- Kathiawari -

The Kathiawari as an old breed that originates in the Kathiawar peninsular from where it takes its name. Although small in stature, the Kathiawari is considered a small horse rather than a pony, and exhibits horse like characteristics. Their exact roots are not known, but it is though that they date back to around the 14th century, when they are believed to have evolved through crossbreeding between the local native ponies and Arabians, and other oriental strains.

One story is that some Arabian swam ashore from a shipwreck off the west coast of India and then bred at will with the local pony breeds. However, there is also the theory that Arabians and other oriental stock were shipped to India during the period of the Mongol emperors, and that these were deliberately crossbred with the indigenous breed, from which evolved the Kathiawari.

Whatever their exact roots may be, it is quite obvious that they are a largely oriental breed with many Arabian characteristics, especially their great stamina and endurance. The Kathiawari are highly prized as animals of great quality in the area, and they are very distinctive. They were traditionally bred by wealthy families who would name the strain after the foundation mare, and are now bred chiefly at a government controlled stud at Junagadh. They are naturally tough and frugal, have great stamina and generally have a quiet temperament, although they can be unpredictable. Interestingly, many of them have a naturally ability to pace, which would indicate influence from Central Asian breeds. They are used by the local Gujerat mounted police division and also make a very popular mount in the fast and furious game of tent pegging.

In appearance, they have fine heads with distinctive ears that are large and mobile, and that curve inward to touch. They have a fine and graceful neck and are generally narrow and wiry in build. The shoulders are reasonably sloping, the chest narrow and deep, the back long and straight, the croup sloping, and their tails are set and carried high. Their legs are on the slim side, but they are strong with well-formed, small, hard hooves. They invariably exhibit cow hocks, and are fine of bone by Western standards. The coat coloring varies from chestnut, bay, brown, gray, palomino, piebald, and skewbald, and they stand up to 14.3 hh.

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