The Bhimthadi horse is a unique breed from Maharashtra, India. This horse is known for its strength, agility, and endurance. It played a vital role in the Maratha cavalry during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it still supports pastoral communities and is gaining recognition in modern equestrian sports.
The name “Bhimthadi” comes from the Bhima River, where these horses originated. The breed was developed by crossing Arabian and Turkoman horses with local ponies. They were prized for their ability to carry heavy loads and travel long distances, especially in the hilly terrains of Western Maharashtra.
Historically, these horses were crucial for the Maratha forces. They fought bravely against the Mughal army and were known for their stamina and resilience. However, as the Maratha empire declined, the Bhimthadi horse faced a decline in numbers as well. During British rule, many horses were lost due to famines and wars. By the late 19th century, the breed was nearly extinct.
In 2010, the Gujarat government initiated efforts to research and conserve the Bhimthadi horse and other endangered breeds. Recently, in 2023, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recognized the Bhimthadi as a separate breed. This recognition aims to promote good breeding practices and ensure a brighter future for the breed.
Ranjeet Pawar, founder of the All India Bhimthadi Horse Association, and Sharad Mehta from the National Research Centre of Equines, announced that the Bhimthadi horse will soon receive official recognition. This is a significant step towards preserving the breed and reviving interest in it.
The current population of Bhimthadi horses stands at around 5,134. Pawar and his team have been working for the past five to six years to revive the breed. They collected over 1,000 blood samples for DNA testing to confirm that these horses are distinct from other breeds.
Once the breed receives formal recognition, Pawar plans to introduce Bhimthadi horses to sports like endurance riding and polo. They also aim to conduct breed shows and workshops to educate horse owners about proper breeding practices.
Bhimthadi horses are adaptable and hardy. They require less food than many other breeds but still possess impressive strength and stamina. A fully grown Bhimthadi horse typically measures between 56 to 58 inches tall, making it suitable for various tasks, including tourism and agriculture.
The revival of the Bhimthadi horse is not just about preserving an animal; it is about maintaining a piece of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. Horse lovers and enthusiasts are excited about the future of this breed. With continued efforts and support from the government, the Bhimthadi horse may once again gallop proudly across the Deccan Plateau, a symbol of strength and endurance in Maharashtra’s rich history.
As the recognition process continues, it is essential for horse owners to come together and support the revival of this remarkable breed. The Bhimthadi horse is not just a part of Maharashtra’s past, but it can also play a significant role in its future. By promoting good breeding practices and raising awareness, the Bhimthadi horse can thrive once again, contributing to both agricultural life and equestrian sports in the region.