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| Photo Courtesy Manu Sharma (c) 2012 |
Punjab to Pushkar in 12 Days Manu Sharma’s Dream Ride
Archived from the February 2013 Issue of Going Gaited Equine Magazine
No duplication without permission.
On November 17, 2012, world-renowned equestrian
and equine photographer, Manu Sharma, set a new endurance record for India. He
has set the record for riding a Marwari Horse 612 kilometers in 12 days, a
great feat of equine endurance and equestrian perseverance celebrated by Manu
and horse lovers everywhere.
From Patiala, India, Manu prepared for this great
event for many months. His record breaking endurance ride began at Param Gill
Stud Farm, village of Chinniwal, district of Barnala, Punjab. Manu’s love for
his native horse, the magnificent Marwari, shines through. Manu explains, “It
was my dream to ride a horse for a very long distance. I started with training two
Marwari colts; Manak and Punjab Kesri. I trained them for three months. Both stallions had enough stamina to travel
40 kilometers in one day, but in the end, I chose Manak for the endurance
because Punjab Kesri was too young to take the stress of the journey.”
Manak is a beautiful dark bay Marwari. He has
the Marwari signature curved ears that frame the heart of India. At seven
years, Manak stands at 15.3 hh and weighs 425 kg. His long defined legs and
solid muscular silhouette exemplify months of training, conditioning and Manu’s
expert care. Manak is a true performance horse. His conformation is structurally
correct; balanced perfection from majestic head to aesthetic tail. His forelock
settles neatly over his white star, between his inward curving ears. A luxurious
coat gently shimmers in the sultry India sun, covering his stalwart, suave
frame. His powerful neck and artistic formation are the envy of his stall
mates.
Manu’s ride began at 8 AM with a plethora of equipment
and people. “A ten member team followed Manak and I all the way by truck,” Manu
says. “The team included cameramen, a
farrier (who also helped with horse massage), medical advisors, and equine
scientists from the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Bikaner, India.
The crew helped me a lot during the ride.”
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Dedar and Dr. Vijay Kumar, equine
scientists from NRCE, were on hand for the entire endurance. Dr. Dedar
explains, “When Manu told us about the idea of more than a 600 kilometer ride,
we decided to help Manu and his team. Our group of scientists accompanied them
from the start of the journey. We
monitored physiological parameters, like pulse rate, respiration, rectal
temperature, body weight, and body condition of the horse. We also monitored
hematological parameters, such as blood lactate, blood glucose and creatinine
kinase levels of the horse. These investigations throughout the endurance
helped us to keep the horse healthy and accordingly we modified the diet and
electrolytes supplementation of the horse.”
Riding through diverse terrain, Manu rode six
to seven hours each day, overcoming man-made and natural obstacles to reach his
goal. Sometimes cantering, sometimes galloping, Manu’s inherent horsemanship
was evident. While maintaining an impressive pace, Manu was ever aware of
Manak’s safety and welfare; zigzagging through spongy wetlands, farmer’s
fields, asphalt highways, torrid deserts and emerald hillocks. A vast array of endemic flora and fauna
complimented the trail. Khejri trees were a welcome oasis for shade and rest.
Hues of blue sky embellished the vast countryside as well as the intense
cityscape. Mesmerizing sunrises and cameo sunsets provided a sumptuous spectrum
of scenery and color.
Temperatures during the day sometimes climbed
to 35 degrees C. When temperatures were
high, the team would find shade and resume the endurance in the cool evening
hours. Periodic rests were essential for Manak’s scientific evaluations; a cool
drink for both horse and rider, and time for Manu to call his family in
Patiala. After a days ride, team members
would make camp for the night. The beauty of the twilight desert set the stage
for a night of quiet comradery, needed sleep and necessary rejuvenation. Manu expounds, “Everyone stayed in their own
tents, but Manak and I stayed in the same tent. It was good to take off my
shoes, walk through the night desert, and bond with my horse.”
On November 19, after 12 days in the saddle,
Manu and his team reached their destination – Pushkar, India’s premier horse
fair. Arriving at Pushkar, crowds of people rushed to greet Manu and
Manak. Cheers and bravos came from
natives and tourists. Manu and Manak quickly gained celebrity status with
India’s equestrians. Manak confirmed that the Marwari breed is an all-around
sport horse. Manu exhibited Manak’s adjustability, hardiness and stamina. It
was an unforgettable journey for both horse and rider. It is a milestone for
India’s indigenous Marwari. Manu smiles, “I rode all the way, 12 days of
riding! I wish to thank Param Gill, Aarpi Gill, Raghu Chahar, and my entire
team. They made my endurance possible.”
India’s countrymen are excited about Manu’s
eventful journey from Punjab to Pushkar. Anish Gajjar, equestrian extraordinaire
and Co-Founder of the Equestrian Club of Gujarat, says, “Manu's ride should be
an inspiration for young riders to train themselves and their horses for
stamina over long distances. The ride was for 12 days, but the preparation must
have taken months and these results can only be achieved with passion and
persistence. I hope more people will follow in his footsteps and take up horse
riding in a more dedicated manner". Virendra Kankariya, Founder and
President of the Gujarat Equestrian Association, Vice President of the All
India Marwari Horse Society, Jodhpur, says, “Manu’s ride is an epic one as it
exemplifies and showcases the amazing endurance power of the Marwari Horse.”
Manak, a steadfast stallion, remains ready and
willing for the next legendary endurance. Manu resounds, “The horse is the real
hero of any equestrian game. Manak is the real hero. The air that flows between
his ears comes from heaven. Nothing
comes close to riding a Marwari. When I am very old and pass on, make a saddle
of my skin. I want to be on horseback for a few more years.”
Follow Manu on Facebook @ Manu Sharma Photography
All photos courtesy Manu Sharma
Congratulations to Manak and Manu!
Gina McKnight is a freelance writer from USA. http://gmcknight.com
Feb 2,
2013
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