Bhimthadi (Deccani) horses, once an integral part of the cavalry of the Maratha army, were almost lost to history and were considered to be on the verge of extinction, along with the Chumarti and Sikang breeds. The Centre took the initiative and conducted an extensive survey, which led to the identification of purebred animals in the districts of Pune, Ahmednagar, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, and Kolhapur in Maharashtra. The population of the breed was estimated to be 5134 in the year 2023, with very few quality stallions and mares remaining in the breeding tract. The predominant coat colour of the Bhimthadi horse is chestnut. The forehead is generally flat, and the ears are relatively large; their tips do not meet or overlap when rotated. The hooves are nearly round in shape, with strong soles and walls. The back is moderate and slightly arched. The average height at withers, body length, heart girth, and body weight were recorded as 130. 3 ± 0. 20 cm, 132. 5 ± 0. 25 cm, 142. 0 ± 0. 56 cm, and 266. 77 ± 2. 22 kg for stallions, and 129. 7 ± 0. 37 cm, 131. 7 ± 0. 42 cm, 139. 7 ± 0. 98 cm, and 252. 18 ± 3. 76 kg for mares. The breed is now Gazette Notified as the eighth indigenous horse breed of India, with Accession No. INDIAHORSE₁100BHIMTHADI₀7008. Conservation and propagation efforts are currently underway through the formation of the All India Bhimthadi Horse Association and the organization of regular shows and events.
Mehta et al. (Fri,) studied this question.