Rajkot, July 8 (ANI): Amidst various efforts to protect the diminishing number of lions in the Gir forests, an initiative was undertaken wherein a university launched a program to protect the Kathiawari horses in Rajkot.
The University of Saurashtra designed a program to protect the indigenous horse breed of Kathiawari, renowned for being used as warrior horses and cavalry mounts.
Kamlesh Joshipura, Vice Chancellor of Saurashtra University said that there are about 80 to 100 such horses left in the region.
"At one point of time, Saurashtra was famous in the world for the Kathiawari horses and this is a matter of deep concern that the breed is on the verge of extinction," he added.
He also illustrated on the dire need for such a program and its multiple benefits for the students of the university.
"Our young generation needs to be educated about the breed. Moreover, the students who are particularly interested in research will immensely benefit from this program," said Joshipura.
Kathiawari horse owners hailed the university's move to protect the breed but also urged the state government to take adequate steps in preventing the trading of colts out of the region.
"A project should be launched to prevent colts from being traded out of the region as it has left us with no decent breed of stallions. Traders buy and sell colts when they are as young as three months. This should be prevented and the government needs to keep a check on it as it is only through a good stallion can we acquire healthy colts," said Naresh Khachar, owner of Kathiawari horse farm.
Kathiawari horses came into being after a local breeder in the 14th century in Saurashtra cross breeded his mares with Arabian horses being brought to India by the orders of the Delhi Sultanate.
These horses are characterized by fairly small and fine features, are light built, yet strong and sturdy. They can also be distinguished from other species by the 'sting of the scorpion' type ears. (ANI)
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