More than 100 riders to vie in the National Equestrian

Bangalore, Nov 28 (UNI) A rare visual treat is in store for horse lovers as equine excellence and saddle expertise will display their riding skills in the FEI World Jumping Challenge and National Equestrian Championship to be held at the Agram Grounds of Army Services Corps Centre and College (South) from December one.

More than 100 riders of national and international repute, with about 150 horses, will be viying for top honours in the six-day Championship.

Army Service Corps were the last year winners, while Remount Veteranary Corps were the runners-up.

About ten riders, who had represented the country in the international events, including Lt. Col S Singh of Jaipur, Lt. Col Rathod of Manipur, Havaldar Basu, Subedar R Gujal and Havaldar Jitender Singh would be seen in action.

Talking to newsmen here, Organising Committee Chairman and Patron-in-Chief of the Championship, Lt Gen I K Dahiya said that the event would be of international standard as it was recognised by the World Federation Equestrian International (FEI) and was part of World Show Jumping event.

He said that the riders and their mounts would be put to real test in the events that included Water Jump, Individual and Team Tent Pegging, Power Jumping, World Show Jumping. Novices and children would also get a chance to show their skills as some of the events like children pole bending, jalebi race, bobbing race, the ball and bucket race, boot and hay race have been specially included keeping them in mind.

Replying to a question, Lt Gen Dahiya clarified that the participants in the World Jumping Challenge would be from India and not from abroad. Similar events were held through out the world and the results would be combined and based on the points obtained by the riders. World Champion would be selected by a panel of judges, he said.

He said that Judge Susen Maken of United Kingdom from FEI will be arriving here before the commencement of the Championship. ''She would also conduct a four-day coaching camp, after the Championship to improve the riding skills of Indian riders'', he added.

UNI MSP RS AY HS1724