- January 13, 2024
RERS to host national equestrian championship from Jan 18 to 26 at Auroville | India News – Times of India
PUDUCHERRY: Red Earth Riding School (RERS) is set to host the National Equestrian Championship in dressage from January 18 to 26 on its premises in Auroville. Jacqueline Kapur, the founder and executive team member of RERS, announced that teams and riders from across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, will participate in the championship.
RERS’s team will feature at least five competitors, showcasing the depth of talent nurtured at the school. The minimum age for participation is 14 years, and there is no upper age limit, embodying the spirit of equestrian sports where passion and skill transcend age.
Dressage, often likened to ballet on horseback, is a discipline that demands utmost precision and harmony between rider and horse. In a 60x20m arena, the duo performs a series of movements or ‘tests,’ judged meticulously by a panel.
“These tests are not just a display of technical prowess, but a dance of mutual respect and understanding between the horse and rider. The goal is to achieve a performance that exudes effortlessness and grace, a true testament to partnership and skill,” said Jacqueline Kapur.
The championship will also feature freestyle dressage tests set to music. “Each rider will present a choreographed routine, showcasing their unique bond with their horses. This segment promises to be a visual and emotional treat, epitomizing the unity between the animals and their human partners,” she added.
The unique aspect of equestrian sports, particularly evident in dressage, is the equal footing on which men and women compete. This level playing field highlights the sport’s emphasis on skill and harmony over physical strength, offering a rare spectacle of gender equality in competitive sports.
The championship boasts a panel of six judges, including Romanov Yuri, a 5-star Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) judge; India’s only FEI 4-star judge, Col Sunil Shivdas; and Maja Stukelji, a seasoned 4-star judge from Slovenia. Deniz Halide Erdil from Turkey will serve as the Steward of the championship, ensuring adherence to all regulations and rules.
This championship gains significance following India’s recent triumph in equestrian sports, having won the gold team medal in dressage at the last Asian Games. “This victory has not only bolstered India’s position on the international equestrian stage but also ignited a newfound interest and enthusiasm for the sport within the nation,” Kapur stated.
Most competitions will be held in the early morning to ensure comfort for both horses and riders in South India’s climate. Spectator entrance will be limited to maintain the concentration
essential for both athletes and judges. RERS will provide updates and results on the school’s Instagram page.
Established in 2002 on what was once barren land, RERS is now a lush green paradise where over 40 horses, two camels, and 15 dogs coexist in harmony. The school has been a fervent promoter of equestrian sports, organizing annual competitions that attract crowds and competitors from across the nation. The school team’s success in national and international arenas speaks volumes about their dedication and skill.
RERS’s team will feature at least five competitors, showcasing the depth of talent nurtured at the school. The minimum age for participation is 14 years, and there is no upper age limit, embodying the spirit of equestrian sports where passion and skill transcend age.
Dressage, often likened to ballet on horseback, is a discipline that demands utmost precision and harmony between rider and horse. In a 60x20m arena, the duo performs a series of movements or ‘tests,’ judged meticulously by a panel.
“These tests are not just a display of technical prowess, but a dance of mutual respect and understanding between the horse and rider. The goal is to achieve a performance that exudes effortlessness and grace, a true testament to partnership and skill,” said Jacqueline Kapur.
The championship will also feature freestyle dressage tests set to music. “Each rider will present a choreographed routine, showcasing their unique bond with their horses. This segment promises to be a visual and emotional treat, epitomizing the unity between the animals and their human partners,” she added.
The unique aspect of equestrian sports, particularly evident in dressage, is the equal footing on which men and women compete. This level playing field highlights the sport’s emphasis on skill and harmony over physical strength, offering a rare spectacle of gender equality in competitive sports.
The championship boasts a panel of six judges, including Romanov Yuri, a 5-star Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) judge; India’s only FEI 4-star judge, Col Sunil Shivdas; and Maja Stukelji, a seasoned 4-star judge from Slovenia. Deniz Halide Erdil from Turkey will serve as the Steward of the championship, ensuring adherence to all regulations and rules.
This championship gains significance following India’s recent triumph in equestrian sports, having won the gold team medal in dressage at the last Asian Games. “This victory has not only bolstered India’s position on the international equestrian stage but also ignited a newfound interest and enthusiasm for the sport within the nation,” Kapur stated.
Most competitions will be held in the early morning to ensure comfort for both horses and riders in South India’s climate. Spectator entrance will be limited to maintain the concentration
essential for both athletes and judges. RERS will provide updates and results on the school’s Instagram page.
Established in 2002 on what was once barren land, RERS is now a lush green paradise where over 40 horses, two camels, and 15 dogs coexist in harmony. The school has been a fervent promoter of equestrian sports, organizing annual competitions that attract crowds and competitors from across the nation. The school team’s success in national and international arenas speaks volumes about their dedication and skill.
