Affluent people from various cities are increasingly spending time in farmhouses in the suburbs. Most of them will naturally also like to own a share of all things that go into creating a good farm atmosphere. Along with the regular farm livestock, people are starting to keep horses too. Even those who are not too keen on riding are discovering the pleasure of keeping horses as pets.

People who have started keeping them on their premises swear by the intelligence of these animals. This has led to an increase in demand for horses and related services for their proper upkeep.

There is a choice of three types of horses, if one is to go for the common breed, these are: the thoroughbreds, used for racing; the Indian breeds including the ‘Kathiawaris and Marwaris’, and the smaller ponies that are used to pull small carts.

While those who just want to keep a horse for the sake of it, take retired racehorses or the diminutive ponies, which are relatively cheaper. Many people go about it in a very serious way. They look for the Indian breeds that seem to have many distinct advantages. Firstly, the Indian breeds are hardier and therefore easier to maintain. Because of their Arab origins they are more suited to our weather conditions. More-over, they are not fussy about their diet and will eat most things that race horses refuse to eat.

However, what is truly special about them is their intelligence, loyalty and amiable temperament, says industrialist Mr Shaji Purushothaman, who has kept various breeds for over 20 years. He goes on to add that the Indian breeds are more comfortable to ride because of their gait and are more balanced and “surefooted” on uneven terrain. “I love Indian breeds because they come in beautiful colour combinations,” says Ananya, a teenager who recently got a Kathiawari mare. The riding schools that have opened around the city bear testimony to this increased interest. Govindarajan, who has been renting out horses and carriages, says, “Earlier, we maintained our own horses and rented them out to people who wanted to ride. Now, many people keep their own horses and we help maintain them. Even some schools maintain horses and have added horse riding to their extracurricular activities.”

“Every year I take a break to visit the famous horse fairs in Rajasthan and Punjab. I have bought some horses from there in the past and the number of friends who want to join me on my trips increases each year,” smiles Dr Madhivanan, a leading ophthalmologist who has been a keen horse lover and breeder for many years.

With so much growing interest in horses don’t be surprised if this column is renamed “Paws, Claws and Hoofs!”

Demi is the chief consultant at Pegasus Animal Consultancy