For 5,000 years the horse has been an ever-present ally in war and peace. Civilizations have risen and fallen on their backs and evidence of the horse’s use is everywhere to be seen. Yet somehow, following the increasing pace of mechanisation in the 1930s, we have so quickly forgotten how indebted we are to the domestication of these animals.

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The Lawrence School, Lovedale has 25 horses and more than 280 pupils who have taken horse riding as their favourite sport. Our stables are state-of-the-art and we have two riding grounds of dimensions 60 * 20m, 80*40m. We also have 5 kms of cross-country stretch.

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Equestrian is an Individual sport in which both the men and women ride and compete at the same level. It is one of the first sports in the world where the sportsmen and sportswomen compete together at parity.

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The Lawrence School, Lovedale Equestrian club is a member of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) and also among the oldest schools pan India to be affiliated to the EFI. EFI, is affiliated to the sport’s International governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), based in Switzerland.

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The riders of our School compete among top riders and clubs, at a professional level across the country.  The riders compete at Equestrian disciplines comprising of Dressage, Show-jumping, Eventing, Tent-Pegging and Vaulting.  

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Dressage: Dressage is a highly skilled form of riding performed at exhibition riding and competitions, as well as an "art" sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery. Dressage is described as "the highest expression of horse training" where "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements." Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse.

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Show Jumping: Show Jumping is a sport for horses and riders which tests the horse’s ability to jump over a course of fences at a pre-determined pace. In a Show Jumping event, the stamina, speed, and flexibility of the horse are tested, along with the relationship that the horse has with its rider Show jumping is also integrated into many combination competitions, such as the modern pentathlon and eventing.

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Eventing: Eventing is an equestrian event where a single horse and rider combine and compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show-jumping. This event has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test that required mastery over several types of riding. The competition may be run as a one-day event (ODE), where all three events are completed in one day (dressage, followed by show jumping and then the cross-country phase) or a three-day event (3DE), which is more commonly held over four days, with dressage on the first two days, followed by cross-country the next day and then show jumping in reverse order on the final day.

 

Tent Pegging: Tent Pegging involves horse and rider racing along a 100-meter course and collecting, cutting, shooting, or accurately "stabbing" a series of pegs, lemons, rings, or mannequins along the way. Tent Pegging calls for a well-schooled horse that will respond to commands instantaneously and have no fear of noise or sudden movements. A high standard of riding skill is required to gallop a horse at full speed and maintain posture.

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Vaulting: Equestrian vaulting, is simply described as gymnastics on horseback. Vaulting is a harmonious bond between horse and athlete that creates awe-inspiring acrobatic displays of skill and precision.

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Staff of the Riding Department

1. Mr. Prakash Sapkal Jijaba- HOD- Riding / Instructor

2. Mr. Ganapath Rao- Veterinary Assistant

3. Mr. Abdul Farith- Stable Manager

4. Mr. Vignesh G- Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), Level-1 Coach and Trainer.

The Riding Department is supported by 13 support staff.