Horses have been an integral part of Indian culture and history for centuries. From being used for transportation, warfare, agriculture, and sports, horses have played a significant role in the country’s development. However, with the rise of mechanization, traditional uses of horses have declined. Consequently, several indigenous horse breeds in India have been pushed to the brink of extinction.
Breeding and maintaining these horse breeds is of utmost importance to preserve India’s equine heritage and cultural identity. The indigenous breeds are well-adapted to local climatic conditions, have unique physical characteristics, and possess excellent endurance and agility. Moreover, these breeds have contributed significantly to the country’s economy and have played a vital role in the agricultural sector.
In this article, we present the Top 10 Best Native Indian Horse Breeds, curated by the Top 10s Only team. Through this list, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these breeds and encourage more people to appreciate and celebrate India’s rich equine heritage.
Discover The Top 10 Best Indigenous Horse Breeds in India
Horses have always been admired for their beauty, elegance, and versatility, serving various purposes, from work to play. India boasts of several exotic horse breeds, some of which have originated within the country, while others are the result of cross-breeding with other breeds. However, in this article, we present a curated list of the top 10 indigenous horse breeds in India that have their roots in the country’s rich equine history.
1. Bhutia
Bhutia
The Bhutia is one of the native Indian horse breeds that is small but sturdy. It thrives in mountainous terrain and has a remarkable ability to carry heavy loads, including crops, food grains, and people, between towns. They are a relaxed breed and have a mild demeanour, which makes them a great partner for light tasks in the agricultural fields. They have super strong legs, are sure-footed and have a tough nature despite their mild nature, making them great pack horses. This hardworking breed is suited for cold climates and tough terrain and finds it hard to adapt to warmer temperatures. The other characteristics of this best Indian horse breed are:
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
Bhutani, Bhutan Pony, Bhote Ghoda and Bhotia Pony
Physical Traits
The Butia horses are short with a large head, a pronounced jaw, a straight back, and a deep chest. They have straight shoulders and low withers with a thick, short neck. The tail is well set but short. The most attractive characteristics of Bhutia are that they have open hooves and strong legs.
Blooded Horse Type
These breeds are cold-blooded horse types and prefer colder climates to warmer ones.
Skin Or Coat Colour
The common coat colours of these horses are chestnut, roan, bay, or grey.
Average Life Span
They can go on to live up to 30 years if they are well cared for. Shortages of food and water greatly affect their health.
Average Body Weight And Height
They weigh up to 260 to 345 kg and can be 50 to 60 inches tall.
Place Of Origin
They are found mostly in the Darjeeling and Sikkim regions.
Famous For
They are used as pack horses and also for agricultural work. They are affordable to maintain and do not need a lot of fodder as they eat sparingly.
Price Or Cost
The price varies from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh.
2. Marwari
marwari
The Marwari is one of the most popular native Indian horse breeds in India and one of the rarest you can find. The Marwari horses were first bred by the Rathores, the rulers of the Marwar region in western India. They ensured strict breeding to promote hardiness and purity, and they have thus been used as cavalry horses by the Marwar people. They are also well-known for their bravery and loyalty, but their numbers have declined due to a reduction in breeding. But in recent years, it has become popular not just in India but outside too because of its beautiful looks, and it thus leads the list of the top 10 best native Indian horse breeds. These are highly social animals, and once adopted, they should not be neglected. Here are the characteristics of the Marwari horse.
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
Mallani
Physical Traits
The main way you can recognise this breed is through its upturned ears. It has a straight face and a Roman-shaped nose. They have a long back, a pronounced croup, a deep chest, and a high tail. They have strong athletic bodies, refined heads, and high set necks, making them a unique-looking horse breed in India.
Blooded Horse Type
These breeds are hot-blooded horse types and can withstand the desert’s hot temperatures.
Skin or Coat colour
These horses can be of palomino, dun, brown, bay or grey colours.
Average Life Span
They can go on to live up to 30 years if they are well looked after. They have great stamina and survive on little water and food.
Average Body Weight and height
They weigh up to 360 to 385 kg and can be up to 60 inches in height.
Place Of Origin
The origin of this native horse breed is the Marwar region in Rajasthan
Famous For
They are used by the military for parades and ceremonies. They are known for their endurance and are used in polo, riding and show jumping competitions.
Price Or Cost
The price of Marwari horses varies from Rs 2 to 5 Lakhs.
3. Kathiawari
kathiawari
The Kathiawari horse breed is related to the Marwari horse breed and is one of the best Indian top 10 horse breeds. It is a strong horse that has a slim athletic body and is one of the rare horse breeds in India. These are horses that are known for their faithfulness, alertness, bravery and loyalty. They are also high-spirited, intelligent and affectionate but can only be handled by professional owners. They have great stamina and can fight for their owners if there is an attack on them. It is one of the superior horse breeds that was used by the Maratha Cavalries. One of the famous horses in Indian history, Chetak, Maharana Pratap’s horse, was a Kathiawari. They eat sparingly and need very little food and water, making them a great pet to have. Here are some of the features of this breed.
