The sharp rays of the sun falling over the 'jumping arena' couldn't deter the passionate equestrians and spectators of the 2012 edition of the Delhi Horse Show, a 10-day affair that began on March 28 at the Army Equestrian Centre in Delhi Cantonment.
Apart from the participating equestrians and horses, the event saw Indian and foreign delegates in attendance, buying horse accessories and customised Army Polo Club T-shirts at the 'tack shop'; parents dressing up their tiny tots for a fancy dress competition and young riders grabbing some delicious chicken tikkas.
Organised by the Army Polo and Riding Club, the show has witnessed a steady rise in loyalists wanting to pursue the sport. This year saw 4,000 participants and 1,000 horses.
Col Sandhu, the commanding officer of 61 Cavalry regiment that looks into the daily management of the club, is also the chief executive of the club.
He said, "The completion of the 27th edition of the horse show is a proud moment for us. I'm glad to see the event grow in size, competition, degree of toughness and support. Equestrianism is a part of our culture and I'm happy we are taking our heritage forward."
Though many thoroughbred horses competed, Major Rohit Dagar, secretary of the club, said, "We're still not up to the mark in terms of quality of horses, infrastructure, proper training and funds. Horses demand a lot of care and need to be happy so that the rider wins. Owning a horse is not a victory. Being a good rider is also important."
{{/usCountry}}Though many thoroughbred horses competed, Major Rohit Dagar, secretary of the club, said, "We're still not up to the mark in terms of quality of horses, infrastructure, proper training and funds. Horses demand a lot of care and need to be happy so that the rider wins. Owning a horse is not a victory. Being a good rider is also important."
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