Marwari Horse

Most people end up searching for the Marwari horse for one of two reasons: they’ve seen those unmistakable inward-curving ears and want to know what the breed really is, or they’re weighing up how realistic it is to find (or import) one outside India.

The details matter. Marwaris are rare, their export is tightly controlled, and some commonly repeated claims—especially about “endangered” status and special gaits—are often overstated or muddled. Below is a clear, grounded portrait of the breed: where it comes from, what it looks and moves like, how it’s used, and what to keep in mind if you’re considering ownership in Australia.

Marwari horse at a glance

• Origin: Marwar region of Rajasthan, north-west India^{1, 2}
• Typical height: commonly around 14–16 hands (some lines taller)^{3, 4}
• Typical weight: often in the mid-hundreds of kilograms; many adult Marwaris are around ~340–365 kg on average, with some individuals heavier^{1, 2}
• Coat colours: seen in a wide range of colours and patterns (including piebald/skewbald)^{1, 2}
• Distinctive features: inward-curving ears that may touch at the tips; ears can rotate widely; high-set neck and tail carriage are commonly noted^{2, 5}
• Common uses: riding, ceremonies, trekking; also seen in disciplines such as polo and dressage depending on the individual horse and training²
• Lifespan: many horses live around 25–30 years with good care⁶

History and origin

The Marwari is a rare Indian breed associated with the Marwar region of Rajasthan. It’s closely related to the Kathiawari horse of neighbouring Gujarat, and the two share the signature ear shape that makes them instantly recognisable.¹

Marwari horses were shaped by centuries of local breeding for hardiness, long-distance travel, and reliable performance in desert conditions. Traditional accounts place the breed’s development with ruling clans in the region and its use as a cavalry horse over long periods of Indian history.^{1, 2}

Physical characteristics and appearance

At a distance, a Marwari can look like a refined, athletic riding horse built for heat and ground that shifts underfoot. Up close, the head and ears do most of the talking.

The ears (the feature everyone notices)

The ears curve inward and may meet at the tips. They can also rotate through a very wide arc, which adds to the impression of constant, precise attention to sound.^{2, 5}

Size and build

Most Marwaris sit in the light-horse range, commonly around 14–16 hands, though reported averages and “typical” heights vary by source and bloodlines.^{3, 4}

Weights also vary. Some references give average adult weights in the mid-300 kg range, while many owners will encounter individuals that feel heavier—especially well-conditioned horses or those with larger frames.^{1, 2}

Coat colours

Marwaris occur in many colours, including patterned coats such as piebald and skewbald. Some registries and communities have strong preferences about colour, but the breed itself is not limited to a narrow palette.^{1, 2}

Movement and the “revaal” gait (what’s true, what’s often exaggerated)

You’ll often hear that the Marwari has a “unique gait”. The clearest, most consistent version of this claim is that some Marwaris may show a natural ambling gait—commonly referred to as revaal (also spelled in several ways). It’s typically described as a smooth, four-beat gait that can be comfortable over distance.^{1, 2}

Not every Marwari will be strongly gaited, and not every smooth-moving Marwari is performing a distinct, breed-specific gait on cue. As with many horses, what you see depends on the individual, its conditioning, shoeing, and training.

Temperament: what to expect in the saddle and on the ground

Marwaris are widely described as hardy, intelligent, and responsive. Those traits can be a pleasure in experienced hands, and a handful if a horse is anxious, under-handled, or pushed too fast.²

As with any breed, temperament isn’t guaranteed by pedigree. Early handling, consistent training, and a calm environment matter more than mythology.

Cultural significance in India

In Rajasthan, the Marwari is more than transport. It appears in ceremonies and processions, and it remains a visible marker of regional horse culture—often presented with elaborate tack and careful grooming in formal settings.²

Is the Marwari horse “endangered”?

“Endangered” gets used loosely online. Some international databases have listed the breed as not at risk, while breed groups and journalists have also documented periods of sharp decline and ongoing concerns about maintaining quality, registration, and sustainable breeding.^{1, 2}

A practical way to frame it: outside India the Marwari is genuinely hard to obtain, and within India it is managed as a heritage breed whose numbers, purity, and long-term welfare depend on careful breeding and credible registration.

Breeding and registration (why paperwork matters with Marwaris)

Because the breed’s identity is so closely tied to type, conformation, and regional breeding histories, formal registration and accurate identification matter. Breed organisations in India have worked towards standard-setting and record-keeping through stud book and registration efforts.⁷

If you’re looking at a “Marwari” outside India, be cautious with casual labels. Ask for provenance, registration documentation, and veterinary records, and be prepared for gaps.

International availability and export restrictions

The Marwari’s rarity outside India isn’t only about demand. Export has been heavily restricted for many years, with only limited pathways for temporary movement for exhibitions or sports in certain circumstances.^{1, 8, 9}

In plain terms: if you’re in Australia and hoping to import a Marwari, you’re not just shopping for a horse—you’re navigating policy, permits, quarantine, and a very small pool of eligible animals. Start by speaking with an experienced equine import agent and check current government requirements before money changes hands.

Care basics (Australia): feeding, water, and routine health

A Marwari’s desert heritage doesn’t make it “low maintenance”. It still needs the same steady fundamentals as any horse: forage first, clean water, hoof care, dentistry, and preventative veterinary work.

Feeding and water

• Base the diet on good-quality roughage (pasture and/or hay), adjusting to workload and body condition.¹⁰
• Supplement with concentrates (such as grain or pellets) only when needed for energy demands, and introduce changes gradually.¹⁰
• Ensure constant access to clean water; in hot weather, a horse may drink roughly 25–45 litres per day depending on conditions and workload.¹⁰

Routine health

Plan for regular farrier visits, dental checks, vaccination and parasite control schedules, and prompt veterinary attention when something shifts—small changes in appetite, stance, manure, or demeanour are often the first sign that a horse is unwell.¹⁰

Final thoughts

The Marwari is a horse shaped by place: heat, distance, sand, and a long partnership with riders who needed endurance and reliability. The ears may draw you in, but it’s the whole animal that matters—its soundness, training, temperament, and the realities of sourcing it ethically and legally.

References

1. Wikipedia — Marwari horse (overview, distribution, status notes, export history summary)
2. Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) — Discover the Marwari (conformation, colours, type)
3. Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner Version) — Description and physical characteristics of horses (lifespan)
4. The Spruce Pets — Marwari horse: breed profile (size, temperament, rarity outside India)
5. Indigenous Horse Society of India — Marwari horse breed (breed-type notes including height range)
6. Young Rider Magazine — Meet the Marwari Horse (reported height ranges in modern horses)
7. All India Marwari Horse Society — About Society (breed preservation and objectives)
8. All India Marwari Horse Society — Export of Marwari Horses (export position and constraints)
9. Mint (Livemint) — Will and Grace (history of export policy shifting to restricted and early exports)
10. Agriculture Victoria — Basic horse care (feeding roughage guidance and water needs)