Saturday, November 9, 2024

Journey to Shakti's Farm - Amsaran River Ranch: Marwari Stallion of Gujarat, India

 

A. Gajjar riding Shakti 
Photography by Uzair Kasbati, Nrupal Mehta, and Manthan Mehta

Journey to Shakti’s Farm - Amsaran River Ranch
Marwari Stallion of Gujarat, India
by Gina McKnight
Archived from 2012, Going Gaited Magazine

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.

For additional information, visit horseindian.com
Ashish Amin is proprietor of Amsaran River Ranch (Shakti’s Farm), Ahmedabad, India
Anish Gajjar is co-proprietor of the Equestrian Club of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India
Gina McKnight is an author and freelance writer from Ohio USA

A. Gajjar riding Shakti 
Photography by Uzair Kasbati, Nrupal Mehta, and Manthan Mehta


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