (Zala, 2010) [17] . The Arabian horses, the first to be introduced in India by invaders/traders, are believed to have contributed substantially in the evolution of Kathiawari breed (Gupta, 2010, Kaura, 1961a,) [7,10] . Colour & Markings Various greys (iron, dappled, flea-bitten), dun (often with zebra stripes on legs and dorsal band). Common: yellow dun, blue dun, chestnut, bay, skew-bald. Black not found in Kathiawadi horses.

Manipuri

Their descent is from Asiatic wild horse and Arabian horses. These alert ponies are known for their beauty, fastness and hardiness. Adult horses managed semi-intensively, primarily stationary, feeding on grazing, fodder, and concentrate.

Phenotypic Characterization of the Kathiawari Horse Breed

Zanskari

The horses are known for their hardiness and ability to work at high altitude.Adult horses managed semi-intensively, primarily stationary, feeding on grazing, fodder, and concentrate.

Phenotypic Characterization of the Zanskari Horse Breed

Kachchhi-Sindhi

This horse breed has its origin in Pachchham (Khavda) and Banni area of Bhuj Taluka of Kachchh district of Gujarat (India) and is locally known as Kachchhi Horse. The breeding tract is very close to the Sindh area on the border with Pakistan. Before partition both Kachchh and Sindh were considered the place of origin/ breeding tract of these horses. Hence these are named as Kachchhi-Sindhi. In Rajasthan, these are known as Sindhi horses. Generally used for transportation of goods or other materials like fodder, raw construction materials, etc. Majority of the Kachchhi-Sindhi horse owner maintain and keep these horses for riding purpose, as these are excellent for long distance riding because of special type of Horse gait called Rewal Chal. Also used for horse safaris. This is a dry zone, rains are scanty. As a result, vegetation is also rare.Landscape is flat, soil is smooth in Banni and nearby greater and little Rann of Kutch while, sandy soil found in main land of Kachchh and Rajasthan. Excellent adaptability to both extensive and intensive housing system. Kachchhi horse breeders' practices vary by occupation: farmers use intensive rearing, while pastoralists employ semi-intensive. In the Banni area, pastoralists follow an extensive system with open mating, favoring mares over stallions. Stallion selection is meticulous, based on pedigree and physical traits. The 'challa' system prevents unwanted breeding in the extensive system. Breeders consider Kachchhi-Sindhi horses as unique. Not only do they have distinct physical features but also quality of rewal chal, a special type of race. A rider can carry buttermilk (liquid) on the back of Kachchhi-Sindhi horse in open vessel to a long distance without any drop spilling out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phenotypic characteristics of Indian-bred horses, as exemplified by breeds like the Marwari, Kathiawari, Manipuri, Spiti, Bhutia, Zanskari, and Bhimthadi (and others recognized by DAD-IS), collectively demonstrate a remarkable adaptation to the diverse and often challenging environments of the Indian subcontinent. These breeds, through centuries of natural selection and selective breeding, have developed notable traits including exceptional endurance, a relative resilience to local diseases, a robust and sturdy physique capable of withstanding demanding work, and a reliable sure-footedness crucial for navigating varied terrains, from arid plains to hilly regions. While individual breeds possess unique physical attributes and temperaments suited to their specific origins and traditional uses, they share a common thread of hardiness and practicality, reflecting their vital role in India's history, agriculture, and transportation. This inherent adaptability underscores the valuable genetic heritage represented by India's native horse breeds.

References

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