Date:13/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/13/stories/2006121309352000.htm

Sport - Equestrian

Junior National equestrian from Dec. 15

BANGALORE: The showpiece event for junior riders in the country will be staged at the Embassy International Riding School here from December 15 to 30. The Junior National equestrian championship will have the top 25 riding clubs in the country with 150 riders and 200 horses in the fray. During the championship an international event — Show jumping International Young Riders — will also be conducted. Young riders from Singapore, Iran, Hong Kong and Australia will be competing with the Indian riders.

The Junior National equestrian championship is for riders below 21 years. It is an annual event and the championship is being staged by the Embassy Group for the first time. A budget of Rs. 55 lakh has been earmarked for the event and it promises to put India on the world equestrian championship venues.

For the international event scheduled to be held on December 29 the riders will have to draw their mounts by lots.

Riding clubs from Delhi, Pondicherry, Chennai, Udhagamandalam (Lawrence School, Lovedale), Kolkota, Pollachi and Bangalore will be sending their young riders to take part in the championship. — Special Correspondent