From that time forward, they bred horses selectively to survive in the desert environment. Selective breeding produced a horse with speed and stamina. The Marwari was also bred and trained to behave courageously. It would not collapse, even when seriously injured, until it had carried its rider out of danger. It would stand near its wounded rider, biting and kicking at those who attempted to approach.
Because of the warrior tradition in Jodhpur, which forbade non-military people from riding Marwaris, these horses were neglected during the British Raj and after Independence as well. By the early 1990's a government survey estimated that only 500 to 600 Marwaris remained. Their exportation from India was briefly prohibited under a 1992 biological conservation pact, and restoration efforts began.
The Marwari is a gaited horse. Marwari horses are born with a "rehwal" or "revaal" gait, a quick, four-beat lateral gait, which is smoother and more comfortable than a trot, used in the desert to cover long distances with greater comfort.
In rural Rajasthan, the Marwari is commonly trained for "dancing" at the many festivals and marriages that occur throughout the year. This dancing is an Indian form of haute ecole and goes all the way back to the combat maneuvers of previous centuries, in a manner similar to the classical dressage performances of the Lipizzans at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Some of the best Marwari horses, used only for exhibitions such as these, are seen very rarely by the common people.
Whorls (cowlicks) play an important cultural role in the selection of Marwari horses. According to folk beliefs, if the horse has a whorl below the level of the eyes, it is known as an "Anusudhal" and few will buy such a horse. The long whorl down the neck is known as "Devman" and it is considered lucky.
The Marwari has become a status symbol, and an owner can make an occupation out of horse breeding. Today they are in particularly high demand at the famous Tilwara Malinath Animal Fair in Barmer district and the Pushkar Animal Fair in Ajmer district. At present, in order to fetch a higher price, these horses are often raised on the periphery of the cities and are sold after being well-trained for a particular discipline. Some of the better horses of this breed fetch a price up to 100,000 Indian rupees and above in the fairs of Tilwara and Pushkar.
In order to conserve the Marwari/Malani breed, the horse breeders of Rajasthan have established the Marwar Horse Breeding & Research Institute in Chopasni, Jodhpur. This institute works to save the breed from extinction and to build respect for the horse breeders of the area. It registers horses and conducts educational programs to maintain and improve the breed. Fairs held in Rajasthan, especially the Tilwara & Pushkar Animal Fair, encourage breeders with certificates, cash prizes and trophies awarded to the best-quality animals. The Institute receives financial support from the Animal Husbandary Department of the Government of India.