While still used in the Himalayan regions, horses are confined to stables in the city. Nonetheless, learning to ride one is slowly catching up among affluent Kathmanduites.
Although stables are still limited, according to Tek Bahadur Bhandari, the manager of Nagarkot Horse Riding Club, the sport has become more popular than before. [break]Bhandari, who previously worked for Chandra Horse Riding and Wild Horse Riding Stables, both at Thapathali, as well as Park Village Horse Riding at Budanilkantha, puts in, “I started my own stable in Nagarkot with five horses.”
Niraj KC, the Managing Director of Wind Horse Riding Stables, adds along the same lines.
“The business is growing and we’re doing pretty well these days. Many Nepalis have been showing interest in horseback riding.”
KC, a professional in the field since 2002, regularly rides for more than four hours on average.
“I think I spend more time with horses than my family,” he candidly says. Teenagers who ride at his stable also share KC’s love for the sport.
Devyani Basnet, 17, has been doing horse riding for two months now at Wind Horse Riding Stables and she seems to be enjoying it to the fullest.
“I’ve always wanted to fly because flying gives you the feeling of freedom and invincibility. One doesn’t necessarily have to flutter like a butterfly or soar in the wind like an eagle,” expresses Basnet, rather poetically, and asserts, “Everyone finds his or her own way to fly, and horse riding is my way of flying.”
Similarly, 18-year-old Luja Mathema opines, “Even though I did horse riding only for a month, I feel that it’s a beautiful sport.”
Apart from providing coaching lessons, Wind Horse Riding Stables offers various attractive facilities that make it unique from other stables.
“Our riding stable is the first of its kind in Nepal,” boasts KC and elaborates, “We have 13 horses, and along with formal and fun rides, we also offer carriage and cross-country rides and overnight stays.”
On the other hand, Nagarkot Horse Riding Club offers village rides in its scenic vicinity.
“I chose Nagarkot for the out-tracks because it’s much easier to ride, and a lot of foreigners come here for the views,” informs Bhandari.
Horse riding does not only serve as a recreational activity for the fit, but also as a challenging sport that can keep you fit.
“There are many health benefits of horse riding as it boosts your flexibility, burns fat, and helps you to build fast reflexes,” outlines Bhandari and adds, “It also serves as a stress buster. But one must be warned that for the first few times, your body will ache.
This is because you’ll be loosening muscles that you were never aware of before.”
At the same time, the sport also helps you to improve you coordination and balancing skills.
On the other hand, an exciting activity also comes with a little bit of risk. “Because you’re dealing with living beings and you can’t read what’s on their minds, horseback riding is a dangerous sport to some extents,” warns KC.
“It’s very important to be able to control your own emotions and behavior because an animal will know when you’re afraid of it,” advises Bhandari.
And for that purpose, each rider begins by learning a set of commands that help to maneuver and control the horse.
“Every command consists of a combination of a kick and the pulling of the rein in a certain way,” he explains.
For all other useful details, it is better to join his riding outfit and listen to his preparatory dos and don’ts about horse sense.
Wind Horse Riding Stables, Thapathali
Non-members: Rs 1,850 for 45 minutes
Members: Rs 850 for 45 minutes on weekends, Rs 650 for 45 minutes during weekdays
Yearly membership fee: Rs 25,000 (daily 45 minutes)
Opening hours: 7:30 – 11:15, 3:00 – 6:45
( 4256852
Park Village Horse Riding, Budanilkantha
Non-members: Rs 1,500 for one hour
Members: Rs 850 for 45 minutes on weekends, Rs 650 for 45 minutes during weekdays
Yearly membership fee: Rs 25,000 (daily one hour)
Opening hours: 7:30 – 11:15, 3:00 – 6:45
( 9849372066
Nagarkot Horse Riding Club and Stable, Nagarkot
Non-members: Rs 1,000 for one hour
Members: Rs 500 for one hour on weekends, Rs 300 for one hour during weekdays
Yearly membership fee: Rs 12,000 (daily one hour)
Opening hours: 7:30 – 11:15, 3:00 – 6:45
( 9849372066
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