Jaipur now has a revamped center to learn the skill of horse riding and the strategic finesse of polo at the Sawai Man Singh Polo and Riding Academy. Located in the Rajasthan Polo Club, it fosters a love for equestrian sports in Jaipur.
REVITALIZING POLO & RIDING
While Jaipur has long been recognized as the Mecca of polo, engaging local residents in the sport has presented its fair share of challenges. However, in recent years, the Rajasthan Polo Club and the dedicated efforts of Sawai Padmanabh Singh have been steadfast in their pursuit of involving more Jaipurites in polo. Their relentless endeavors have been instrumental in bridging the gap and creating opportunities for local participation in this esteemed equestrian discipline.
To further enrich the illustrious polo legacy of the Pink City, the Rajasthan Polo Club has opened its revamped horse riding school, Sawai Man Singh Polo and Riding Academy. Under the guidance of Sawai Padmanabh Singh, a renowned polo player and patron of the sport, the academy aims to promote riding, polo, and other equine sports in Jaipur.
To encourage equine sports
The Sawai Man Singh Polo and Riding Academy offers comprehensive riding lessons suitable for individuals aged 6 years and above. With its recent transformation, the academy is now equipped to meet the increasing demand for professional equestrian training. This initiative not only encourages local polo players from Jaipur to participate but will also eventually provide an opportunity for Jaipurites to engage in internationally acclaimed equine sports like dressage and horse jumping.
In his message, Sawai Padmanabh Singh expressed his enthusiasm for the academy, stating, “The Sawai Man Singh Polo and Riding Academy is an exciting and much-needed initiative that seeks to foster a passion for riding, polo, and equine sports in Jaipur. Our primary objective is to establish a robust platform for individuals to cultivate their skills, demonstrate their talents, and nurture the sport of polo. By doing so, we aspire to attract more local polo players from the Pink City, while also expanding the horizons of equine sports beyond polo. Our ultimate vision is to encourage active participation from individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds and varied interests, effectively transcending the legacy of the Pink City in the realm of equine sports.”
Participation from India & abroad
Operating from 6:30 am to 8 am in the mornings and 5:30 pm to 7 pm in the evenings, the academy caters to a wide range of enthusiasts. It has already garnered interest from participants across India and abroad, including countries like Singapore. The academy’s experienced coach, Allan Shaun Michael, hailing from Hyderabad, brings 15 years of coaching experience and considerable prowess as a seasoned polo player. Presently, the academy boasts six well-trained polo horses, with additional horses being acquired to meet the surging demand. The waiting list to join the academy is already growing. Padmanabh himself has generously contributed two horses from his personal collection to the academy as donations.
Accommodating diverse riders
The Sawai Man Singh Polo and Riding Academy organizes three morning and three evening batches to accommodate riders of varying skill levels. The duration for learning basic riding typically ranges from 4 to 6 months, depending on the individual’s progress. The academy’s comprehensive training program focuses on developing equestrian skills, nurturing horsemanship, and fostering a profound appreciation for the art of riding.
Keeping the legacy alive
Sawai Man Singh II was not only an accomplished player but also played a vital role in promoting and popularizing polo in India. Known for his exceptional skills and strategic acumen on the polo field, he also played a significant part in the growth and development of the sport in Jaipur. He led the Jaipur polo team to numerous victories and championships, establishing a rich polo heritage in the Pink City. Today, Sawai Man Singh II’s legacy lives on, as his name is associated with the Sawai Man Singh Polo and Riding Academy in Jaipur. The academy, named in his honour, aims to carry forward his passion for polo by nurturing young talents, promoting equestrian sports, and preserving the rich polo heritage of the Pink City.
For those interested in horse riding, the fees for the academy are set at INR 10,000 per month, while those keen on learning polo can avail themselves of the programme for INR 15,000 per month.
Tusharika Singh
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