How this equestrian club is making horse riding more accessible in Coimbatore

Coimbatore’s Alexander Equestrian Club trains national and international champions while trying to make horse riding accessible for all

Equestrian sports have long been associated with discipline, skill, and an unmatched bond between rider and horse. Unlike other athletic pursuits, horse riding requires an intricate understanding of movement, balance, and communication, making it one of the most unique and rewarding sports. While cities like Delhi and Bengaluru have well-established equestrian circuits, Coimbatore is steadily gaining momentum, with an increasing number of enthusiasts taking interest in the sport. 

Among the drivers of this growth is Alexander Equestrian Club, which has been promoting horse riding in the region since 2013. Founded by Sakti Balaji in collaboration with the Martin Lottery Group, the club has grown significantly over the past 12 years. “I have had horses since my childhood and initially learned riding through traditional methods. Later, a professional trainer from Europe provided me with formal training, which inspired me to start a riding school in Sathyamangalam in 2010,” says Balaji. They eventually set up the club in Coimbatore.

From just five horses and local trainers, the club has expanded to house 36 horses, including 12 imported warmbloods. It now boasts an impressive roster of instructors, including Olympian Imtiaz Ali, who trains students for 12 days each month, and an Asian Games-qualified rider from 2014.

Over the years, riders from the club have competed in national and international competitions, securing accolades in Germany and Portugal. “This year has been particularly remarkable for us,” says Balaji. “Our students have won 12 medals in national championships, including nine golds, two silvers, and one bronze.”

A growing number of corporate professionals are also taking an interest in the sport, with enrolments at the club rising steadily. “India’s strong performances in international events like the Asian Games have fuelled this enthusiasm. Additionally, our students’ success in national competitions has encouraged more people to explore equestrian sports,” he adds.

In an effort to make equestrian sports more accessible, the club is taking part in a league-based format similar to the Indian Premier League and Pro Kabaddi. “The Polo Premier League and the Equestrian Champions League will be launched as a Pan-India event, with the first season kicking off in Coimbatore,” Balaji says. “Teams from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh will compete, and corporate sponsorship will help bring the sport into the mainstream.” The league, set to take place from June 15 to July 15, is expected to provide a structured platform for young riders to hone their skills.

For 12-year-old Hashini B, a trainee at Alexander Equestrian Club, horse riding is more than just a sport. “I used to watch my brother ride every day, and that made me eager to try it out myself. Once I started, I fell in love with it,” she says. “Riding has a way of making you forget all your worries. Even if you have a hundred problems, everything fades away when you’re on a horse.”