Kolkata Horse Show to begin tomorrow

KOLKATA: It promises to be a smart and fast-paced start to the new year in Kolkata with the 59th Kolkata Horse Show getting under way from Sunday. Nearly 350 horses and riders from across the country would participate in this seven-day spectacle that is expected to be inaugurated by governor M K Narayanan.
"The Army is organising this show in a bid to promote equestrian sports in the eastern region.The hosts will be the Fort William Riding and Polo Club. Top riders from across the country, who have participated in various international events, will participate in the show that is being held under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India," a senior officer from the Eastern Command said.
The various disciplines include dressage, show-jumping, cross-country, tent-pegging (both lance and sword), jumping successive relay and six bar open. Participants will be from all age groups. According to the officer, there will be several young riders from the Fort William Riding and Polo Club and the Tollygunge Club.
"Participants will include riders from the Army, police and the civilian population. Equestrian events are among the few in which men and women compete as equals. The events will start from 7 am and would continue till sunset. Riding and equestrian sports have been common in the armed forces. In recent times, civilians from other parts of the country are also showing a lot of interest. Unfortunately, we do not see a similar kind of enthusiasm in eastern India. This is a complete sport that is thrilling and has both glamour and challenge. Horse-riding is also a great way of remaining fit. Unlike in the past, people need not own horses to be good riders. Organisations like the Fort William Riding and Polo Club offer training to people who have never owned horses," the officer said.
The show also promises to be an extremely colourful affair. Dressage, for instance, is known as horse ballet'. It is a training method designed to develop a horse's natural abilities and responsiveness to instructions from the rider with ease and grace. According to sources, horse shows held in the past have resulted in a lot of interest among youngsters from the city and the suburbs. Many of them are now regular riders at Fort William.