India

    Prehistoric equine remains have been found in the Siwalik Hills, and there have been records of horses in India since about 1500 B.C.  However, the majority of the country-bred ponies, though varying from district to district, are of similar Mongolian descent, crossed at some time or another with foreign, often Arabian, imports.
    Both India and Iran claim to have originated polo.  A 7th-century manuscript describes how the Maharajah of Manipur introduced the game, the players riding sturdy, Mongolian-Arab Manipur ponies.  The small Burmese (Shan) hill pony is very similar, although the larger type is strong but slow.
    India is also home to the Burma horse, the Baluchistan horse, the Cozakee horse, the Marwari horse, and the Manipur horse (Assam), as well as various imported British breeds.
    The Manipur pony (or horse) is an ancient breed named after the state of Manipur in Assam, India.  Bred as long ago as the seventh century, primarily for use as polo ponies, Manipur being of the original homes of the sport.  Height:  44-52 inches.  Weight:  500-700 pounds.  The Manipur, like various other pony breeds of Asia, is believed to have descended from a crossing of Arab horses and Mongolian ponies.

Equine Empire * Search - Breeds * Search - Locations * Search - Terms