Aussie Rider to Travel India on Native Horse Discovery

Nikki Watson is an Australian horse rider. After many years in a corporate career role in Sydney, she decided leave to pursue her love for the horse, and travel the world whilst doing so.

After seven months enjoying the Criollo breed down in Patagonia, Argentina, she is now in India developing the Native horses of India Exploration. This enormous project is an equestrian journey to connect with India’s native horses and ponies with the aim of assisting with their future conservation, promotion, and wellbeing.

How did your India Project come about?

"I first travelled to India in 2015. After working two jobs to afford it, one at my corporate role and the other at 'Sydney Horse’ in Centennial Park, I came to India on a horseback safari ride. It was during this trip that I discovered how rich and varied India’s equestrian culture is, and I fell in love with the Marwari breed of horses.

Unfortunately, I found that internationally many people were not aware of India’s equestrian culture and history, nor the native breeds. I vowed to return, and four years later I am back at the start of this incredible journey."

Nikki meeting a curious Marwari horse

Tell us about your travel plans

"I am going to be journeying to various parts of India and riding the different breeds of native horses there. Due to the enormity of India, the full exploration will take up to a year, and is being done in various stages.

The first stage is in Rajasthan on the Marwari breed of horse.

Rajasthan is a fascinating part of India and very significant to the ride because Rajasthan is steeped in equestrian culture and folklore. Specifically the Marwari breed, who were historically highly significant to the Princely rulers of Rajasthan, as they were used as their cavalry horses.

After Rajasthan, I will move up into the Punjab to ride again on Marwari horses.

After that, I will journey to the East to discover the Manipuri ponies. The rest of the stages will be planned pending the weather patterns, but they will include Kashmir for the Zaniskari breed, the Spiti pony in the Himalayas, the Deccan Pony in the Deccan Plateau and the tropical South of India on Kathiawari and Marwari’s again. I am even planning to enter Pakistan and discover the Sindhi breed."

The unique curved ears with touching tips of the Marwari breed

Who else is involved with, or impacted by these rides?

"The rides are supported by the Indigenous Horse Society of India.

Whilst in these remote, rural regions, education will be spread to locals, when needed, around topics such horse care, feeding, avoidance of harsh bits and the importance of preserving India’s native breeds. This will be done through the guidelines established by the Indigenous Horse Society of India."

What is the conservation status of these unique Indian breeds?

"The Marwari breed is now stable, but there was a time that the breed was suffering.

This was because when the British invaded India, they imported their own Thoroughbreds and the Australian Walers, which led to the neglect and downfall of the native breeds. Due to the dedicated breeding programmes established by societies such as the Indigenous Horses of India Society, the breed is now flourishing once again.

Other breeds, such as the Manipuri Pony are still suffering, for various reasons, such as development of their natural habitat. A wonderful charity called ‘Save the Manipur Polo Pony’ is working tirelessly to help these ponies."

Nikki partnering with 'Abu' on one of her rides

What is your overall goal for embarking on this journey?

"Upon it’s completion, the journey will have explored the full span of India’s native horses and ponies. I hope that the ride will help to promote these amazing breeds internationally and provide an insight into India’s rich equestrian history and horse culture."

You can follow Nikki's adventure on Instagram @mahimarides ...and if like-minded riders wish to join her, Nikki welcomes them on any of the stages of the journey.