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Desert On Horse Back
A more recent, and exciting, variation of
the camel safari is the horse safari. The
Rajputs were born to be horseback riders,
and the tradition was strongly enforced in
the medieval ages when the cavalry formed
one of the most important flanks of the
desert armies. Special horses were bred at
the thikanas or aristocratic homes of the
Thakurs who served their kings with armies
of horsemen. The Marwari horse is an
indigenous species, hardy, agile, and among
the notables in world breeds. In addition,
the Kathiawadi and Sindhi horses are also
adept at traversing the desert countryside.
Horse safaris are usually conducted in
the vicinity of Udaipur where the hilly
terrain and forested countryside are ideal
for taking to the trail. Depending on the
size of the group, the pack of cavalry can
move swiftly or at leisure, moving from the
vicinity of one old fort to another. There
is additional excitement in that the route
you choose, and the heritage hotels you stay
in, may have been those very ones where the
ancient armies once rode and camped.
Horse safari routes can, of course, be
diverse, but most will pass close to
villages, ruined historical monuments, and
temples. These are ideal places to halt for
a bit of rest and relaxation, or lunch, and
a quick snooze. Riders are advised to equip
themselves with riding gear- the famous
Jodhpuri breeches, hat, and boots. Depending
on your capability to ride, the horses may
trot or canter through the countryside. What
matters most, however, is that each evening,
you are assured of the comforts of former
palaces and forts: no better, or more
historic way of exploring Rajasthan is
possible. |
