In a landmark achievement for equestrian sports in the Vidarbha region, the Nagpur District Equestrian Association (NDEA) successfully hosted the first-ever 20 km Horse Endurance Ride. This pioneering event, held at the picturesque Horseland Farm in Mahuli village near Mansar, Ramtek taluka, marked a significant step towards cultivating a robust equestrian culture in Nagpur and its surrounding areas.
A Day of Challenge and Celebration
The day-long endurance ride attracted a total of 17 skilled riders from across Nagpur district, each paired with their equine companions to test their stamina and skill. The competition highlighted the rich diversity of horse breeds in the region, featuring a blend of resilient Marwari horses and swift Thoroughbreds, underscoring the strength and versatility of the local equine population.
Scenic and Demanding Route
Organizers meticulously planned the endurance track against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pench landscape. Riders navigated a challenging 20 km course that wound along the Lower Pench canal and through the rugged, untamed countryside. Despite the tough terrain, the event concluded without any injuries or casualties, reflecting the high safety standards and dedicated horse care protocols implemented by the NDEA team.
Intense Competition and Close Finishes
The race delivered thrilling moments with an incredibly tight finish at the top. Varun Jain emerged as the gold medalist, completing the distance in 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 34 seconds. He was closely followed by Swapnil Wandile, who secured the silver medal with a time of 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 36 seconds—just 2 seconds behind Jain. The bronze medal was claimed by Pramod Ladave, who finished in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 24 seconds.
Prioritizing Equine Health and Safety
Ensuring the well-being of the horses was a top priority for the NDEA. Dr. Harshal Rewatkar, the lead veterinary expert, conducted comprehensive health screenings before and after the event for all participating horses. This rigorous approach emphasized the association's commitment to animal welfare and responsible equestrian practices.
Organizational Efforts and Key Contributors
The successful execution of the endurance ride was made possible by the dedicated efforts of NDEA members. Key organizers included President Vijay Naik, Vice President Nilesh Nagarkar, Secretary Abhishek Mohgaonkar, along with Ajay Tembhekar, Jayashree Panse, Swapnil Wandile, Mandar Pingle, Pramod Ladave, and others who worked tirelessly to bring this historic event to life.
List of Participating Riders
The event featured a diverse group of riders who showcased their endurance and horsemanship skills. The participants were:
- Varun Jain
- Amit Panchmatiya
- Ankit Agrawal
- Jaffar Khan
- Swapnil Wandile
- Kunal Sharma
- Aditya Thaware
- Mandar Pingle
- Nikku Pilley
- Aryan Fulzele
- Utkarsh Damania
- Ajim Hussain
- Batul Hussain
- Gulab Singh
- Pramod Ladave
- Mustafa Quadri
- Abhiyash Sakhare
This inaugural 20 km Horse Endurance Ride not only set a new benchmark for equestrian events in Vidarbha but also inspired future competitions, promising to elevate the region's profile in the national equestrian sports arena.
