A Glimpse of History of Horse Riding in Punjab
In India, right from the days of invasions by Alexander the Great, invaders from Muslim countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Changez Khan from Mongolia, the Punjab Province has faced the onslaught of wars. People have been rearing the best of available stock and after generations of breeding, local breeds were established and named.
Lt. Joseph F. Sherer on duty in West Pakistan visited the empire of Maharaja and saw for the first time in his life the game of Polo in 1854, he was so amused that at once he and his comrades resolved to start playing Polo. Amused yet delighted by his enthusiasm, the Maharaja remarked, “Remember Lieutenant, we have been at this for two thousand years.” The Maharaja was not exaggerating. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a formidable cavalry was maintained in different wings like Fauj-I Sawari (Irregular army), Cavalry of state army, Cavalry of Jagirdari Fauj and Akalis or Nihang Singh’s, who are maintaining these horses and traditions to this day.
Nihang Singhs have carried forward the rich tradition of horse riding and martial arts since Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed each and all by establishing Khalsa Panth at Shri Anandpur Sahib in 1699.
To give due recognition and to reorganize the Art of Equitation, Horse lovers of Punjab state formed an umbrella organization for the promotion of horse riding in a big way. The foundations of this erstwhile organization were laid by S. MS Bhullar IPS (retd) along with five founder members and Punjab Equestrian Association was established in 1997 to organize, popularize horse riding in Punjab state.
Presently Punjab Equestrian Association is being nurtured by S. Rajdeep Singh Gill, IPS (retd) and a dedicated team of officers, riders and horse lovers.
In the year of its inception, the Punjab Equestrian Association organized FEI International Dressage & Show Jumping competitions along with first Punjab Horse Show at PAP HQ Jalandhar Cantt.
Mission
To develop, encourage & promote Equestrianism & related activity in Punjab. To conduct various state/ national/ international competitions & displays during religious & cultural melas.
To organize coaching camps/ clinics/ seminars/ courses for riders & officials to represent the state in the national & country in international competitions.