Breed Characteristics

Breed Characteristics of Kathiawadi Horse

The Characteristics of Kathiawadi breed horses have unique combination of Beauty, Strength and Utility.

The typical Kathiawadi horse is a Symmetrical saddle horse combining Strength and Elegance – with a bright, alert outlook and great pride of bearing. The sharply defined facial features, the concave face profile, short muzzle, large frog like expressive eyes, small inward curved ears which are touched or to be touched at tips of it, the thin skin with silken and metallic like coat, the fine hair of the mane and tail and the hard clean legs with double sole hoofs under their exceptionally clean cut tendons and joints, are basic characteristics of Kathiawadi horse which features associated with a quality of the highest degree. The movement gives an impression of lightness, agility, strength and grace, associated with free, ground covering stride and great impulsion.

There is a standard average height of 13.2hh to 14.2hh, however this is usual range, but odd stallions or mares goes from 14.2hh to 15.00hh, depends upon regions where they grow up and personal care to individuals. But not more than 15 hh in any case. Hearing and sight are acute. Highly intelligent with a unique temperament combining spirit and courage with tractability and exceptional affinity for humans, the Kathiawadi horses likes to please, but resents abuse.

The Kathiawadi, with its outstanding soundness of wind, limb and constitution is renowned for an endurance capacity far above the average and likewise for its faithfulness, fertility and longevity.

Long live Kathiawadi horses..!

The Kathiawadi Horse

The Kathiawadi is a rare horse from the Indian peninsula of Kathiawar. Most of the horses of this breed are descendants of the horses bred by royal families. Kathiawadi horses are used primarily as a riding horse due to their intelligent, temperament, strength and endurance.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The history of the Kathiawadi horse breed is inexact. It is said to originate from the western Indian peninsular province of Kathiawar, located between the gulfs of Khambat and Kutch; obviously, its place of origin gave the horse its name.

It is believed that a few local horses were cross-bred with Wild Iranian horses which are found their nearest DNA test ancestors. During the early days of the breed, chiefs and princes in Kathiawar maintained the Kathiawadi horse breed to produce strong and hardy warhorses that could take on a day-long battle. This horse-breeding tradition among the members of the Indian upper class continued until feudalism came to an end and India became an independent country. The Indian cavalry maintained its pool of Kathiawadi horses up until the World War, however.

Today, the Kathiawadi horses are being bred and reared in government-controlled stud farms and in private breeding farms in Saurashtra (the new name for Kathiawar) and other places. Earlier a Gujarat State Government owned Kathiawadi stud farm in Junagadh, located in the south-western region of India, is controlled by the Animal Husbandry Department of Gujarat State. Later on it’s closed in early 2000 and a new Breeding Center is developed at Innaj and Hingolgadh near Jasdan in Rajkot district. These breeding centers are maintained to improve the local Kathiawadi breed horse stock at its purest level..

The Kathiawadi horse is a breed famous for beauty, intelligence and stamina. It is one of the oldest horse breeds in India and the world. Kathiawadi horses are bred with horses of other breeds to add speed, beauty, endurance, and strong bones. Today, Kathiawadi ancestors are found in almost every breed in India which is used as riding horse.

The Kathiawadi breed horses developed in the hard & Rocky Mountains like terrains of Kathiawad (now Saurashtra region of Gujarat State) and deserts of Kuttch region of Saurashtra by the “Kathi Rajput’s of Kathiawad region’.  

Their close relationship with humans made the Kathiawadi a horse with a kind temper and quick to learn. It also was used as a war horse. This meant that it needed speed and to be very alert. This blend of traits makes it necessary for people today to treat Kathiawadi breed horses with kindness and respect.

Kathiawadi breed horses have triangle-shaped heads, with a wide & broad forehead, big frog like eyes well set on head, large & silky skin nostrils, and small muzzles (noses) and inward curved small ears formation like “Sting of a Scorpion” which can rotate 180*degrees. Most of the horses have a minor concave or "dished" face profile. They have a slim, little arched neck, smooth & strong hindquarters and a naturally high-set & carried tail. Kathiawadi’s have strong bone and good strong feet & hoof with a double sole. They are especially noted for their excellent endurance abilities. Kathiawadi’s hair coat colors are Bay, Gray, Chestnut, and Dun. All colors varies from Dun. There is NO ‘Black’ color seen in Kathiawadi breed horses. Kathiawadi’s can have robicono and/or sabino genes. All Kathiawadi’s have black skin under their hair coat, except under white markings.

 The story of the Kathiawadi breed horses is thousands of years old, filled with poetry, art, and romantic legends.  It is a tale that embraces grand historical figures, from Kings to Officers, reaching across diverse civilizations on Indian continent.  From the days of gallant warriors to the age of information, the superior qualities of the Kathiawadi horses have ensured that it has been carefully preserved in Gujarat State by the State Government owned ‘Kathiawadi Horse Breeding Centers’ earlier at Junagadh by Nawab of Junagadh and now in Innaj & Hingolgadh by State’s Animal Husbandry Department, as the world’s oldest equine breed. 

