In the Footsteps of the Shekhawati Brigade, Rajasthan, India. This Is A
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In the Footsteps of the Shekhawati Brigade, Rajasthan, India. 12 days; 7 days riding. th th 4 October 2017 to 15 October 2017 Introduction This is a unique opportunity to retrace the footsteps of the Shekhawati Brigade, one of the British Raj’s most charismatic and agile cavalry regiments. The Shekhawati Brigade was established in 1835 and subsequently amalgamated with other regiments. Their actions can be traced right through to Independence in 1947 and up to modern times; Rajasthan was their theatre of operation. Discover the exploits of this cavalry brigade and their skirmishes against the dacoits. This exciting chapter of British history will be brought to life each evening with informal talks around the camp fire given by a local Rajput whose family can trace its ancestry back to well before the founding of the Shekhawati Brigade. Ride the trails by day and hear the tales by night. At salient points along the route we have arranged for elderly gentlemen, who knew pre-Independence India, to meet us and share their stories. This is a “Buddy Ride” which means we welcome six fully fit riders and six injured servicemen or women. These will be chosen by Polo for Heroes with the aid of Help for Heroes, Band of Brothers; the experience of this ride will contribute to both physical and mental recovery. We will ride as a group consisting of six buddy-pairs. There will be people in India to offer assistance as required, reinforcing the buddy partnerships. The Marwari Horse The Marwari horse stands between 14 hh and 17 hh They are particularly known for their ears! The classic depending on its geographical origin; horses from lyre-shaped ear with the tips just touching. more fertile areas grow larger than their desert counterparts. Nowadays foals grow larger due to There is a host of folklore about the whorls on the improved nutrition and better parasite control but coat too: too much to go into here, but if the the average remains 15.2 hh to 16 hh. “science” of whorls is of interest, your host on this ride is well-versed in the lore. The Marwari comes in all colours including the boldly coloured There is a stud book in India which was ‘ablacks’ (Piebalds or Skewbalds) established in the 2000’s: the breed isn’t particularly favoured in India. The new, agreeing to the standard is! One of Marwari’s natural tendency to the results of having a breed standard is perform would make him that it is now prohibited to export Marwari. particularly suitable for dressage, India wishes to preserve the breed herself. but dressage isn’t popular in India. He is a tough, brave and beautiful Tack: The saddles are Indian cavalry horse who has proven his ability to “Sawar” saddles developed by the British adapt and thrive in most cavalry in the mid 1700’s and still used by environments. When you first set the Indian cavalry today. They are designed eyes on one you tend to think they with a high pommel allowing a good flow of look angular; not a bit of it! These air along the horse’s spine which is are the marathon runners of the horse world; all particularly important in India’s hot sinew and lean muscle: remarkable stamina and they climate. They function (and feel) similar to a end the day as fresh and keen as they begin it. conventional English saddle and are comfortable for both horse and rider. Short chaps work well with this tack and if you like to use a seat-saver it’s a good idea to bring one. The bits are snaffles. The Riding Itinerary Wed 4th Oct 2017 Depart London on the overnight flight to Jaipur. Thur 5th Oct Arrive in India in the afternoon. Met upon arrival and driven to the hotel. The hotel is run by two brothers who have transformed a stately haveli (manor house) into a unique property. It’s meticulously renovated and perhaps the finest haveli in Jaipur. Dinner at the hotel and followed by a ride briefing. Fri 6th Oct Setting off for the desert When everyone is ready after breakfast we’ll drive The Marwari, an Indian aristocrat. north to Sikar and visit Sikar Fort which features in Sun 8th Oct the actions of the Shekhawati Brigade. Into the bush. Today’s the day! We set off riding west. Each person Continue to Dundlod Fort where a ‘Royal Welcome’ is issued with twin saddlebags for camera, awaits us. It was built in 1750 and is a blend of waterbottle, sun cream and such-like. All the other Rajputana and Moghul styles, typical to Rajasthan. It baggage is carried in the support vehicles. has been delightfully restored. Later visit the We ride through small villages, some of which are Marwari