Since its inception in 2004, RRI has helped over 18,700 people. In 2010 the organisation won the United Nations NGO Positive Peace Award for its outstanding leadership in combining adventure travel with humanitarian aid. Horses provide a spiritual element, as well. “There is too much ill-will, lack of humanity and mismanagement of resources,” Alexander said in a recent interview with Amaho Magazine. “In times like these, horses are animals that portray success and loyalty and the motivation to move on. Plus, horses are loyal friends. In such an emotionally taxing field, we need to stay close to nature.” For more information on RRI or Voluntouring in India see www.reliefridersinternational.com For more details on the Marwari Breed online in Wikepedia CLICK HERE. Alexander Souri and voluntourists canter through the Rajasthan desert. Photo by RRI The Marwari (or Malani) is a rare breed of horse from the Marwar (or Jodhpur) region of India. Known for its inward-turning ear tips, it comes in all equine colours, including pinto patterns. Many breed members exhibit a natural ambling gait. The Marwari is descended from native Indian ponies crossed with Arabian horses. The ponies were small and hardy, but with poor conformation; the influence of the Arabian blood improved the appearance without compromising the hardiness. Legend in India states that an Arabian ship, containing seven Arabian horses of good breeding, was shipwrecked off the shore of the Kachchh District in the 12th century. These horses were then taken to the Marwar district and used as foundation bloodstock for the Marwari. The breed deteriorated in the 1930s, but today it has regained some of its popularity. Visit www. indiegogo.com/projects/marwari or www.marwarimovie.com to see the movie trailer. Horses from the RRI ride resting at Pushkah Fair. Photo by Sue Beeton. Below: Frazzica Productions launched a documentary on the plight of the Mawari horses at the Sundance Film Festival in August.