The exact origins of the Kathiawadi breed horse are still a mystery and lost in mist.  Its distinctive silhouette is first seen in the art of ancient India years ago, but it was the nomadic peoples of the Kathiawad region, known as the ‘Kathi’ Rajput’s, who created and refined the pure breed that exists today. 

The original purpose of the Kathiawadi breed horses was as a war horse. Over time these horses adapted to their desert & hard mountain like environment of Kathiawad region, resulting in qualities that make them unique among all equine breeds.  Since pasture was scarce, Kathiawadi horses had to be exceptionally hardy, learning to survive on such non-typical feeds as Grains and cow’s milk & ghee.  Even today, Kathiawadi breed horses are quite healthy and require less feed than horses of a similar size.

Other hard, desert & dry & hot atmosphere adaptations include thin skin and tails held high when in motion, both traits that helps to cool the body.   Kathiawadi horses have very strong hooves (some with double sole) that helped them withstand the sand, rocks and hilly regions of the desert.  While they may appear delicate in appearance, they are actually quite strong, with dense bones and short backs.  There are many examples of Kathiawadi horses carrying heavy riders over great distances with little food or water.   This extraordinary stamina is perhaps the most important physical characteristic of the breed.  The Kathiawadi possesses an abundance of slow-twitch muscle fibers in contrast to the fast-twitch fibers found in other breeds.  This makes them capable of using oxygen more efficiently, and sustaining speed over great distances.  Their well-sprung ribs, large, flexible nostrils and unique attachment of the neck to the head all allow for tremendous lung capacity. Because of these valuable traits the Kathiawadi horse is the supreme equine breed in India in compare to other six (6) horses breeds found in country.

Known for intelligence, courage, loyalty and a spirited yet gentle disposition, the Kathiawadi breed has an amazing affinity for humans.  For centuries the ‘Kathi’ Rajput’s and other Royal Rajput families treated their horses as members of the family.  The foals were raised with their children’s; the mares sought shelter in their house and palaces.  Over time this became a genetic characteristic of the breed and one of its most endearing traits.  Kathiawadi breed horses bond strongly with their humans, and have a strong desire to please.  They actively seek affection and return it in kind. 

The unique combination of characteristics of the Kathiawadi breed makes them extremely versatile horses that cheerfully engage in many tasks, whether excelling as show horses, being ridden English or western styles, working cattle or racing, or just being the ultimate equine companion.

The genetic dominance of the Kathiawadi breed and its influence on other breeds is well-documented.  When the Britishers first encountered the Kathiawadi they soon learned that when these horses were bred to their native breeds the resulting offspring were greatly improved in every way.  They were faster, required less feed, lived longer, and had much more stamina.   As a result of these observations, Kathiawadi blood is a strong contributing factor in almost all modern light breeds of horses in the India. 

Those who love and appreciate the Kathiawadi horse have an unspoken bond, not only with important historical figures of the past, but also with those breeders, owners, and enthusiasts around the India who share their passion.   Most Kathiawadi horse owners will tell you that this camaraderie has changed their lives.  It has enabled them to travel places in India they might not otherwise have gone, to meet fascinating people from other Indian states and cultures, and to take pride in preserving the heritage of an animal that is a true treasure of the ages.  When you own a Kathiawadi breed horse, you gain not only a marvelous horse, but an opportunity for an exceptional Royalty lifestyle as well.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Due to the different selective breeding processes used by each individual family, around twenty horse families are recognized to belong to the Kathiawadi horse breed. Each family has its own set of attributes. It has a minimum 58 sub breeds of Kathiawadi horses which varies from regions to regions and family to families. Some physical characteristics are common to many Kathiawadi horses, such as the fact that they are all quick and strong.

The most striking feature of the Kathiawadi horse is its Face profile which is concave shaped with small muzzle, large frog like expressive eyes, height and it’s ears, which touch inward to each other and also rotate 180* degrees.  This physical characteristic is often used to distinguish the pure breed from mixed bloodlines.

The typical Kathiawadi horse has large frog like eyes, a short muzzle, a large forehead, and big nostrils set in a concave head, itself set high on a short neck. It stands from 13.2hh to 14.5hh hands (54-59 inches, 135-145 centimeters) but odd Horses seen even 15.00 hh ( almost 60 inches) but nothing above it. Its tail is set high. Each horse has proportional body structure and comes in a multitude of colors including some occasional piebald; however, there is no BLACK  color found in Kathiawadi.

PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT

The Kathiawadi is known for being an affectionate horse. It also has outstanding intelligence and an unwavering spirit. Kathiawadi horses are also known for their bravery and loyalty; stories about seriously-wounded Kathiawadi horses never abandoning their masters, even when in grave danger, are common in India.