stables. predominately “Khayamkhani” which is a clan of [Full board “FB” and overnight at the fort.] Rajputs who have converted from Hindu to Muslim. Whilst on the trail, each night is spent in a tented camp but this is no ordinary camp: you’re provided with blankets, quilts, pillows, a mattress and a camp bed. The canvas “rooms” are large enough to stand upright in. Grooms ride with the team to feed and water the horses; we will be looked after by a full staff. [FB. Overnight in camp.] Distance ridden: 30 Km Time in saddle: 5 hrs The tack on its overnight rack. Mon 9th Oct th The trail to Khialee Sat 7 Oct We continue riding between small farms through this Meet the Marwari semi-desert area, dotted with Khejri trees and ladies After breakfast we’ll show you the stables and wearing brightly coloured saris working the land. En introduce you to the breed and horse management route we stop for a picnic lunch and a long rest regime in Rajasthan. Many aspects will be familiar; before riding on through land that gradually becomes the tack will be familiar, but the detail is different! sandier and softer; small villages cling to the sand The Marwari requires hands-off riding and a gentle, dunes and eke out a tough existence. Many herds of sympathetic touch. Nilgai, the indigenous antelope, known as “blue bulls” and the Chinkara deer will be seen in this area. In mid-morning you’ll be introduced to your horse [FB. Overnight in camp.] and have the opportunity to get the feel in the Distance ridden: 35 Km ménage. When everyone is settled we’ll ride out into Time in saddle: 6 hrs the surrounding farmland and get to know the horses. After lunch (back at the fort) we’ll visit a few Tue 10th Oct: Reaching Alsisar Fort of the heritage sites that are found within the village. The objective for today is the magnificent Fort at Dinner at the fort, later a briefing on the “Footsteps Alsisar. This is close to Jhunjhunu where the of the Shekhawati” ride that kicks off tomorrow. rebellious chieftains were taken as “guests of his [FB and overnight at the fort.] majesty”. Overnight in Alsisar Fort, a majestic palace-fort that has been meticulously restored to its Distance ridden: 15 Km former glory. Time in saddle: 2-3 hrs Distance ridden: 35 Km Time in saddle: 6 hrs 2 www.ventureco-worldwide.com Wed 11th Oct We can walk to the Rani Sati temple and Mertanji ki Jhunjhunu (or Joonjnoo) Baori, which is a classic step-well designed to retain Today we enter the town of Jhunjhunu where the as much of the scarce rainwater that falls as possible. Shekhawati Brigade was stationed. Visit Fostergunj, the actual location of the Shekhawati Brigade’s Distance ridden 35 Km quarters. There will be ample time to explore Time in saddle: 6 hrs. Badalgarh Fort, which was the first to be built in Jhunjhunu, by the Muslim ruler Khayamkhani Nawab Sat 14th Oct Faisal Khan in 16th century. Later it was taken over Return to Jaipur by Rao Shardul Singhji Shekhawat who was the ruler Drive from Khettree to Jaipur. Lunch at Jaipur and who gave his name to this area. visit the City Palace museum and the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal ). We round off our time in Rajasthan Overnight in camp at the Badalgarh Fort. with an evening visit to the famous Rajasthan Polo Distance ridden: 30 Km Club in Jaipur. Time in saddle: 5 hrs And for those last minute pressies, there are some Thur 12th Oct excellent shops to explore in Jaipur: Anokhi is Ride to Khettree (or Khetri) famous for its high quality block-print textiles; Kripal The ride starts from just outside Jhunjhunu town and Singh Shekhawa is the potter who breathed life back heads towards Khetri along a dry river bed. Later we in to the famous blue pottery of Jaipur in the 1930’s; pass through the villages of Kali Pahari and Sultana, The Gem Palace is the place to find jewellery, both of which were strongholds of the dacoits. Lunch particularly emeralds. en route and ride to camp. Dinner at the Polo Club overnight at the Heritage Overnight in camp hotel. Distance ridden: 30 Km Time in saddle: 5 hrs th Fri 13th Oct Sun 15 Oct 2017 Explore Khettree Fort on horseback Fly home to London. Khetri has a magnificent Fort and many beautiful Transfer to airport for the early morning flight to heritage buildings; there is also a stepped well and London. Arrive London in the early evening. water collection area which at present is dry, reflecting the decline of local rainfall. The ride is City Palace: a huge complex of courtyards, gardens, slower today because we are approaching the and buildings that blends together both Rajasthani Aravalli Mountains (1,750m) and the terrain is and Mughal architecture.