Spread over a sprawling seven acres at Sholinganallur, the Chennai Equitation Centre houses a riding arena, stables and spaces to gather or rest. We catch up with the founder Kishore Futnani, an accomplished polo player and horse racer whose dream was to pass on this rich legacy to the next generation. Both his sons Dhruv and Manav are good riders and so are his daughter-in-laws Preeti and Isabelle. They all play a role here.

Chennai Equitation Centre trains both beginners and professionals in horse riding. It also houses HQ Leadership International which trains corporate leaders to develop more effective leadership skills able to fine-tune their emotional intelligence. Dhruv and Isabelle are the first certified trainers (EAHAE) Germany to introduce this program and bring extraordinary learning experiences.

Kishore Futnani goes down memory lane and tells us how it all started. “I started horse riding when I was 10 years old. Someone parked horses near my house and from there my love for horses started. I joined a riding club and later the Madras Polo Race Club. When I became a polo player, I represented the Madras School Club and have played for the Army. I have won 44 cups in polo and horse racing, including getting my name on the world’s largest cup, which is the Kollanka Cup and 6 feet of pure silver. It was presented to us by Field Marshal Maneckshaw and the legendary Sir Bahadur. I happened to learn polo from one of the greats of polo, Maharaja Prem Singh.

“Many years ago, I used to ride in the Madras Polo Club which later on wound up, because the Race Club suddenly withdrew support and they only started having a riding club in the Race Course, so equestrian sport quite died down. I stopped riding for about more than 10 years, and when my children were 5 years and 6 years old, I went back to the riding club to get them started on riding and was sorry to find that nobody was really teaching.

“It was just a recreational club where the older generation was. So, I took on myself a firm resolution that I would train children. With the help of the custodian of the Madras Race Course, we started the Madras Riding School in the Race Course and I was there from 1985 to 1997. I left them because I found a club had its own politics. I had my own land here decided to set up an educational institution.

“I have trained hundreds of children and many of them have become national champions. My son Dhruv was India’s youngest jockey when he was 14. My second daughter-in-law is probably the best dressage rider in in in the country. She is a trainer who has inspired so many students to reach the highest level in the country and I hope one day she will represent India.”

Dhruv speaks about the school with pride and elaborates that, “At the National Level, definitely, the Chennai Equitation Centre is one of the most successful. In terms of dressage, we have won the most number of medals over the last few years in the Junior Nationals and senior Nationals. We also have show jumping riders and a few people who play polo. There are both casual riders and competitive riders here.”

Horse facts
Kishore speaks about the horses they have, “The weight of the average horse here ranges from 300 to 500. The warm bloods, which are imported from Europe are the best for jumping and dressage. Most of the horses we have are thoroughbreds which are good for racing. They can give you a burst of speed that no other breed can. They reach up to 60 km now, but for short spurts, but then there are horses who can do longer runs and then there are endurance houses, 30 km, 40 km 60 km level, Arab horses are very good. India has 4 breeds the Marwadi, Kathiawadi, Manipuri and the Sindhi which are not good for equestrian sports but only for endurance.

Horse care
They need continuous grass as this is their natural food. This includes 8 to 10 kgs of grass minimum and concentrates like oats, barley rice bran. They have to be cleaned every day, washed, brushed and massaged. The most important thing is to care of legs and hoofs. For healthcare, we get veterinary doctors who are specialised in horses.

Exploring the riding experience
Miray Dadabhoy, a student and competitive rider says, “I started riding from when I was 4. I restarted in 2021 and started competing. Since 2022, I have been doing dressage and show jumping and won the 2022 Junior National Team Gold, 2023 Junior Nationals Equestrian Championship Team Gold, an Individual Silver, 2024 National Dressage Championship Team Gold and in January, the First Young Riders Championship.

“I am in 10th standard and I practice 6 days a week. I have a dressage horse Furstentanz, a chestnut stallion and it took a long time to build a bond with him. When he performs a move properly, I give a treat. Time management, patience, understanding the needs of the horse and balancing these are important to be successful.”

Purvi Arun, a student and the daughter of actor Arun Vijay says,“I have been riding for about one and a half years. Both my Dad and my brother have been riding and it looked really cool and I was interested. I think the most challenging part is getting over the fear of falling off the horse because after I fell off the first time I think after that I wasn’t scared anymore.

I would like to go for competitions, it could be dressage or jumping and am training for both. We come twice a week. I have built a connection with my horse, I mostly ride Perfect Princess. I would like to do the Junior Nationals. My dad is very glad I am here.”

“13-year-old Arnav Vijay, her brother says,“The first time I was on a horse, I was really pumped and have been riding for about one and a half years. I had this obsession for horses and was excited the first time I rode one. I am planning to go competitive and would like to reach the Junior Nationals and win a medal. To be successful, you need to trust the horse first, I have been riding Star Convoy for a while. She’s a very kind horse, sometimes, she can control you though. I give my horse treats like carrots, I speak to my horse and pat him regularly. First, I thank it for having me on it and praise its good performance. My dad used to ride and he’s very good at it. He keeps pushing us to do our best.”

If you want to try your hand at something that keeps you connected with nature and also in the company of these majestic animals, it’s time to go ahead.