At Kolkata’s Maidan, where horse-drawn carriages and horseback rides have long been part of the city’s tourist experience, a new riding community is bringing a different purpose to the saddle. connect with fellow riders and experience horses in a more structured setting, its roots lie in a larger concern While the community offers enthusiasts an opportunity to ride.
However, the earnings are often uncertain and become especially difficult to manage during the off-season, when the number of riders drops,” said Puneet Singh, co-founder of the club. “Some join to learn the basics, others come with friends for a weekend activity, while regulars gradually build confidence and familiarity with the horses,” said Tanbir Kaur, co-founder of the community. The horse-riding community may have brought together enthusiasts at the Maidan, but its primary aim is to support the horses and the owners who depend on them for their livelihood. “Horse rides, particularly those taken by tourists visiting the Maidan, are a key source of income for many of these owners. The costs of feeding, maintaining and caring for the horses continue regardless of demand, making it increasingly difficult for many owners to make ends meet. “I used to come here with my friends and noticed the deteriorating health of the horses. Horse riding has traditionally been viewed as an expensive hobby, with memberships at established riding clubs often making it difficult for casual enthusiasts to take it up. The Maidan community offers an alternative, allowing people to ride without hefty membership fees and attracting those who may have been curious about horses but never considered riding a realistic hobby. The informal nature of the sessions also makes the experience less intimidating for newcomers.
