Riders & horses ready for big event
“There should be an understanding between the rider and the horse, only then will coordination follow, which is essential in tent pegging,” members of the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) team discuss among themselves.
On the expansive grounds of PAP Jalandhar, the team arrives early in the morning to practice for the National Equestrian Championship Tent Pegging 2024-2025, set to begin tomorrow. The championship, held under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India, brings together elite riders from across the country.
As DSP Ram Pal, the team’s most-experienced rider, approaches the target—a peg fixed in the ground—curiosity builds. The moment he secures the peg, applause fills the air in appreciation of his skill.
DIG Inderbir Singh, who is also participating in the championship, tells The Tribune, “It was Ram Pal who started teaching me tent pegging last year, and now I am playing nationals. He is a genius.”
Alongside DSP Ram Pal, team members DSP Jaswinder Singh and Inspector Youngbir Singh engage in a lively discussion about strategies, techniques and the nuances of working with horses.
“It’s very important to warm up the horse before the game, and after practice, the animal must be cooled down. Once they’re back in the stable, they get a nice ‘maalish’ (massage). This ensures the horse is willing to return and play again,” they explain with a laugh.
DSP Jaswinder Singh shares, “A rider must be confident when approaching the peg. If the rider is indecisive, the horse will mirror that behaviour and won’t perform well. This shows just how intelligent a horse is-it can sense the rider’s mind-set. The horse knows everything.”
The team also emphasises the importance of preparing the horse mentally and physically before the game. “Everything that happens ‘behind the scenes’ is essential. No one knows the preparation that goes into getting the rider and horse ready before the race. One needs to know how to coordinate the speed and instil josh in the horse,” DIG Inderbir smiles.
The horses are fed black chana, alsi, jaggery, carrots, oil, and forage, ensuring they are in peak condition for the competition. With as many as 150 horses participating, it’s a massive undertaking.
A total of 14 teams are taking part in the championship, including: 61st Cavalry, AMU Riding Club, ASC Equestrian Team, Assam Rifles, BSF Equestrian Team, Chandigarh Police, Chetak Equestrian Sports Academy and Verina, Dhruv Equestrian Node, Haryana Police, Indian Navy, ITBP and Bhanu.
