Bhimthadi horse
The Bhimthadi or Deccani horse is an almost extinct breed of Indian horses. It was developed in Pune district in 17th and 18th centuries during the Maratha rule by crossing Arabian and Turkic breeds with local horse breed. History The "Bhimthadi", also known as Deccani or "Deccan breed" gets its name from the vast Deccan Plateau in India. A major trade in arabian horses in the ports of Deccan began after the Bahamani Sultanate revolted against the Delhi Sultanate. Later in the period also the heavy war horses, sought by the Mughals and the Sultans of the Deccan, were always imported, especially from Iran. The Bhimthadi breed was developed in Pune district in 17th and 18th centuries during the Maratha rule by crossing Arabian and Turkic breeds with local ponies. These horses proved excellent for Maratha forces in fighting the Mughal army in the hilly terrains of Western Maharashtra. During their conquests in the 18th century, the Marathas were proud to claim that the Deccan horses had quenched their thirst with waters of the Indus The warrior and Maharajah Maratha Yashwantrao Holkar (1776-1811) is reputed to have always battle mounted a mare named Mahua, of Bhimthadi breed. It seems that