Winston Churchill had once said, “No hour of life spent in the saddle is ever wasted.” These majestic animals have been admired by commoners who have had the luxury of befriending them as farm animals as well as warriors who have annexed lands with them.
The first ever Chandigarh Horse Show concluded amidst fanfare at The Ranch, Mullanpur on the outskirts of Chandigarh in Punjab last month.
Spread over three days, the spectacular event celebrated equestrian sport and horsemanship and saw many horse lovers and sportsperson in attendance. “More than 100 horses took part in the carnival-like show that had 21 events and saw over 150 riders (with 60 from the tricity) from different parts of the country. Additionally, there were food stalls, arts and crafts exhibitors, and a specialty shop of polo merchandise, free equestrianism, it was a platform for the equestrian community and horse lovers. There was something for those that are new to the sport as well,” revealed Miss India 2014 and actor-model Alankrita Sahai, who presented the show along with fellow equestrian lovers and sportspeople.
The various competitions were held as per the guidelines of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI). The event saw many celebrities and dignitaries gracing the occasion. Popular singer Gurnazar Chattha, who was a guest on the opening day said, “It is such a unique event that will promote the love for horses in people. I am looking forward to more such events in the future.”
In the same vein, noted lyricist and producer, Bunty Bains said, “This is the kind of experience that integrates fun and enjoyment with awareness. I congratulate Alankrita and her team for putting together such an amazing event!”
Alankrita Sahai, a TedX speaker and social worker is dedicated to helping the underprivileged and has always been a sports enthusiast from starting the Football Association for Women in Mumbai to now reliving her childhood love for horses. The beauty with brains is ready to gallop into organising a weekend of equestrian extravaganza in Chandigarh, and as she says, “hopefully take it across India”.
“An increasingly digital, modern lifestyle is creating a hunger for authentic and relatable interactions that connect us to others like us. The Chandigarh Horse Show, besides being a fun-filled, enthralling and entertaining event that will charm all age groups is also, in its own unique way will help bring together the animal-loving community to appreciate equestrian sport and the history of horses in Punjab. We’re social animals and the burgeoning e-commerce has connected us to the entire world transactionally, but not socially, which has left an unfulfilled need. CHS in its most unique way is stepping in to provide an immediate, authentic and thrilling platform to fulfilling that primal need & enabling the most beautiful city of India, Chandigarh and it’s beautiful people,” says Alankrita Sahai, explaining the idea behind the maiden Chandigarh Horse Show.
Teams from Indian Navy, Chandigarh Police, Haryana Police, Gurgaon Horse Club, PAP Punjab, Budda Dal School Patiala and Vardhinand Horse Academy, among many other, participated in the show offering a carnival experience, with food stalls, games for children, horse riding etc.
Asides from those that attended the event, actors Abhay Deol and Harshvardhan Kapoor, singer Kulwinder Billa and noted equestrian ace Freddy Daruwala put their weight behind the event that celebrated the royal beast in all its glory. On her part, Alankrita Sahai said, “Our main aim is to promote the equestrian sports and the love for horses among people. Any hobby or interest starts at an early age. And I am delighted that we saw so many children coming to the show as participants and spectators. But more than that, I am proud they performed so well and won so many events.”
