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Horse India

Overview

Experience the joy of riding a native, spirited Marwari in their homeland on these horse safaris in Rajasthan, India. Your ride organisers Ajeet and Caroline invite you to learn more about their passion for the Marwari breed as you embark on an adventure combining thrilling riding with the traditio…

Highlights

  • Learn more about Marwari horses in their homeland
  • Ride in the middle of India's famed 'Golden Triangle'
  • Combine horses, history, tradition and culture
  • Camp in scenic locations in comfort
  • Feel welcome as a solo traveller, couple or group

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 12 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg / 198lbs / 14st 2lbs

Description

Experience the joy of riding a native, spirited Marwari in their homeland on these horse safaris in Rajasthan, India. Your ride organisers Ajeet and Caroline invite you to learn more about their passion for the Marwari breed as you embark on an adventure combining thrilling riding with the tradition, culture and history of the region. Rides take place inside the 'Golden Triangle', between Jodhpur and Udaipur and within close range of Jaipur. There are rides to suit solo travellers, couples and groups and many of the tours can be tailored to suit your needs. The most popular time to ride is between October and March.

Ajeet has more than fifty Marwaris who are regularly used for horse safaris, charity rides and riding camps for local schools. His love for this spectacular breed was inherited from his father and he has a strong passion for preserving the breed and keeping traditions alive - he also has a love for adventure which makes him an excellent host and riding guide!

Caroline takes care of tour logistics and experienced rides first as a client, thereby learning all the special elements which make for a memorable trip. She is now a keen promoter of the Marwari horse and has been organising private safaris for over 18 years. She is also founder and chair of 'Friends of Marwari / Kathiawari Horse UK' and has led promotion of their bit donation scheme, looking to bring about changes in the use of 'thorn bits' which can still be used in parts of rural India. Horse welfare is paramount on these rides - please ask if you would like further information on how these horses are kept, fed and cared for.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Indian Sawar saddles (you can ride in them like an English saddle) with English-style bridle and bit. The horses are ridden in a standing martingale with neck strap in the form of a traditional cloth 'pugaree'.

Horses

Marwari - this is an indigenous breed of India and has distinctive curled 'lyre shaped' ears. They are 15 - 16hh on average and of a lean, light build which is ideal for desert landscapes.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Leopard Trail is a trail ride

Ages

Please contact us regarding children riders.

Health

General good health recommended.

Weight

90kg / 198lbs / 14st 2lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

These riding tours include full board with traditional local meals being served. Please contact us if you have dietary requirements so that we may check with your hosts in advance.

Mineral water and a small selection of alcoholic drinks are also included and available during the ride.

Accommodation

Depending on the route you choose, you may stay in a mixture of heritage havelis, castles and forts or hotels (3* and above), as well as camping during the ride - the Maharajah style 'shikar' tents are put up and taken down everyday and come with their own attached bathrooms, furniture, bed linen and towels. Buckets of hot and cold water are provided for washing.

Itineraries

Leopard Trail Tented / Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-riders can be accommodated on request - please enquire for details.

Travel

The different rides include transfers from and to Udaipur and/or Jodhpur, depending on the route you choose - some start in one location and end in the other. These are both cities which can be reached via internal flights from Mumbai or Delhi or via train or road.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival to Udaipur in time to enjoy a late afternoon boat trip around Lake Pichola. Udaipur is one of the most romantic settings of Rajasthan and arguably all of India, with the ridges of the Aravalli Hills in the distance and a range of incredible buildings from palaces and temples to havelis. The crooked and colourful streets add a human element to the city's natural charms.

Overnight in a hotel in Udaipur.

Day 2

Riding: No riding.

This morning is spent sightseeing in Udaipur and is a chance to enjoy its beautiful hues of cream, rose and honeysuckle. The City Palace lies on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola and features balconies which gaze out towards Lake Palace, the other famous landmark of the city. The palace seems to float on the water, as if from a fairytale.

In the east, away from the shores of the lake, is the inner city which is a delight to explore - a mix of temples, homes and shops.

In the afternoon you will transfer north by road to Kumbhalgarh, a journey of around two hours. Overnight in a hotel there.

Day 3

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

This morning you will visit Kumbhalgarh Fort which is the second most important in Rajasthan (the first being Chittorgarh). This fortress, deemed unconquerable, is protected by the Aravalli ranges. It was built during the 15th century by Maharana Rana Kumbha and is surrounding by thirteen mountain peaks. The fort is built at 1914m above sea level and its fortifications extend to 36km - it is purported to be the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The fort complex features various palaces, temples and gardens which make it all the more special.

Late in the morning you will meet your horses for the first time. You will ride down through the Khumbalgarh Sanctuary and Ghanerao forest, entering the sanctuary near the fort and following old paths to the forest's edge, crossing small rivers along the way. This is a shaded, quiet trail but is home to much wildlife.

A lunch picnic is eaten on the way and you will arrive at Muthana Lake by dusk, with your first overnight in camp to follow.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today is a full day ride to Dantiwara Lake. The route takes you through villages and onto the plains of the Aravalli hills, enjoying a picnic lunch en route. Your camp tonight is situated in front of the lake.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

This is a full day ride to Bali Forest. You will make your way along the bottom of the Aravalli hills in a south-westerly direction to Perwa, passing by rural farmsteads and more villages for a look at local life. The terrain today includes smooth rock formations, volcanic in origin. Lunch will be a long, relaxed picnic in a shady spot. Overnight in camp.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Full day ride to Jawai Bandh. This lies in the heart of an unspoilt wilderness, a place where leopards can still roam free. The landscape is surrounded by granite formations of caves, hills, Anogeissus plant scrub and winding riverbeds of sand.

In the evening you will enjoy your first jeep safari to look for the elusive leopard.

Camp overnight (you are here for two nights).

Day 7

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

This morning's ride is to search for leopard. This area is where “the hills throw the moon out and just as soon absorb its glow into their gorges. Where nomadic Rabari herdsmen are as much a part of the earth's tales as the mysterious felines that grace these hills and vanish at will into their folds. Where pastoral fields meet and merge with wild grasslands and the swells of the JAWAI Bandh's waters lap at the toes of mighty granite forms. Where flamingos flock and cranes in their hundreds dance to springtime. This special location, the unique flavour of this land and its offerings, provide for an entirely different experience from the rest of Rajasthan”.

In the evening you will take another jeep safari on the lookout for leopards. Overnight in camp.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you will be transferred back to Udaipur for your journey home.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Riders should be confident to canter in open country and fit to ride full days.

Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 12
Departure windows

At any time during: Oct. 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023  (Dates can be opened on request for 2 or more riders if there is availability.)

Feb. 28, 2023 - March 7, 2023  (Confirmed date that anybody can join.)

Pricing

2023
Rider, sharing a twin or double room
£2495 $3080 €2830
Included Udaipur transfers by road, accommodation, all meals, mineral water, select drinks (some alcoholic) on the ride, riding as detailed in the programme and sightseeing tickets in Udaipur.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, Indian visa, personal expenses, tips for guides/staff.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £300 $370 €340
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.