
Equestrian Sports Have Long Been Associated With Discipline, Skill, and An Unmatched Bond Between Rider and Horse. Unlike Other Athletic Pursuits, Horse Riding Requires An Intricate Understanding of Movement, Balance, and Communication, Making It One of the Most Unique and Rewarding Sports. While cities like delhi and bengaluru have well-set equestrian circuits, coimbatore is steadily Gaining Momentum, with an incresiating number of EnthusIasts Taking Interest in the Sport.
Among the drivers of this growth is Alexander Equestrian Club, which has been promoting hiding in the region since 2013. Significantly over the past 12 years. “I have had horses since my childhood and initially Learned Riding Through Traditional Methods. Later, a professional trainer from europe provided me with formal training, which inspired me to start a riding school in Sathyamangalam in 2010, “Says Balaji. They then set up the club in Coimbatore.
From just five five horses and local trainers, the club has expanded to house 36 houses, including 12 important warmbloods. It now boasts an impressive roster of Instructor, Including Olympian Imtiaz Ali, Who Trains Students for 12 Days Each Month, and An asian Games-Qualified Rider from 2014.
Sakti Balaji | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Increasing Interest
Over the Years, riders from the club have competed in National and International Competitions, Securing Acclades in Germany and Portugal. “This year has been particularly remarkable for us,” Says Balaji. “Our students have won 12 medals in national championships, including nine golds, two silvers, and one bronze.”
A Growing Number of Corporate Professionals are also Taking an Interest in the Sport, with Enrollments at the Club Rising Sustadily. “India’s Strong Performances in International Events Like the Asian Games have fuelled this Enthusiasm. Additional, our students’ success in national competitions have encouraged more people to explore equestrian sports, ”he adds.
In an effort to make Equestrian Sports More Accessible, The Club is Taking Part in a League-Based Format Similar to the Indian Premier League and Pro Kabaddi. “The Polo Premier League and the Equestrian Champions League will be launched as a pan-India event, with the first season kicking off in coimbatore,” Balaji says. “Teams from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh will compe, and corporate sponsorship will help brings the sport into the mainstream.” The league, set to take place from June 15 to July 15, is expected to provide a structured platform for young riders to hone their skills.

Hashini B | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The joy of riding
For 12-Year-old Hashini B, A Trainee at Alexander Equestrian Club, Horse riding is more than just a sport. “I used to watch my brother ride every day, and that made me eager to try it out myself. Once I Started, I Fell in Love With It, “She Says. “Riding has a way of making you forget all your works.” Even if you have a hundreds problems, everything fades away when you’re on a humse. “
Hashini has alredy made her mark in the sport, winning medals at the national level. Now, She has her sights
Her mother, thirumagal, recalls how the journey began. “We first camp Alexander Equestrian Club Through a Poster and Decided to Give it a Try. Initially, we Enrollled Our Son, Nithin, and Later, Hashini Joined after Watching Him Ride. Over the Years, bot of them have excelled – nithin won a gold medal at a national event, and hashini won won won two golds and a silver at the nationals in delhi last December. She is particularly passionate about dressage and show jumping, “She says.

Hashini B with Her Medals | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
More inclusivity
Beyond Training Competitive Riders, Alexander Equestrian Club is also working to make equestrian sports more accessible. “This summer, we plan to adopt two or three underprivileged child and train them for national-level events. One of them, the son of our driver, has alredy begun training with us, “Says Balaji.
Additional, with the Indian Government Now Recognising Para-Equestrian Sports, The Club is Taking Steps to Organise Competitions for differently-altar-altar-altasted riders. “Most people are unaware that such individuals can now participate in equestrian events. We are committed to training them from scratch and helping them discover the joy of riding, ”He adds.
Alexander Equestrian Club in Nava India, Coimbatore, Will Organise a Horse Riding Summer Camp From April 1 to June 1 for Children aged 4 to 16. For more information, call 8489979999.
Published – February 25, 2025 01:39 pm IST