The fifteen editions of the Equestrian Premier League (EPL) thus far has provided a competitive platform for young riders across the country. The EPL, established in 2009 and held at the Embassy International Riding School, is the brainchild of Jitu Virwani, Chairman and MD of the Embassy Group.
Equestrian sports are horse-riding disciplines, specifically ‘Dressage’, where riders guide their horses through a series of precise, harmonious movements and ‘Show Jumping’, in which riders control the horse when jumping a course of obstacles in a fast-paced competition within a set time.
Events are carried out under various age categories.
Behind the success of the EPL is Silva Storai, the Director of EIRS. She is renowned as the first professional woman jockey and an insightful horse psychologist.
“The EPL came about because the riders need to have a platform to compete and train. By the time you get to December when the national events are held, you and your horse are in full fitness,” Silva told Sportstar on the sidelines of the 15th edition of the EPL held here.
Silva Storai, the Director of EIRS.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Silva Storai, the Director of EIRS.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The goal was to fill the Indian equestrian sports calendar and provide a haven for riders and horses alike to train year long. Through the six months of competitions, riders can train and qualify for the grand-finale in November and the Junior Nationals in December.
Challenges remain, such as mainstream appeal and it being such an expensive sport.
Nevertheless, the dream became reality as Silva’s dedication towards providing structured platforms for riders to compete came to life. “From just two clubs in our first season, we now have 25 different clubs across south India and Bombay participating in every event,” Silva said.
Manya Sharma, a 16-year old rider for EIRS said, “When we came to watch the EPL grand finale, even though I was watching from outside, I got an adrenaline rush because of the speed and the riding. I told my dad I really want to start riding and then we started competing.”
