Vet college cadets saddle up for adventure
In the soft light of dawn and dusk, the bond between these cadets and their majestic horses grows stronger. With every new day comes a new adventure for the determined cadets and their trusty steeds. Horse riding is an exciting sport practiced in harmony with the horse.
A sport or a true art, it encompasses a great many equestrian disciplines and has existed for centuries. Despite their hectic study schedule, these cadets come for training on the campus of vet varsity.
The 1 Punjab R&V Squadron of NCC is operational on the campus of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). The unit has its own riding school, including riding arena and facilities for equestrian activities like show jumping, tent pegging, dressage, etc. Presently, there are 11 horses with the unit.
The unit is headed by a Colonel rank officer of Indian Army who is known as Commanding Officer. Colonel AS Shrinivas Rao, Commanding Officer, is heading the unit while Capt (Dr) Nittin Dev Singh and Lt (Dr) Prem Prakash Dubey, are Associate NCC Officers from College of Veterinary Science, who take care of the students and act as a bridge between the NCC unit and the college.
“The NCC training is compulsory for three years for the students of College of Veterinary Science. They have to clear all the three NCC courses and attend at least one Annual Training Camp to complete their degree requirements. Every year, three students who get trained in horse riding participate in Republic Day Camp (RDC) at New Delhi, where they compete with the riders of 17 different directorates from all over India in different equestrian sports,” shared Capt Nittin.
The riders from the unit have won many laurels at RDC like Best Rider Trophy, Best Tent Pegger, Sharma Trophy and various medals. Apart from RDC, the cadets are also made to compete in various horse shows, which are conducted by national and state equine federations.
Last year, three students of College of Veterinary Science attended the Republic Day Camp, participated in equestrian events and the Prime Minister Rally, said Capt Nittin. Cadet Sehajpreet Kaur from 3rd year of BVSc&AH won bronze medal in dressage event. She also participated in the PM rally. Cadet Gaurav Sharma, 2nd year, BVSc &AH, won bronze in tent pegging, while Cadet Utkarsh Sharma, a 3rd year student, also participated in the Republic Day Camp.
“Horse riding is exciting because it offers a thrilling experience of freedom, connect with nature and the opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally while experiencing the thrill of movement and adventure. The feeling of freedom and connection with the horse brings a sense of exhilaration and joy,” said a Cadet Sehajpreet Chahal.
