This weekend and the next, all those who are mad about horses, can get to see them at their best at the Red Earth Riding School, Auroville.
Claiming it is the biggest equestrian competition this year in the country in terms of participants and prize money, the organisers hope the event will be a step forward towards making Puducherry a destination for the Olympic sport.
While there are not many competitors at the advanced level in India, as the turf for competition is limited, the challenge hopes to raise the bar when it comes to competence levels. A grand prize of Rs. 5 lakh awaits the champion.
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Can’t ride a horse? Well if you can draw or capture one on lens, there are opportunities for you too, with painting and photography contests.
For those who like to do more than just horse around, a melange of fashion, music and art is lined up over the two weekends. Violinist and saxophonist David Wacheux, vocalist Suryan Stettner, fashion shows, and art and grafitti installations by various artists promise to add a touch of glitz.
The schedule this weekend (February 8 and 9) is as follows:
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Saturday:
Morning: Intermediate jumping and advanced jumping;
Afternoon: Intermediate dressing and advanced dressage; beginner jumping of 60 to 80 cm.
Sunday:
Beginner dressage, intermediate jumping and advanced jumping;
Afternoon: Advanced dressage and advanced jumping;
Evening: intermediate dressage.
Events in the mornings commence approximately at 6.30 a.m. and those in the afternoon at 2 p.m.
There will be events on the following weekend (February 15 and 16) too.
Entry is free and open to all. For details, call 95661-94586.