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| A. Gajjar riding Shakti Photography by Uzair Kasbati, Nrupal Mehta, and Manthan Mehta |
The journey to
Shakti’s farm is long. It winds along the Indian byway, trailing dusty roads
and thirsty villages, bending through the State of Gujarat. Arriving at
Shakti’s farm in late morning, the scene is set in a landscape of lush mango
groves embracing moisture-laden winds that have brought the monsoon. The farm
feels ‘elemental’, embracing state-of-the-art facilities while housing a peaceful,
serene and welcoming environment. Shakti lives here; sultry, sinewy, perfection
in motion.
The Hindi meaning
of Shakti is ‘power’ and at 16.2 hands, Shakti is powerful, towering over the local mares and exemplifying the
beauty of India’s indigenous breed, the Marwari. He is the tallest Marwari in Gujarat,
slated ‘Best Marwari Stallion’ at the Gujarat Indigenous Horse Shows. He is
impressive – dark bay with piercing, kind eyes and extremely handsome; his
movements are fluid, graceful and majestic.
Shakti’s countenance
is classic, long curved regal neck, large nostrils, flawless posture, confident
beauty, and fearless disposition. His exquisite confirmation and Marwari lineage
is confirmed by his signature inward curving ears. Marwari are known throughout
the world for their distinctive, alluring curved ears.
Owned by Ashish
Amin and trained by Anish Gajjar, Shakti is the star of his farm. Shakti has
been trained from an early age to behave with the utmost decorum, but his
natural aggressiveness and stellar athletics still remain. He takes care of his
harem of mares, siring premium offspring. As the dominant stallion, his foals
are handsome with magnetic personalities and sound performance. The foals are
envied and sought after by horse breeders throughout India.
Gajjar
is synonymous with quality horse training and breeding in Gujarat and the
surrounding communities. Gajjar schools Shakti along the Meshvo riverbed at
Amsaran village near Memdavad. The terrain is sandy and rugged, perfect for a
strenuous work-out or leisurely ride. Gajjar states, “Mr. Ashish Amin has been
keeping him at his farm for pleasure riding and trail rides. I have recently
started schooling him. He's a wonderful ride; he truly exhibits power in his
rides and has aptly been named.”
Riding Shakti
along the dry riverbed, through the faded sand-washed pools and gleaming
sun-soaked foliage, Gajjar rides in classic English tack, gaining momentum
while awakening the sand. “He has a very soft gait and strong legs, which is
great when putting him through paces,” says Gajjar. At a healthy gallop, Gajjar
loses his signature hat, but Shakti is unaware and continues his fast trek. Through
the late afternoon, the ride is enjoyed by both horse and rider, a connection
and chemistry that can only be felt and not explained with words. It is an
impressive sight, creating a picture of equine perfection.
At the end of the
day, Shakti returns effortlessly to his stall. He has enjoyed the day of
schooling, playing and affection. His shiny coat and bulging muscles show no
signs of wear; his stamina is still intact. He readily greets his favorite mares and
awaits their neighs of affirmation.
Homer, in his Greek mythology epic the Iliad, defined Shakti when he described Arion, the famous horse of Adrastus, King of Argos. Homer writes, “…there is no man that shall catch thee by a burst of speed, neither pass thee by, nay, not though in pursuit he were driving goodly Arion, the swift horse of Adrastus, that was of heavenly stock.”
Shakti is the horse of heavenly stock and perfect lineage, a dream horse. Gajjar confirms, “Like they say, if you look closely, you’ll find the world in your horse.” Shakti has the world in his eyes, heaven in his gait and the posterity of ages.
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| A. Gajjar riding Shakti Photography by Uzair Kasbati, Nrupal Mehta, and Manthan Mehta |
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