Royal Riding: An Interview with Harnish Patel

 

Sharda Mare @ Royal Marwari Stud Farm, Karjat, India

Royal Riding: An Interview with Harnish Patel

By Gina McKnight

Archived from the June 2025 Issue of Florida Equine Athlete www.floridaequineathlete.com

No Duplication Without Permission

Many years ago, the Marwari horse trotted its way into global admiration—thanks to the internet, of course. This breed isn’t just a horse; it’s a masterpiece sculpted by time and tradition. Known for its regal gait and those signature crescent-shaped ears that look like they’re sharing secrets, the Marwari is a showstopper in every sense.  

What sets this breed apart isn’t just its elegance, but also its deep-rooted heritage in India. The Marwari embodies centuries of careful selection and cultural significance, making it a living, breathing symbol of resilience and grace. Horse enthusiasts worldwide find themselves glued to social media feeds, eagerly watching Marwari foals transform into majestic adults, much like caterpillars into butterflies—only with more galloping involved.

And should you find yourself in India, saddle up for a visit to the Royal Marwari Stud Farm, helmed by none other than the renowned equestrian expert Harnish Patel. This isn’t just a farm; it’s a shrine to the Marwari breed. With his deep knowledge and passion, Harnish has turned the farm into a haven where these iconic horses are celebrated for their agility, adaptability, and, of course, their flair for looking fabulous while doing just about anything.

Welcome, Harnish!

GM: Can you share a brief history of your stud farm and what inspired you to focus exclusively on Marwari horses? Maybe start with how you met your first horse?

HP: Horses have always been a passion of mine, stemming from my childhood. I think it comes from my mom’s side of the family, where they traditionally had farm animals. It was always such a joy to visit them during holidays. The Royal Marwari Stud Farm was born from my deep passion for promoting the Marwari horse. There's really nothing else that defines India quite like the Marwari, with its rich heritage. I got my first stallion from His Highness of Jodhpur, in Rajasthan, with the help of my mentor, Mr. Narayan Singhji Manaklao, who also gifted me a few brood mares from his stables. During my second visit to Jodhpur, I was there to buy just a couple of brood mares, but Narayanji ended up gifting me his entire herd of mares, colts and fillies. That gift marked the beginning of this journey.

GM: The Marwari horse is known for its unique physical characteristics and historical significance. What do you believe are the most important traits of this breed?

HP: The Marwari horse stands out among all breeds with its unique features. Their ears, in particular, are something special they curve like two scorpions facing each other. The breed is incredibly easy to train and excels in endurance. My very first stallion, Dilshan, was an endurance-trained horse who performed exceptionally well in a 120 km race. They also adapt well to almost any climate in India. I assure you that when you ride a Marwari horse and see its ears, the head held high on a ride, it is unmatched by any other breed you have had the pleasure to ride. This breed connects with its rider.

GM: What are some of the key challenges you face in breeding and maintaining Marwari horses, and how do you overcome them?

HP: One of the biggest struggles we face is getting good veterinary care, especially in rural areas. The best vets are usually in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, where the racecourses are. So, when you're out in the countryside, it’s not always easy to find the help you need. Thankfully, the Indigenous Horse Owners Association (IHOA) has been a lifesaver. We’re like a big family, always helping each other out, whether it's sharing advice, swapping meds, or helping each other find a good vet when needed.

Another challenge is the growing trend of mixing Marwari bloodlines with other breeds, mostly to increase height. I understand why some breeders might want to go for bigger horses, especially with what we see in shows and online, but it worries me. Marwaris were never meant to be giants—stallions usually didn’t go over 64 inches, which was perfect for their agility, strength, and ability to handle the tough conditions of the Indian climate. When you mix in other breeds, we risk losing the very qualities that make the Marwari so unique—its ability to adapt, its health, and its overall versatility.

Many breeders are really committed to keeping the bloodlines pure. Artificial insemination (AI) has really helped with that. It gives us access to a wide range of top stallions, without having to rely on line breeding. It’s been a game-changer for maintaining genetic diversity while preserving the breed’s authenticity. Plus, the rise of equine clubs across India has been so encouraging. These clubs bring breeders together to share knowledge and experiences, and they’re helping spread the word about the Marwari’s true worth. It’s not just about how they look at shows, it’s about everything else that makes them such incredible horses.

At the end of the day, it’s about balancing the desire for big, flashy horses with the original purpose of the Marwari. It’s not just about size or beauty it’s about how well they perform, adapt, and thrive in any situation. Whether it’s working in the field or handling the extreme climates we have here in India, the Marwari is a horse that can do it all. So, as we continue to breed them, we need to remember that the true strength of the Marwari lies in its character, resilience, and versatility. By sticking together, sharing knowledge, and focusing on the traditions that have worked for so many generations, we’ll keep the Marwari as strong and reliable as ever.

GM: How do you ensure the health and well-being of your horses, particularly in terms of diet, exercise, and medical care?

HP: We follow a strict medical protocol for vaccinations and general care. For fodder, we're lucky to have vast mountainous land where natural mountain hay is plentiful. We also source feed pellets from various manufacturers in India. Our team is very hands-on. Most of them had never been around horses growing up, but thanks to medical camps and training sessions by IHOA and other organizations, they've become experts in maintaining a healthy herd. We also have emergency vets on our medical program who guide us when needed. Open large paddocks for these horses are a must for them to maintain good health.

GM: Can you describe your breeding program and the criteria you use to select breeding pairs to maintain or enhance desirable traits?

