MUMBAI: With life returning to normalcy across the city thanks to the receding numbers of Covid-19 cases, the Amateur Riders’ Club (ARC) is also hoping to recover and revive its fortunes with an impressive line-up of events in coming months including the Asian Games trials for equestrian discipline.
Nestled in the corner of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the ARC is the country’s oldest civilian riding club, which apart from catering to its members, regularly imparted riding training to the public before pandemic brought an abrupt halt to its activities.
“Yes, the pandemic period was quite bad for us and to a large extent, hit us financially too,” informed ARC president Shyam Mehta. Despite the financial setback, ARC did take care of all the needs of around 156 horses and their handlers as none of them could move out due to restrictions.
With pandemic seems in control, the club is witnessing increased footfalls, almost getting to the pre-Covid level. The activities, however, are only limited to members so far. With many events including the Asian Games trials scheduled in coming months, Mehta says things are improving but revival in finances will depend on spectators.
“If the spectators are allowed for the upcoming events, then only we can see financial recovery or else it will be difficult,” observed Mehta.
Meanwhile, the impressive show of country’s equestrian star Fouaad Mirza at Tokyo Olympics, has certainly seen increased interest. “We all at ARC have had the privilege to see Fouaad grow as a rider and he has performed exceptionally well at the recent Tokyo Olympics. With great pride we can say that this has inspired many young riders to take up equestrian coaching at our facilities. The demand has increased to even learn riding, in fact we have a waitlist now,” said Prakash Mehta, chairman of equestrian activities at ARC.
Even the Dutch horse riding instructor, Monique van Haarst, who trains enthusiasts at ARC, says his students were curiously discussing Mirza’s exploits. “There is growing discussion about his achievements. My students too want to excel like him,” she said.
Yashaan Khambatta, the first Indian ever to reach the final round of a show jumping event in Asian Games (Incheon 2014), is hopeful of taking advantage of increased events in coming months. “We have a world class facility at ARC and I hope to capitalize on my home advantage at ARC in the Asian Games trials.”
