The world of equestrian sports is often dominated by a few well-established breeds, but a unique horse from India, the Marwari, is slowly gaining recognition, thanks in part to dedicated trainers like Violaine Boulogne. This French horse trainer has made it her mission to showcase the capabilities of the Marwari breed, particularly in dressage, a discipline where they were once thought to be unsuitable. Boulogne’s work in Rajasthan, India, positions her as a key figure in promoting this indigenous Indian horse to a global audience. Her journey, from discovering the breed on social media to achieving significant successes, highlights the potential that lies within this lesser-known equine.
Discovering the Marwari Horse
Violaine Boulogne’s introduction to the Marwari breed was serendipitous, sparked by a discovery on Facebook. Initially unfamiliar with the breed, her curiosity led her to encounter her first Marwari horses in Spain. This encounter eventually paved the way for a three-week immersive visit to Rajasthan in 2010. During this trip, Boulogne observed that many Marwari horses were underutilized, with a common perception that they were “too crazy” for disciplines like dressage. This sentiment, however, began to shift when a breeder from Mumbai approached her to train a four-year-old Marwari stallion named Mahakal. Despite only a month of dedicated training, Mahakal achieved a landmark victory, winning a dressage competition against a German warmblood. This triumph marked the first time a Marwari horse had secured a win in a dressage event, significantly contributing to a reassessment of the breed’s capabilities and dispelling previous misconceptions.
Beyond Dressage: Promoting the Marwari Breed
Boulogne’s involvement with Marwari horses extends beyond the dressage arena. She actively participates in promoting Marwari safaris in Rajasthan, guiding groups on horseback excursions. A significant upcoming event is the Gallops of India, a prestigious team-based horse race scheduled for March. Following successful iterations in Morocco and Oman, this Indian edition is poised to be a major platform for global Marwari horse promotion, attracting international participants and spectators. Boulogne is set to play a crucial role in training the horses for this event, further solidifying the Marwari’s presence in the international equestrian scene.
The Personality and Characteristics of the Marwari Horse
The Marwari horse is characterized by its bravery, curiosity, and deep loyalty, provided they are treated with respect. While they can exhibit stubbornness and may test their trainers, they are not inherently mean-spirited, a trait common to all horses, with their temperament often dependent on their treatment. Boulogne draws parallels between the Marwari and Iberian horses, noting a shared characteristic of being less overtly emotional than Arabian horses, despite both originating from desert environments. This blend of intelligence and resilience makes them receptive to training, as demonstrated by Mahakal’s rapid learning curve.
Strengths and Challenges of the Marwari Breed
The Marwari’s inherent bravery and curiosity contribute to their forward-going nature and sure-footedness. However, a significant physical limitation is their often weak and short back, which can result in shorter strides. This characteristic can pose challenges for disciplines requiring extensive jumping, dressage movements, or endurance. Boulogne attributes these traits primarily to historical breeding practices.
The potential re-opening of Marwari horse exports by the Indian government next year raises questions about their popularity and price point in Europe. While they could find a niche, the cost is a major consideration. European riders often seek horses capable of competing at higher levels, and the current price of Marwaris in Europe might not align with their competitive capabilities. Boulogne believes that with dedicated European breeders focusing on improvement, and potentially lower prices due to increased import, the breed could gradually gain traction.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
As one of the few female horse trainers in India, particularly specializing in Marwari horses, Boulogne acknowledges the challenges. However, she finds the pervasive underestimation of the time and dedication required for proper horse training to be a more significant hurdle. The misconception that horses can be rapidly trained for elite competition, as evidenced by the age of Olympic horses, is a prevalent issue. Despite these challenges, the growing number of women engaging in horse riding in India offers a positive outlook, though a shortage of qualified trainers remains a concern.
Recommendation for Travelers
India, and specifically Rajasthan, holds a special place in Boulogne’s heart, feeling like a second home. She recommends travelers explore cities like Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Jaipur, describing the experience as a journey back in time.
Conclusion: The Future of the Marwari Horse
Violaine Boulogne’s dedication is instrumental in reshaping perceptions of the Marwari horse. Her success in dressage and her ongoing efforts to promote the breed through events like the Gallops of India are crucial steps towards broader international recognition. While challenges related to physical attributes and market pricing exist, the inherent qualities of the Marwari—bravery, loyalty, and intelligence—along with the passion of trainers like Boulogne, suggest a promising future for this remarkable Indian equine.
References
- The Marwari Horse. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.marwarihorse.in/
- The Marwari Horse Breed. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.all-about-horse-breeds.com/marwari-horse.html
