Kollam: The number of horses in Kerala is rising day by day. According to reports, more than 2000 horses are being reared in various parts of Kerala. It is observed that apart from horse riding clubs, tourist places, events like festivals and ‘Save the date’ shootings use horses to allure all.

According to Gautham who is running a farm of horses and camels in Palakkad, many people are approaching him to book horses. Whips, horseshoes, seats, etc are also sold on his farm. Horses are priced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 3-4 lakh. 

These horses are being taken to Kerala from northern India and Arakonam farms in Tamil Nadu. Breeds like Marwari, Nukra and Sindhi are commonly found in Kerala. It is reported that horse owners need to spend at least Rs 9,000 per month on horse feed. There will be no income when it is not the season. Therefore, horse breeding is not profitable to an extent.

He also added that horse riding is a good workout as it strengthens the muscles. Horses are also used in hippotherapy for children with autism. The assembling of about 100 horses for the ‘Angadiwela’ at the Thathamangalam Vetta Karuppaswamy Temple is a long practised ritual.

''Nowadays, horses are being paraded in festival processions. The other day too, my horse was taken to the ‘Thiruvabharana’ procession at the Umayanallur temple in Kollam. The rent is Rs 10,000, ”said Imtiaz, who has been raising horses in Kollam for six years. 

In the past, horses brought in from other states used to die within a few days. But, the situation has changed now as it is being properly taken care of, he added.