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
Kathiawadi, Kutchi, Kathi, and Cutchi
Physical Traits
Like the Marwari horses, these too have a distinct curve on their ears that touch the tips. They have refined heads with concave eyes, crested necks and athletic build. They have dorsal striping and legs with zebra stripes. The tails of these horses are carried high.
Blooded horse type
These breeds are hot-blooded horse types and can withstand the desert’s hot temperatures.
Skin or coat colour
They come in 13 different colours, and none are black.
Average Life Span
They can go on to live up to 30 years if they are well looked after. They have great stamina and survive on little water and food.
Average Body Weight And Height
The average weight is about 275 to 325 kg, and the height can be about 60 inches.
Place Of Origin
They have origins in the Kathiawar peninsula, Western India.
Famous For
This desert warhorse is now used for horse riding, polo, jumping and dressage.
Price Or Cost
The average price starts from Rs 2.5 lakhs.
4. Manipuri
manipuri
The Manipuri Pony is one of the traditional and rare Indian breeds that are said to be Mongolian Wild horses descendants. They are an ancient horse breed that finds a mention in Manipur Mythology too. These native Indian horses breeds popular in India were used as a warhorse originally by the Meitei warriors. It was used to transport British soldiers during World War II. In the 20th century, Britishers used these as polo ponies and the height limits were set based on these ponies. Unfortunately, the number of this horse breed is dwindling, and only about 1000 of these are alive today in India. The features of this breed are:
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
Meitei Sagol, Manipur Pony.
Physical Traits
The Manipur pony is a medium-height pony that has an athletic and well-built body. They have broad chests, and light heads, with straight profiles. The hooves and legs are well-proportioned and have a sloping croup. They are tough, agile, super intelligent, fast and have a good-looking appearance making them one of the ten best horse breeds native to the Indian subcontinent.
Blooded horse type
They are warmblood horse types and can survive any temperate range
Skin or coat colour
They are typically grey, pinto, chestnut or bay in colour.
Average Life Span
They have an average age of 28 to 34 years
Average Body Weight And Height
They weigh between 180 to 200 kg and can grow as tall as 48 to 55 inches.
Place Of Origin
It is a rare breed with origin in Manipur.
Famous For
It is used for polo and racing. They do well in jumping and endurance events. They are used for riding long distances and in Equestrian sports.
Price Or Cost
The average price of this native Indian horse breed starts from Rs 2 lakhs.
5. Spiti
spiti
Spiti is one of the native Indian horse breeds that is a small mountain pony. They look similar to the Mongolian and Tibetian horses and are related to the Zanskari horse breed. These ponies were bred using traditional methods, and hence there are only around 4000 of these alive. Since they are mountain ponies, they can deftly manoeuvre the icy terrains and hence are leading native Indian horse breeds list. Due to their strength and agility, they can climb high mountains and can be an ideal long-distance companion. Below are some of the features of this mountain pony.
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
Chamurthi
Physical Traits
These are ponies that have a compact body with thick coat and a deep chest. These are sturdy ponies that are good for riding. They have short legs, sloped shoulders, a convex face, and a unique gait.
Blooded horse type
They are coldblooded are can withstand harsh winter weather conditions.
Skin or coat colour
They come commonly in grey, black, bay or piebald colour.
Average Life Span
The average age is between 22 to 25 years.
Average Body Weight And Height
They weigh around 160 to 185 kg and can reach a height of 36 to 48 inches.
Place Of Origin
It is found in Himachal Pradesh
Famous For
They are ideal as pack horses and useful for general riding.
Price Or Cost
The average price for a Spiti horse starts from Rs 5 lakhs.
6. Zanskari
zanskari
It is a native Indian horse breed that is of small stature and works well in areas with high altitudes. The Zanskari is a small mountain pony that is a popular breed that is similar to Spiti and has qualities that are similar to the Tibetian breed horses. These are registered horse breeds in India that can withstand frigid temperatures and other treacherous conditions that exist in mountains. The breed is dwindling, and now there are only a few hundred of them left and has become an endangered species. The other features of this horse breed are as below:
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
Jhanskar, Zanaskari, and Zaksari
Physical Traits
These famous Indian horses are well-built but of medium size. They have a deep chest, erect ears and prominent eyes. These horses have a distinct heavy and long tails. Their manes too are glossy and long. They are flexible but super strong, have uniform gait and can adapt to high altitudes and carry heavy loads and run swiftly.
Blooded horse type
These horses are hotblooded types of horse breeds in India.
Skin or coat colour
They are typically chestnut, black, bay, brown or grey in colour.
Average Life Span
The average age of these horses is between 28 to 30 years.
Average Body Weight and height
They weigh around 320 to 450 kg and reach a height of about 48 to 55 inches.
Place Of Origin:
They are from the Zanskar region or valley in Kargil district.
Famous For
They are bred for polo and pleasure riding these days.
Price Or Cost
The average price starts from Rs 3.5 lakhs.
7. Kachchhi-Sindhi
kachchhi sindhi
This is a native Indian horse breed that is popular as a desert horse. It is one of those horses that can endure heat admirably. These good horse breeds in India are fondly called the ‘Mustang of India’ because of the speed and stamina it possesses. It has an athletic and strong body and performs well in all types of endurance activities.
