Rare Chamurthi horses highlight of International Lavi Fair

Chamurthi horse, often referred to as the “Ship of the cold desert,” was the main attraction at the horse exhibition at the International Lavi Fair held in Rampur.

Known for their exceptional endurance and adaptability to harsh weather, these horses belong to a rare and endangered breed, with their numbers limited to around 2,000, primarily in the Pin Valley of Lahaul-Spiti.

The Lavi Fair plays a crucial role in promoting the conservation and growth of this unique horse breed, one of India’s six recognised breeds.

Chamurthi horses are renowned for their strength and agility on mountain terrains, with the capability to carry riders safely across rugged landscapes and extreme cold. Their surefootedness on snow and narrow mountain trails makes them highly valuable in the region. Additionally, these horses can survive on minimal food for extended periods and even thrive in low-oxygen environments.

Believed to have originated from the Tibetan area of Chumur, the Chamurthi breed emerged by crossbreeding wild Tibetan horses with domestic ones. These horses were initially brought from Tibet to the Spiti Valley during Indo-Tibetan trade, and since then, they have become integral to the lifestyle in Pin Valley. To support their preservation, the Himachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department has established a breeding centre in Lari, Spiti, focusing on increasing the Chamurthi population.

Veterinary specialists from the 22 Mobile Field Veterinary Hospital provided insight into the on Chamurthi care and maintenance during the fair. Colonel Yogesh Dogra emphasised that Chamurthi horses were highly suitable for the region’s rugged conditions, making these essential for transportation in the area.

Neeraj Mohan, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, further highlighted that these horses were perfectly adapted to high-altitude, low-oxygen environments, playing a significant role in the lives of people in mountainous regions. Anil Chauhan, Sub-Divisional Veterinary Officer, stated that Chamurthi was Himachal Pradesh’s only registered horse breed, ideal for navigating challenging mountain terrain. The unique structure of the Chumurthi’s face and its ability to carry both riders and load on icy paths has led to it being nicknamed the “Ship of the cold desert”.

Ami Chand Negi, a resident of Khab village near the Tibet border, explained that Chamurthi horses were originally imported from Tibet during Indo-Tibetan trade. Today, they are raised in Pin Valley, where they have become an essential part of local life, even flourishing on minimal feed.

In summary, Chamurthi horses not only embody the spirit of the Himalayas but also serve as reliable companions in some of the world’s harshest terrains. Their role in supporting local livelihoods and preserving traditional ways of life makes them a treasured part of the state’s heritage.

‘Ship of cold desert’

Chamurthi is Himachal Pradesh’s only registered horse breed, ideal for navigating challenging mountain terrains. The unique structure of the Chamurthi’s face and its ability to carry both riders and load on icy paths has led to it being nicknamed “Ship of the cold desert”