Intro
Also called Mustangs of India, the Kachchhi Sindhi Horse is similar to both Kathiawari and Marwari as they also have crescent shaped ears, although theirs don’t touch at the tips. This breed is visually distinguishable from the other two by their (obviously Barb influenced) roman nose. They are a distinctly desert breed and come from the Rajasthan and Gujarat regions.
Origins
There is not much information about the history of this breed, although a renewed interest in their genetics will hopefully provide more. In 2008, the shepherds of Kutch established the Ram-Raheem Kutchi Sindhi Horsepower Cooperative Society, organizing events to increase awareness about horses in the area.
Many of the Kachchhi Sindhi animals are bred by pastoralist. Owners keep a small herd of mares (1-10) and bring in carefully selected stallions for breeding. They are an important element of life for Maldhari people, helping them keep livestock and for racing.
In 2021 a study on the Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses was published in the Indian Journal of Animal Research in the hopes of isolating their genetics for preservation. This breed looks to have decidedly more Barb blood than other types of riding horses found in India. Also distinctive for their ‘Rewal chal’ gait, which is softer than the trot.
Features
Average height 14.6 hands
Physique
Head generally has convex profile
Ears are crescent shaped, but to not meet at the tips
Hooded nostrils
Back is short
Broad hooves
Traditional Colors
Most commonly chestnut and bay
Temperament
Docile and kind
Use
Transportation
Riding
Sport
Livestock
Helpful Links
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Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses
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