TSAF procures new horses
Once a hobby associated with the rich people, horseback riding has gained popularity among the common people in Jamshedpur, thanks to Horse Riding School the first-of-its kind-in Jharkhand.
The Horse Riding School under Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF) is taking innovative steps to reach out to the people. To give further boost to the riding activity, TSAF has procured three new horses at the Horse Riding School.
“There are only few cities in India which can boast of a full-fledged Riding School. Jamshedpur which is known for its culture of adventure and sports is indeed lucky to have such a school for enjoyment and learning a new skill altogether. We have procured three horses from Royal Calcutta Turf Club in March. We have three trainers. People of all ages have started enrolling their names,” TSAF secretary PP Kapadia
The Horse Riding School was set up in 1994 and inaugurated by Dr. JJ Irani the then Managing Director of Tata Steel on October 30, 1994. The school situated near the Sai Temple, was being run by the Tata Steel Officers Beach Club - with membership open only to the Officers of Tata Steel.
The school was handed over to TSAF and after clearing all formalities the riding lessons were started from Feb 1, 2009. Out of the 5 horses at the time two were very old and only three were suitable for the lessons. The training continued and gradually the school was thrown open for one and all to participate. The horse riding gradually gained momentum with registered members now at an all time high of 378.
Meanwhile, the students of the school are happy to hone skills of rising. “Horse riding is a great form of exercise which has both cardiovascular and muscle conditioning benefits. All the health benefits associated with engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise are gained. After your first ride you may feel muscles that you never knew you had. This is due to the movement of the horse and its affect on the rider during the ride”, one of the students.
Meanwhile, Kapadia informed that the course entails learning various beginner levels or horsemanship like introduction to the horse, mounting and dismounting with instructors help, posture, controlling the movement of the horse, walking the horse, trotting, repetition of lessons, mounting and dismounting independently, walking and trotting with greater ease.