Animal Breed Horse Breed

“Kathiawari Horse Breed Characteristics: The Elegant & Loyal Horse of Gujarat”

ByRakesh Kumar 04/29/202504/12/2025Updated On 04/12/202504/29/2025

“Kathiawari Horse Breed Characteristics”

"Kathiawari Horse Breed Characteristics: The Elegant & Loyal Horse of Gujarat"

Kathiawari Horse Information

Conservation Status	Not specified (Indigenous breed with stable population)
Scientific Classification	Domain: Eukaryota Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Perissodactyla Family: Equidae Genus: Equus Species: Equus ferus caballus
Breed Type	Light horse (Riding, Cultural, Endurance)
Alternate Names	None (Known exclusively as Kathiawari)
Origin	Kathiawar Peninsula (Saurashtra region, Gujarat, India). Possible ancestry from Arab and Mongolian horses.
Breeding Tract	Primary: Gujarat (Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Rajkot, Surendranagar) Secondary: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana Geographical Range: Longitude 70°–72°, Latitude 20°5’–22°6′
Main Uses	Socio-cultural: Religious ceremonies, traditional games. Work: Riding, endurance tasks. Unique Trait: Renowned for Rewal gait (smooth, four-beat ambling stride).
Physical Traits	Color: Predominantly chestnut and bay; often with stars/stripes on face, socks/stockings on legs. Height (Avg): 150.9 cm (male), 148.07 cm (female). Weight (Avg): 337 kg (male), 321 kg (female). Unique Features: Broad forehead, concave (“dished”) face. Small, inverted ears with overlapping tips. Long, curly mane and tail. Dorsal brown stripe along the spine (primitive marking).
Management	System: Intensive (carefully maintained with fodder/concentrate diets). Breeding: Selective; stallions are not commonly kept by mare owners. Training: Highly valued for endurance and agility.
Performance	Age at First Parturition: ~55 months (avg). Parturition Interval: Data not available.
Population Trends	1997: 7,586 (Gujarat). 2013: 57,112 (India-wide).
Special Notes	Prized for its stamina, agility, and distinctive gait (Rewal). Cultural icon in Gujarat, often featured in festivals and royalty.
The Rajasthan Express : Kathiawari Horse Breed

"Kathiawari Horse Breed Characteristics: The Elegant & Loyal Horse of Gujarat"

“Kathiawari mares are known for their loyalty, distinctive curved ears, and adaptability. Learn why this Gujarati breed is ideal for riding and cultural events.”
THE RAJASTHAN EXPRESS

Rakesh Kumar

I am Rakesh Kumar, hailing from Rajasthan, and I proudly serve as a Private Veterinary Livestock Inspecter . With years of experience in the field, I am passionate about promoting the health and welfare of animals. As the administrator of The Rajasthan Express website, I am committed to delivering accurate and valuable insights into veterinary science and animal care.