RERS hosts second PEC

From February 2nd to 8th 2015, the second Pondicherry Equestrian Challenge (PEC) was hosted at Red Earth Riding School, Brihaspati, Auroville. Horses and riders came from Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupur, Tuticorin and even as far as Calcutta.

Auroville riders, who had been training at Red Earth and felt ready to meet the challenge, also took the opportunity to showcase the progress they have made in the past year to crowds of up to 1,500 spectators from Auroville, Pondicherry and the surrounding areas.

The tournament started with two days of dressage, which was part of the Indian Dressage League (IDL), an ongoing competition across India, and the National Dressage Championship. Two Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) judges travelled to Auroville to oversee the event.

On the weekend, there were twelve thrilling showjumping courses, ranging from 80 cm jumps for beginners to a 130 cm jumps grand prix finale on Sunday afternoon.

Special guests from Pondicherry, including the Honorouble Lieutenant-Governor A.K. Singh and the Minister of Tourism Mr Rajavelu, attended during the weekend, and they deeply appreciated the spirit of the occasion. For the PEC presents a wonderful opportunity for people from Pondicherry and the surrounding area to participate in an event in Auroville which is free and open to all. Visiting riders enjoy being in a supportive environment where they perceive there is a common effort to make the show a success and to help everybody to progress in their riding.