Riding in Rajasthan offers a rare glimpse into the way rural communities survive this harsh climate as well as offers a chance to partner a horse that is truly unique – the majestic Marwari. Comfortable and even luxurious accommodation in ensuite tented mobile camps and heritage hotels “havelis”. You will enjoy a mix of colonial and Indian cuisine with every dietary requirement catered for. There are a great number of riding areas and destinations in Rajasthan – all offering a superb holiday on horseback. The “expedition” safaris of Pushkar and Balotra riding ancient pilgrim routes are particularly special.

India’s protected indigenous breed of horse – the Marwari – is undoubtedly noble and proud. These “warrior horses” fearlessly rode to battle and today, that spirit and courage give an unequalled ride. They are perhaps best known for their distinctive and unusual lyre-shaped ears, which curl inwards at the top, meeting in the middle above the poll, though they are not physically joined. They are able to rotate up to 180 degrees – so nothing gets past these horses! They come in all sorts of incredible colours and whilst perfect for endurance, they are robust and broad chested, no larger than 15.2hh.

The vast country of India has had a colourful past and this is reflected greatly in the state of Rajasthan: “the Land of Kings” where the most exciting horse safaris take place today. This unique region has a wealth of history, culture and tradition with a great diversity of past influences including tribalism, Aryan “noblemen”, the Huns and, importantly from an equestrian perspective, the Rajputs “Children of Kings” who became a warrior race to fend off enemy invasion. Their third largest Kingdom was called: Marwar after which their treasured horses were named.