Equestrian Centers and Trail Riding in India

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Nestled between breathtaking landscapes and a culture rich in traditions, India offers a unique experience for equestrian lifestyle enthusiasts. Horse lovers will find their paradise here, with numerous equestrian centers offering lessons and training programs suitable for all levels.

Additionally, organized horseback riding treks through picturesque regions such as Rajasthan, between golden sand dunes and typical villages, allow for discovering the country in an authentic and immersive way.

This fusion between historical heritage and magnificent natural panoramas creates an irresistible call to explore the Indian equestrian world.

Equestrian Life in India: An Overview of Equestrian Centers

Equestrian centers in India are mainly distributed throughout the northern and western regions, with a strong concentration in Rajasthan, around Delhi, as well as in Udaipur and Jodhpur. These regions are historically linked to equestrian tradition, particularly through the breeding of the Marwari horse, an iconic breed from Rajasthan.

Region	Key Cities or Sites	Examples of Renowned Equestrian Centers
Rajasthan	Udaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar	Princess Trails, Specialized Marwari Centers
Himachal Pradesh	Vashisht, Manali	Top Rock
Delhi and Surroundings	Delhi	Delhi Riding Club, Delhi Polo & Riding Club

Typical Services Offered by Equestrian Centers:

• Riding lessons for children and adults, from beginner to advanced level.
• Advanced training courses, introduction to traditional Indian riding.
• Horseback riding treks and safaris, particularly during the Pushkar Fair, a major event bringing together riders and breeders from across the country.
• Horse boarding, care, and training, sometimes with the possibility of accommodating privately owned horses.
• Organization of internal competitions and participation in national and international contests.

Common Infrastructure and Equipment:

• Indoor arenas and outdoor rings for training.
• Traditional stables adapted to the local climate.
• Veterinary care areas, equipped tack rooms, paddock spaces.
• Some centers also have facilities for polo, a historical discipline in India.

Available Training and Equestrian Disciplines:

• Dressage, show jumping, trail riding.
• Polo, a very popular discipline in urban and military clubs.
• Introduction to vaulting, liberty work, or driving in some specialized centers.

Historical Centers and Their Role in Promoting Equestrianism:

Rajasthan, with its Marwari horse lineages, plays a key role in preserving India’s equestrian heritage. Centers like Princess Trails (Udaipur) perpetuate the tradition of horseback safaris and contribute to the international renown of the Marwari horse.

In Udaipur, the statue of the horse Chetak, companion of Lord Maharana Pratap, recalls the cultural importance of horseback riding in the region.

Commitment to Animal Welfare:

Recognized centers emphasize animal welfare practices: appropriate feeding, regular veterinary care, limiting workload during tourist treks.

Local initiatives raise awareness among young riders about equestrian ethics and the preservation of indigenous breeds.

Involvement in Competitions:

Many clubs participate in national competitions (show jumping, dressage, polo) and some Indian riders are present on the international scene.

The Pushkar Fair is a highlight, combining competitions, demonstrations, and meetings between breeders.

Statistics and Recent Evolution:

It is estimated that there are several hundred equestrian centers and clubs distributed throughout the country, with notable growth in large urban areas and tourist zones.

The equestrian sector benefits from renewed interest in outdoor activities and the development of rural tourism.

Testimony from an Experienced Rider:
“The evolution of equestrian centers in India reflects a desire to combine tradition and modernity. Younger generations are opening up to new disciplines while valuing local breeds like the Marwari, a true symbol of the national equestrian heritage.”

Testimony from a Trainer:
“The teaching of horseback riding in India has become more professional in recent years. We emphasize animal welfare and safety, which attracts an increasingly wide audience, including female riders.”

Visual Summary of Offered Activities:

Activity	Target Audience	Key Location/Event
Riding Lessons	Children, Adults	Urban Clubs, Delhi, Udaipur
Horseback Trekking/Safari	Tourists, Enthusiasts	Pushkar, Rajasthan
Polo	Amateurs, Professionals	Delhi, Jaipur
National/International Competitions	Experienced Riders	Major Cities, Pushkar

The Indian equestrian world, supported by the richness of its traditions and the rise of its modern infrastructure, is establishing itself as a space for exchange, transmission, and innovation for all horse enthusiasts.

