text: kathiawari the kathiawari is a breed of horse from india , originating in the kathiawar peninsula . closely related to the marwari horse , and resembling both that breed and the arabian horse from which they descend , the kathiawari was originally bred as a desert war horse for use over long distances , in rough terrain , on minimal rations . they are found in all colors except for black , and are commonly dun with primitive markings . breeding diminished after india 's independence , and today there are very few kathiawaris left in existence . originally used as war horses and cavalry mounts , they are currently used as mounted police horses and for the sport of tent pegging . the breed registry and annual shows are organized by the kathiawari horse breeders ' association . breed characteristics the best quality kathiawaris are under 15 hands ( 60 inches , 152 cm ) ; horses over this height often appear coarse and deviate from the desired breed type . the breed is found in all colors , except for black . chestnut is the color seen most often , followed by bay , gray and finally dun . many dun horses exhibit primitive markings , which shows a possible connection to the tarpan . pinto patterns do exist , but are extremely rare . the breed has a concave facial profile , with a broad forehead and short muzzle . the neck and body are proportional and relatively short , while both the head and tail are carried high . although well - proportioned , many western breeders consider them to be lacking in bone in the legs . however , soundness is an inherent characteristic of the breed . one of the breed 's most distinctive features is its ears , which curve inward to touch and sometimes overlap at the tips . the kathiawari has the most extremely curved ears of any breed of horse . at some points in the breed 's history , breeders focused on the preservation of these curving ears , to the detriment of some other , more important , physical characteristics . like many desert breeds , the kathiawari can subsist on minimal rations and water and is more resistant to the heat than breeds developed in colder climates . as well as the usual gaits , the kathiawari also performs a swift , lateral pace , called the . they are known as high - spirited , intelligent and affectionate horses . they are quite similar to the marwari horse , another breed from india , having much of the same history and physical features . the main difference between the kathiawari and the marwari is their original geographic origin – kathiawaris are from the kathiawar peninsula while marwaris are mainly from the marwar region . kathiawaris tend to have slight facial differences from the marwari , and are slightly taller in general . the kathiawari also resembles the arabian horse , which contributed significantly during the development of the breed . history although the earliest origins of the breed remain unknown , horses inhabited the western coast of india well before the mughal emperors of 1536 to 1857 . beginning during the mughal reign , and continuing during the british raj , arabian horses were imported to india and crossed with the native stock , creating the ancestors of the modern kathiawari breed . the kathiawari may have also been influenced by the mongolian horse . traditionally , noble households specialized in their own strain of horses , naming their lines of horses after a foundation mare ; 28 of these lines still exist . these noble houses selectively bred horses that could withstand extreme temperatures and minimal rations , carry a man with weapons and armor for long periods in rough terrain , and still be swift and nimble . they bred for wiry , sleek horses that were ideal for war , and kathiawaris were noted for their loyalty and bravery in battle , often defending their riders even when wounded themselves . this breeding was maintained until india 's independence . although still mainly bred in the kathiawar peninsula , it is also found in the maharashtra and rajasthan states . the kathiawari horse breeders ' association maintains the breed registry . the gujarat government maintains stud farms in eleven different locations ; one in junagadh holds both mares and stallions and is tasked with preserving the breed , while the other ten hold kathiawari stallions that are used for improving the local stock of other or mixed breeds . as of 2007 , only about 50 kathiawaris were held by private breeders . today , the region is renowned for its kathiawari horses , often producing the most beautiful horses of the breed . in early 2010 , the uk - based friends of marwari / kathiawari horse asked for donations of used bits . these would be given to owners of horses , including kathiawaris , in india in place of home - made bits , which often have sharp edges that can injure the horse . uses in the early 1800s , the kathiawari was used by the maratha and british cavalries , and was considered superior to other breeds in this capacity . the use by the cavalry was maintained until the end of world war i , but they are used little by the indian army in modern times , despite being a native breed . many indian mounted police units make use of the kathiawari . the kathiawari is also used extensively for the sport of tent pegging . annual breed shows are hosted by the breed registry .