CARE

The Kathiawadi, aside from being resilient and well-adapted to severe weather conditions, can exist at starvation-level rations. Kathiawadi horses do not need special care.

OFFICIAL KATHIAWADI HORSE BREEDS STANDARDS which are fixed since ages, and approved by Ministry of Agricultural, New Delhi, Karnal, Hissar and Gujarat State.

The Major characteristics of breed are as under.

Head:   
Small and concave or dished (profile)

Eye:
Large eyes (like a frog eyes) nicely set on the sides of a broad forehead

Forehead:  Broad

Ears:
Very small line, narrow at roots and of the shape of ‘sting of a scorpion’ and when cocked and pricked the tips of the ears touch or nearly touched also rotates 180*.

Nostrils:

Large and typical rounded outward flare & soft

Neck, Shoulders & Withers:

1. Neck -        Crested and stout
2. Shoulders - Well slopping
3. Withers -     Prominent

Back & Body:

1. Back -    Short
2. Body - Short coupled

Quarter &Tail:

1. Quarter -   Strong & well developed almost Square
2. Tail -       Set high

Fore legs:   Long

Hind legs:   Hocks well lay down.

Feet/Hoof & Sole:

1. Feet - Wall, very dense
2. Hoof - Round & sufficient large.
3. Sole - Concave, hard & many animals
have double sole with healthy frog.

Coat, Hair, Skin, Mane &Tail:

1. Coat -   Shining & very refined
2. Hair- Fine
3. Skin- Smooth
5. Mane Tail- Long but very bushy

Color & Markings: 

Gray of all types (iron gray, dappled gray, flea beaten gray etc.)

Dun, with dorsal band or ‘eel mark’ from wither to tail having most of the times Zebra markings on the fore legs.

Dun is very prominent color in Kathiawadi horse, there is also yellow Dun and blue Dun, Chestnut, Bay and skew balled found in Kathiawadi horses. Black is the color not found in Kathiawadi horses.

In fact all the color of Kathiawadi horses vary through Dun.

Typical Sixteen inherited features (Bab) of Kathiawadi horses which are fixed since ages.

Long features

1. Neck
2. Forelimb (i.e. knee to fetlock)
3.Body length
4. Mains & Tail (Hair belt of cervical region)

Short features

5. Muzzle
6. Legs (Fetlock region)
7. Back
8. Mouth

Broad features

9. Chest
10. Back
11. Forehead
12. Hoof

Small features

13. Ears
14.Nose
15.Back
16.Mouth

Twenty two special qualities considered as good quality of Kathiawadi horse:

Long

1. Hairs of forehead
2.Tail
3.Forelimb
4.Neck

Elevated

5. Legs
6.Nose
7.Eyes
8.Ears

Short

9. Hairs of tail
10.Hairs of body
11.External genitalia
12.Hairs of fetlock

Fatty

13. Back 
14.Forehead
15.Dorsal part of Neck
16.Breast

Colored

17. Lip
18.Palate
19.Tongue
20.External genitalia

Half Moon Circular
21.Chin
22.Thigh
 

An average values of measurements of different body parts of Kathiawadi horse:

1.	Circumference of mouth	17”
2.	Distance between two eyes	5”
3 .	Distance between lip to poll	15”
4.	Distance between poll to forehead	6”
5.	Distance between two ears	2”
6.	Length of ears	2.5”
7.	Distance between eye to ear	4”
8.	Distance between eye to jaw	6”
9.	Height of horse	58”
10.	Chest circumference	62"
11.	Length of horse	65”

Quick Information

 

Other Names	Kathiawari, Kathiawadi Katti, 0r  Kathi
Temperament/Personality	Intelligent, active, faithful, affectionate, brave
Physical Characteristics	Concave face profile, broad forehead, short muzzle, large eyes; large, rounded nostrils, crested neck, well-sloping shoulders, prominent withers, relatively short body; well-developed quarter, well-proportioned legs, broad head and tail set high
Colors	Chestnut, gray, bay, and dun are common; pinto patterns are rare; Black is not found
Height (size)	13.2 hands to maximum less than 15 hands (152 cm, 60 inches)
Weight	606 lbs (275 kg) on average
Common Uses	Pleasure riding; commonly used for tent pegging; also used by the mounted police units and the Indian army. Endurance Racing. Barrel Racing.
Health	Evincing health with no known health conditions specific to the breed
Gaited	Yes; apart from the usual gaits, it performs the revaal (a quick, lateral movement)
Feeding/Diet	Grass, hay, alfalfa, water
Distinguishing Traits	Physical soundness, resistant to severe Dry, hot & humid  weather conditions, can survive on minimal rations
Country of Origin	India in Gujarat state.
Ancestors	Iranian Wild Horses, Mongolian, native horses of Kathiawar region of Gujarat state in India.