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
It is also called Sindhi
Physical Traits
These horse breeds have a convex profile, a unique head shape and a well-defined jaw. They have a Roman-shaped nose, a small back and curved ears that do not touch one another. They have strong legs that help to run fast.
Blooded horse type
NA
Skin or coat colour
It is typically bay in colour.
Average Life Span
The average age of these horses is about 30 years.
Average Body Weight and height
It can weigh upto 200 kg and can grow as tall as 60 inches.
Place Of Origin
It is found in the Northern Indian states of Haryana and Punjab.
Famous For
They are useful as a tanga (horse cart) and for horse riding
Price Or Cost
The average price starts from Rs 3.5 lakhs.
8. Bhimthadi
bhimthadi
This is one of the native Indian horse breeds that are rare and almost extinct. This was developed by crossing the Turkish, Arabian horses with local ponies in the 18th and 19th centuries. These horses were top-rated Indian horse breeds that were sought by the Indian rulers as they made for good warhorses. They were used by the Indian rulers for their fight with the Mughals. The Maratha Army regarded these horses very highly as they were brave and strong. But during British rule, their numbers went down, and now there are hardly around 100 horses. The features of this breed are:
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As:
Deccani
Physical Traits
These are tough animals but ones that obey their masters. They have sloping shoulders, curved ears, straight back, round hindquarters and strong limbs. They are medium-sized horses but well-built to survive tough conditions.
Blooded horse type
NA
Skin or coat colour
The coat colours are bay, roan and brown
Average Life Span
The average age of these horses is about 30 years.
Average Body Weight and height
These horses weigh in the range of 200 to 250 kg and can be about 60 inches tall.
Place Of Origin
They have their origin in the Bhima River of Pune.
Famous For
They are mostly used for horse riding and sports activities.
Price Or Cost
The average price starts from Rs 8 lakhs.
9. Chummarti
chummarti
The Chummarti is a native Indian horse breed that is similar to the Spiti horse. Like the Spiti horses, they are small but very strong and agile. Because of the strength and sure-footedness, rural people of Himachal love to use these good indigenous horse breeds in India to carry goods and luggage. These are quite comfortable to ride on and hence can travel long hours and distances on them quite comfortably. Additionally, these can endure tough conditions hence ideal as mountain horses.
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
NA
Physical Traits
These horses are small bodies but are compact and solid. They have a well-muscles body structure with string legs that can withstand huge loads.
Blooded horse type
NA
Skin or coat colour
They come in usual colours like chestnut, grey, bay, black, and palomino.
Average Life Span
NA
Average Body Weight and height
They weigh between 150 to 200 kg and can grow as tall as 54 inches.
Place Of Origin
The horse breed originates from Himachal Pradesh’s Chummarti Valley.
Famous For
These are useful as pack horses and also to carry huge loads.
Price Or Cost
The average price starts from Rs 6 lakhs.
10. Sikang
sikang
Sikang horses are strong, interlining and independent horses who have a rich history. Find more features of this horse below:
This Native Indian Horse Breed Is Also Known As
NA
Physical Traits
These are tall horses that have well-muscled and proportionate bodies. They have a deep chest and strong legs, which helps them cover long distances. They are calm, friendly and hardworking, which makes taming them all the more easy.
Blooded horse type
NA
Skin or coat colour
They come in common coat colours
Average Life Span
NA
Average Body Weight and height
It weighs around 250 kg and can go as tall as 54 inches
Place Of Origin:
They are natives of the Himalayan ranges
Famous For
They are used as pack horses.
Price Or Cost
The average price of this native Indian horse breed starts from Rs 1 lakh.
Conclusion
India boasts a diverse range of native horse breeds, each with their unique characteristics and strengths. From the regal Marwari to the hardy Manipuri, these breeds have played an integral role in Indian culture and history. Whether for work, sport, or companionship, these horses continue to capture the hearts of many. By preserving and promoting these breeds, we can ensure their legacy lives on for generations to come.
Still interested in learning about the indigenous animal breeds in India? Check out this article that lists the Top 10 Best Native Indian Buffalo Breeds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Native Horse Breeds In India
1. Which horse breed is best in India?
The Marwari and Kathiawari are the best horse breeds in India.
2. What is the strongest horse in India?
The Marwari horse is said to be the strongest horse in India.
3. What are the top 10 names of the most beautiful Indian horse breeds?
Marwari, Spiti, Kathiawari, Manipuri, Bhutia, Manipuri, Zanskari, Sikang, Chummarti, Sindhi and Bhimtadi are the most beautiful horse breeds.
4. What are the 4 most popular horse breeds?
Arabian, Warmblood, American Quarter Horse, and Grade Horse are popular horse breeds.
5. What are the famous horse breeds in India?
Marwari, Kathiawari and Manipuri are some of the famous horse breeds in India.
6. What is the approximate Marwari horse price in India?
Marwari is one of the excellent indigenous breeds in India and hence is more expensive. Depending on the bloodline, a Marwari horse can cost you between three to five lakhs for non-pure bloodlines and six to eight lakhs for pure bloodlines.