Eshita Kamal, a 13-year-old student of National Public School, Koramangala, has tried her hand at badminton, golf and tennis. But nothing quite gave her an adrenalin rush like an experience at the Agram Riding and Polo Academy (ARPA) did four years ago.
“It was exciting but a scary experience at the same time,” says the young equestrian, about her first time riding a horse at the age of nine. In six months, she got a hang of the tricks of the trade.
Riding for the ARPA team, Eshita has won a medal every year since she started to compete in 2010. In 2012, she participated in the Junior National Equestrian Championship in Bangalore, where she won two medals with her team and gold in the individual’s show jumping event in her age group.
At the Delhi Horse Show, held by Army Polo and Ride Club, she consistently took a place on the podium from 2010 to 2012.
It takes two
“The sport is not only about you. You can win only if your horse cooperates with you,” Eshita explains.
She dreams of owning a horse soon, but adds that she gets hopelessly attached to the animal when she practises with it for a length of time. Oscar was one such horse. “I was so attached to Oscar… he helped me win four gold medals in the regional event and helped me get selected for national events as well. He passed away last year and I was upset for several days.”
Eshita had to miss the Delhi Horse Show this year because her horse was injured. She has now set her sights on the JNEC in winter, where she is determined to give it her all.
