Shimla MC to construct new horse stand on The Ridge

The Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) will soon construct a new horse stand near the current stand on The Ridge in Shimla. The new stand will be constructed near the current site below The Ridge where cracks had developed during the monsoon in 2024.

The cracks had endangered the makeshift shops in the area and hence were evacuated. The corporation took the decision to construct a structure similar to the one near the Gaiety Theater to safeguard the area.

Mayor Surinder Chauhan said that the work had been initiated and horse owners had been directed to temporarily shift their animals a few metres away from the current stand. “Once the new structure is built, a separate stand will be made available to the horse owners. This stand will be allotted below The Ridge so that horses could be allowed to come there only when they have a booking,” he added.

The Mayor said that a rain shelter would be constructed at the site of the current horse stand. Meanwhile, horse owners urged the corporation not to shift them and let them stay there until the new structure was constructed. Ghulam Deen, former president of the Horse Owners Association, said that the problem with the area designated by the corporation for shifting them was that it was not sunny and horses require sunlight. He added that standing in a shady area, especially during the winter, would be tough for horses as well as their owners.

Ghulam said that though several horse owners had agreed to temporarily shift their animals, an official order from the corporation was awaited. Horse riding on The Ridge continues to be one of the most popular activities amongst tourists, who can be seen enjoying it throughout the year. It has been so popular that it has become synonyms with The Ridge over the decades. At present, there are about 20 horses that offer rides to tourists on The Ridge. Of the 20 horses, licences have been issued for 14 horses, while the remaining horses are yet to be registered. An amount of Rs 100 is charged for children up to 7 years of age while Rs 150 each is charged for an adult and a child, two children and two adults. Similarly, Rs 75 is charged for clicking a picture with a horse.