The first ever Chandigarh Horse Show concluded amidst fanfare at The Ranch, Mullanpur on the outskirts of Chandigarh
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 speciality 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 Rajinder Khosa, Gusher Singh Badal and Aashna Vinod Gupta.
The show was inaugurated by Chandigarh SSP Kuldeep Chahal and the 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 an 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!”
Former Punjab minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and SSP Chandigarh Kuldeep Chahal were also in attendance at the event.
Teams from Indian Navy, Chandigarh Police, Haryana Police, Gurgaon Horse Club, PAP Punjab, Budda Dal School Patiala and Vardhinand Horse Academy, among many others, participated in the show offering a carnival experience, with food stalls, games for children, horse riding etc.
Asides from those that attended the event, Abhay Deol, Harshvardhan Kapoor, Kulwinder Billa and 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.”
PPS Nabha riders bagged medley relay gold. In the six bar open event, Gursobha Singh from Heritage Equestrian Sports Academy (HESA) came first while Javed Khan and Anmoldeep Singh finished second and third respectively. Trainees from CHRS grabbed a total of 20 medals during the horse show. Also, a young horse-rider from Chandigarh Adhiraj Toor, who is a part of CHRS, has cleared his second regional equestrian league by 26 points and has qualified for the nationals. Akash of DAV University claimed the top position in the tent pegging event. He was followed by HC Jaswinder Singh from ITBP in second place, while ASI Manjit Singh finished third. Abhishek Chopra of Modi Equestrian Academy claimed the gold medal in the open showjumping.