HP: I breed for both beauty and strength. Lately, there’s a trend to breed for size, but I don’t believe that’s the right direction. We breed our mares every two years, allowing the foals to stay with their mothers for six months before weaning. This ensures strong, healthy foals. Our breeding program starts in November, when the weather cools, so the foals are born around October, right after the monsoon, when fresh green fodder is abundant. When selecting a stallion, I focus on their ears, as that’s a major criterion for beauty. Since the Marwari is still primarily bred for beauty, we emphasize features like ears, neck, and topline.

GM: How do you balance traditional breeding practices with modern equestrian techniques to optimize the quality and performance of Marwari horses?

HP: I’m still very much old-school in my approach to breeding because that’s how I was trained. But I’ve found a good balance between traditional methods and modern techniques. For example, we still feed our mares unique Indian food items, such as moringa, dried coconut, and locally available oils. These foods have been part of their diet for centuries, and they help the horses grow well and perform excellently under the saddle.

GM: What role do Marwari horses play in local culture and events in Karjat and Maharashtra? Are there any specific festivals or ceremonies where they are prominently featured?

HP: Horses are such an integral part of Indian culture and celebrations, especially in Maharashtra. At weddings, for example, the groom traditionally arrives on horseback. It’s not just a mode of transport; it’s a moment of joy, with friends and family dancing around the groom in celebration. Horses are seen as divine, mentioned in our sacred texts, and have this deep, almost spiritual connection with the people.

In Maharashtra, one of the most striking traditions is the palki procession. It’s something you won’t easily forget. Horses are beautifully adorned and lead the way, carrying the palki a palanquin that holds the deity or a revered figure. There’s something magical about the horses marching through the streets, the bright colours of their decorations glistening in the sun, while the crowd follows in devotion. It’s a breathtaking display of culture and reverence.

In Karjat, where Matheran a hill station is located, horses are crucial to everyday life. The whole town is vehicle-free, so the horses take on a much bigger role—they’re how people get around, how goods are transported, and how tourists experience the place. Growing up in Mumbai, I’d visit Matheran and spend the entire day riding horses through the lush hills. It was a kind of escape, a chance to experience life in a different, more peaceful way.

And then there are the festivals like Makar Sankranti and Gudi Padwa. These celebrations are a true showcase of the bond between horses and the people. During Makar Sankranti, horses are adorned in bright cloth, paraded through the streets in processions, and celebrated for their strength and grace. Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year, is another time when horses are beautifully decorated and honoured in processions.

These traditions, the palki processions, and the festivals remind us how deeply horses are woven into the culture of Maharashtra. They’re not just animals; they’re part of our heritage and a symbol of our connection to the land and to each other. The way we honour them—whether it’s in a wedding, a religious procession, or a festival—says so much about how much we value them.

GM: How do you market and promote Marwari horses to potential buyers, both within India and internationally? Can you sell Marwari horses internationally? I know there are a few in the USA.

HP: Sadly, no indigenous horses from India can be exported. The few Marwari horses in USA were exported before the ban was enforced. But social media has helped promote horses for sale within India. The Pushkar Mela of Rajasthan is one of the oldest animal fairs in India, where over 2,000 horses gather each year, attracting breeders and buyers from all over. We also have large horse fairs in Maharashtra like Sarankheda, Malegoan, and Akluj, which bring the entire horse-breeding community together. Similarly, Punjab also has a lot of horse fairs and so does the state of Gujrat. Many southern states have seen a rise in Marwari horse stud farms who have great breeding programs. Since the last 10 years there have been many Marwari Horse Breed shows which has helped promote this majestic breed and got its recognition once again. IHOA which I am a part of hosts an annual breed awareness show in Pune during the month of February.

GM: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a Marwari horse breeder or owning a Marwari horse?

HP: The more, the merrier! Once you own a Marwari, there’s no breed that comes close to their beauty, strength, and spirit. But before starting a breeding ranch, I’d recommend building a solid support system. It’s a time-consuming passion that never truly ends. Similarly to owning a Marwari one has to make sure that owning a horse isn’t easy and is a full-time job as it needs a lot of care and love to maintain its health and have the pleasure to ride.

GM: Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations for your stud farm and the Marwari horse breed in general?

HP: My ultimate goal is to see Marwari horses competing in endurance races and various equine sports worldwide. I’d love to see one of my horses showcasing the breed’s strength and ability on the global stage. That would be the pinnacle of my journey. Beyond that, I also hope to see the Marwari breed gain greater recognition internationally, not just for its beauty, but for its athleticism and versatility. The Marwari has so much untapped potential in competitive sports, and I believe it could make a real impact if given the right platform.

I'm also passionate about preserving the purity of the breed, ensuring that future generations of Marwari horses remain true to their heritage. Through responsible breeding practices and maintaining a strong network within the community, I want to continue contributing to the growth of the breed, both in India and beyond. Ideally, I'd like to see Marwari horses integrated into more diverse disciplines—whether it's show jumping, polo, or even being used for therapy work.

In the future, I also plan to collaborate with international breeders and equine organizations to spread the word about Marwari horses and create more opportunities for them on the world stage. There’s so much potential for this breed, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey, helping the Marwari to reach its full potential as one of the world’s most respected and beloved horses.

Connect with Harnish…

Facebook @ royalmarwaristud

 

Bhima Shanker Colt @ Royal Marwari Stud Farm, Karjat, India
Harnish Patel, Proprietor