Today, Indian equestrian sport is changing fast. Army arenas sit beside modern riding clubs, and young riders now dream of the Olympics. Here is the lay of the land.
Who runs the sport Fact
The Equestrian Federation of India governs the Olympic disciplines (show jumping, dressage and eventing) as well as tent pegging and endurance. It runs national championships, selects national teams and works under the international rules of the FEI.
Polo is governed separately by the Indian Polo Association. Horse racing is run by the country’s turf clubs and is a separate world from equestrian sport.
The Army and the clubs Fact
The Indian Army remains a powerhouse, with world-class facilities, trained horses and many of the country’s top riders.
Alongside it, private riding schools and clubs have grown in and around Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. Many offer lessons for children and adults, pony rides for beginners, and coaching for competition.
What’s popular
Show jumping is the most widely practised competitive discipline at Indian clubs. Dressage has gained new energy since the 2023 Asian Games gold.
Eventing and tent pegging remain army strongholds. Polo has a glamorous season in Jaipur and Delhi, and leisure riding and horse safaris are growing in Rajasthan, the hills and around the big cities.
The challenges
Riding in India faces real hurdles. Good sport horses are expensive, and many top horses are imported. Quality arenas, trained coaches, equine vets and farriers are still concentrated in a few cities, and the sport is often seen as only for the elite.
The opportunity
A growing middle class, schools adding riding to their activities, social media stars on horseback and recent Asian Games success are opening the sport to many more Indians.
More people are learning to ride than ever before. The next decade could be the most exciting in Indian equestrian history.
How to follow the sport
Watch national and junior national championships through the Equestrian Federation of India. Follow international events through the FEI. Visit the polo season in Jaipur or Delhi in the cooler months, and look out for horse shows at clubs near you. Many are free for spectators.
Fun facts
Indian riders now regularly train and compete in Europe to gain international experience.
Some Indian schools include riding in their sports programmes, often in partnership with nearby clubs.
Horse shows at Indian clubs often have classes for children as young as seven or eight.
Questions people ask
Who governs equestrian sport in India?
The Equestrian Federation of India governs Olympic disciplines and more. Polo is run by the Indian Polo Association.
Which cities in India have riding clubs?
Riding schools and clubs are found in and around Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and other cities.
Is horse riding popular in India?
It is growing quickly. Show jumping is the most popular competitive discipline, and leisure riding is expanding in cities and tourist regions.
Sources & further reading
- Equestrian Federation of India: disciplines and national championships
- Indian Polo Association
- Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI): National Federations
Last reviewed: November 2026. Spotted an error? Suggest a correction.