The sound of thundering hooves, the skill of expert riders, and thrilling competitions—this is what awaits in the village of Pallanpur during the last week of November. The third edition of the Punjab Equestrian Fair will be held here from November 27 to 29.
The event will feature a variety of equestrian competitions, including Show Jumping Derby, Tent Pegging, Dressage, and Gymkhana. Notably, entry to the fair will be free for the general public.
On Thursday, while unveiling the event poster at his office, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Dachalwal stated that the fair—initiated by the district administration—has now become one of the premier equestrian events in Punjab.
Last year’s edition attracted approximately 4,000 spectators over the course of three days, with 250 horses, 350 riders, and 15 teams participating. This year, the main attraction will be the Show Jumping Derby, conducted in accordance with FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) regulations. Additionally, the event will feature Tent Pegging, Dressage, Gymkhana, and an exhibition showcasing various indigenous horse breeds. Participants will include riders from Punjab and other states, as well as teams from the Army and the Police. Alongside the equestrian competitions, there will be performances highlighting the folk culture and traditions of Punjab.
First Derby Held in 2022
The Deputy Commissioner noted that the first Show Jumping Derby was organized in Mohali in 2022, in collaboration with ‘Team Ranch’ during the Chandigarh Horse Show. Building on this, a specialized Derby track, designed to meet international standards, has been constructed at ‘The Ranch Club’. This paves the way for conducting competitions in accordance with FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) regulations. It was noted that the Punjab Equestrian Fair will not only highlight the state’s rich equestrian heritage but also provide a platform for young riders to showcase their talent.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Sonam Chaudhary has been appointed as the coordinator for the event. Deepinder Singh Brar, founder of the Chandigarh Horse Show, and Harjinder Singh Khosa will serve as honorary technical advisors.
Competitions to be held from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The events will take place daily from November 27 to 29, between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Entry for spectators will be completely free of charge. The Deputy Commissioner has urged the public to attend with their families to experience the thrill of equestrian sports and connect with the cultural heritage of Punjab.
