As it drizzled on Thursday morning, youngsters from across India took the reins to stride their horse across the lawn and jump the hurdles, setting in motion the four-day action packed Pondicherry Equestrian Challenge.
Nearly 100 horses, some imported from Spain, France, Germany and other local breeds, stood in their stables waiting for their turn to show their power and style. The participants walked the course without their horse before they hopped on to the saddle to compete in show jumping.
Before the show jumping at the Pondicherry Equestrian Challenge organised by the Red Earth Riding School (RERS), Auroville and supported by the Equestrian Promotion Private Limited (EPP), IDDL dressage (International Dressage Development League) was held. Jacqueline, founder of RERS participated in the dressage competition with her 11-year old Campera, a pure Spanish horse.
Anna Le Goff, manager, RERS, said that there were two teams from Chennai, Bengaluru, Puducherry and participants also came from Pune, Tirupur, Pollachi. “Makeshift stables were erected for the 60 horses that came from outside Puducherry,” she added.
“On the first day, the show jumping began with the height of 60 cm and 70 cm for the beginners and children. There were 35 entries in the first level,” Ms. Jacquile added.
The youngest participant this year at the Pondicherry Equestrian Challenge is five years old and the oldest is 56 years old. This year, there was a special participant — a horse which was rescued in Cuddalore three years ago took part in the show jumping After participating in the show jump, 13-year-old Tiyasha Vathul, who started riding horses when she was just three and half years old, said that riding was her true calling. “Each step I take, I am going forward and learning a lot,” she added.
Natallia Rubashko, a four-star FEI judge from Belarus, stated that it was good to see both youngsters and adults participating in the competition. “This art of riding trains people to connect with partners, strive for harmony and balance. The performance at the Pondicherry Equestrian Challenge is improving over the years,” she added.
High-calibre international and national riders from clubs across south India will compete in dressage and show jumping. Some of the most expensive imported horses that are being trained to participate in the Asian Games and the Olympics were also present.