The Lifestyle of Expatriate Riders in India

The international community of expatriate riders in India organizes itself around cosmopolitan equestrian clubs, francophone associations, and events that facilitate integration while offering a space to share unique experiences.

Expatriates find in these circles both moral and practical support, as well as valuable opportunities for networking and socializing with Indians passionate about horseback riding.

List of Integration Methods:

• Active participation in local life (sports clubs, volunteer associations)
• Learning the local dialect or improving English skills
• Sharing experiences during community or equestrian events
• Joining social groups (Alliance Française, francophone groups)

Challenges Faced in Adapting to Indian Equestrian Customs:

• Language barrier on the grounds or during local competitions
• Cultural shock related to the perception of time and punctuality during training or events
• Notable differences in traditional horse care methods (local use of the Marwari horse, specific types of tack)
• Complex administrative management for club registration or horse transport

Comparative Table – Western vs. Indian Equestrian Approach:

Aspect	West	India
Rider/Horse Relationship	Individualized	Sometimes more collective
Preferred Breeds	Thoroughbred, Saddlebred	Marwari, Kathiawari
Tack	English/French saddle	Traditional Indian tack
Daily Care	Strict veterinary standards	Sometimes rustic local methods
Events	Classic horse shows	Equestrian fairs like Pushkar

The Impact of Daily Life on Practice

Local rhythms strongly influence time management dedicated to riding: intense heat limiting daytime outings, variable infrastructure depending on urban/rural regions. High professional workload can also reduce time devoted to the sport.

Social Opportunities Offered:

• Evenings organized by clubs after local competitions
• Participation in traditional fairs like Pushkar where Indians and expatriates mingle around the Marwari horse
• Group lessons promoting intercultural exchange

Personal Testimonials:

“I joined a mixed club where I discovered another way to approach dressage: here, they prioritize the human connection above all competition. The cultural shock was strong but enriching!”

“The warm welcome allowed me to progress quickly despite my language shortcomings. Thanks to the advice shared between expatriates and local riders, I learned as much about horses as about myself.”

“Traditional methods can be surprising at first: you quickly learn that every gesture has its cultural meaning… You have to observe a lot before intervening!”

Thus, the equestrian lifestyle in India for an expatriate is built between permanent discovery, constant adaptation to local codes, and renewed pleasure thanks to a community united around the horse.

Exploring India Through Horseback Riding Treks

Regions Suitable for Horseback Riding Treks in India

• Rajasthan:
  • Geographical Specificities: Semi-desert landscapes, Aravalli hills, fertile plains of Malwa, Thar Desert.
  • Local Culture: Authentic villages where rural life remains unchanged, women in saris and turbaned men, ancient palaces and majestic forts.
  • Iconic Horse: Marwari horses renowned for their endurance and elegance.
• Shekhawati (Rajasthan):
  • Geographical Specificities: Hilly region known for its havelis adorned with colorful frescoes.
  • Local Culture: Unique architecture of merchant houses and village traditions.

Popular Routes & Landscapes Encountered

Region	Main Routes	Landscapes Crossed
Aravalli	Udaipur – Kumbhalgarh Fort	Wooded hills, open plains
Malwa	Udaipur – Malwa Plains	Fertile plains, agricultural villages
Shekhawati	Circuits around the havelis	Valleys dotted with architectural works
Thar Desert	Safari to Pushkar or Balotra	Sand dunes, rural oases

Unique Experiences During Treks

• Encounter with wildlife (leopards observable during morning or night safaris).
• Immersive discovery in picturesque villages where inhabitants warmly welcome riders.
• Atypical accommodation under starry tents or in ancient palaces transformed into luxurious camps.
• Participation in traditional festivals such as the Pushkar Fair or Holi for an intense cultural experience.

Ideal Seasons & Difficulty Levels

• Ideal season: October to March (dry climate and pleasant temperatures).
• Required level:
  • Intermediate to advanced riders recommended for most sporty circuits (4 to 6 hours in the saddle per day).
  • Good physical condition essential to fully enjoy long rides on open terrain.

How These Treks Allow for a Different Discovery of India

Horseback riding treks offer a unique perspective on rural and historical India. They allow exploration off the beaten path, far from urban tumult. The pace of the horse fosters authentic encounters with the local population while creating a privileged bond with the Indian landscape. Living at the heart of age-old traditions while admiring natural diversity creates an unforgettable immersive experience that forges a deep attachment to this fascinating country.