Bengaluru Emerging As A Thriving Hub For Equestrian Excellence In Country

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Bengaluru is rapidly establishing itself as a vibrant center for excellence in equestrian pursuits. The recent hosting of the National Equestrian Championship (NEC), a prestigious event sanctioned by the Equestrian Federation of India, underscores the city's pivotal role in fostering the growth of horse riding sports nationwide.

NEC serves as more than just a platform for riders to exhibit their skills; it acts as a unifying force, instilling a sense of national pride as participants from diverse regions converge to compete. By nurturing talent and providing avenues for young riders to explore international opportunities, NEC is instrumental in enhancing the stature of equestrian sports throughout India.

In an email correspondence with myKhel, Ms. Silva Storai, Director of the Embassy International Riding School (EIRS) in Bengaluru, emphasized the championship's increasing prominence in attracting sponsors, media attention, and spectators, all of which are vital for sustaining the sport's upward trajectory.

Ms. Storai, a former jockey renowned for being the only female jockey globally to achieve two Derby and Bangalore Guineas victories, elaborated on Bengaluru's burgeoning reputation as a premier destination for national-level equestrian events and horse riding training. Under the stewardship of institutions like EIRS, Bengaluru has emerged as a hub for equestrian activities, boasting cutting-edge facilities and a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to advancing the sport. Ms. Storai also highlighted how NEC epitomizes the ethos of sportsmanship while driving forward the equestrian movement across the nation. Here are her insights:

1. How Bengaluru as a location is gaining popularity as a preferred destination for National level equestrian events.

Bengaluru has solidified its position as a destination for both National level equestrian events and horse riding training, leveraging several key advantages. The city's vibrant equestrian community, backed by state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated professionals, forms the cornerstone of its equestrian pursuits. Also, its strategic location ensures ease of access for participants and enthusiasts, facilitated by an extensive transportation network. Bengaluru's favourable climate, particularly during the winter months, provides an optimal backdrop for outdoor events and uninterrupted training sessions, enhancing the overall experience for riders and horses alike.
Additionally, the city's status as a major metropolitan hub grants riders access to modern amenities crucial for horse care and training, including top-tier veterinary services, quality equine nutrition, and specialized equipment.

2. What is the significance of NEC to help in the growth of the sport in India and encourage more youngsters to pursue sports.

The National Equestrian Championship (NEC) is the National event for senior riders, conducted under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India. NEC significantly contributes to the growth of equestrian sports in India and inspires youngsters to pursue the discipline. By showcasing talent from across the country, NEC provides a platform for riders to display their skills and encourages them to excel. The championship fosters national unity and pride as riders from different regions come together to compete, strengthening the equestrian community. Additionally, NEC serves as a pathway for young riders to enter international competitions, motivating them to strive for excellence.

Furthermore, the increased visibility of the championship attracts sponsors, media, and spectators, providing vital support for the sport's growth. In essence, NEC plays a crucial role in nurturing talent, fostering national pride, facilitating international opportunities, improving infrastructure, and attracting sponsorship, all of which contribute to the advancement of equestrian sports in India.

3. EIRS getting the opportunity to host the NEC Show Jumping 2023-24 event, how was the response.

EIRS successfully secured the hosting rights for the NEC Show Jumping event through a bid to the EFI, a testament to the school's dedication to fostering equestrian excellence. The last time EIRS hosted this prestigious event was in 2018. Hosting the NEC Show Jumping 2023-24 event at EIRS garnered an overwhelmingly positive response. The event provided a platform for riders to showcase their skills on a national stage while also attracting attention to EIRS as a leading equestrian facility. Overall, hosting the NEC Show Jumping was a significant milestone in further establishing EIRS's prominence in the space of equestrian sport.

Today, EIRS has emerged as one of the premier horse riding schools in India, run according to the British Horse Society (BHS) standards. We have identified and developed young athletes, given them access to world-class training, coaches and facilities, and created competitive leagues such as the Equestrian Premier League, for these riders to participate. Laying the foundation for the promotion of equestrian sport in the country, we introduced the Equestrian Premier League (EPL) in 2010, a six-month long league for young riders from across India to compete.

4. Players from which part of the country participated? What were the highlights of the competition according to you?

The NEC Show Jumping 2023-24 event hosted at EIRS showcased exceptional performances from top riders, fostering a competitive atmosphere that kept spectators engaged. The event witnessed participation from across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Orissa, and Chennai. The competition offered a variety of challenges, testing riders' skills and strategies, while also showcasing the remarkable partnership between horse and rider as they navigated challenging courses with agility and precision.

The carefully designed courses presented diverse challenges, testing the versatility and adaptability of participants while keeping the crowd involved with action-packed performances. Exceptional talents include Jaiveer Varma, a remarkable 14-year-old rider from EIRS who won the 130 CMS Show Jumping event. Jaiveer, astride Giannina, is the youngest rider to secure first place in the Grade 2 category at the senior Nationals. Overall, the event highlighted the future talent of Indian equestrian sport.