A man from Bihar has purchased a Kathiawadi horse worth Rs 11.51 lakh from a breeder in Gujarat’s Junagadh. The 11-year-old horse named Prithvi will be transported in a special ambulance and will take four days to reach Bihar. The purchase is seen as a way to carry forward the legacy of the Kathiawadi lineage.
The Kathiawadi horse breed originates from the Kathiawad region of Gujarat and was once favored by kings and royals for their distinct curved ears, endurance, and graceful gait. The breed is a symmetrical saddle horse known for combining strength and elegance. It is believed that the Kathiawadi horses were strong warhorses, with some being cross-bred with wild Iranian horses in the past.
In 2020, the Indigenous Horse Society of India (IHSI) advocated for indigenous horse breeds like Marwari and Kathiawadi to be included in the Presidential Body Guards (PBG). This demand was previously supported by late President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The purchase of the Kathiawadi horse highlights the growing respect for these breeds and the desire to preserve their lineage.
