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History > From the Horse’s Mouth > Press Clippings > Club Pictures
The Polo Club - ‘Polo at the Capital’ - Devyani Rao
My first recollection of the PEPC is of myself – a three year old, sitting merrily astride a small pony and being led back and forth in front of the Clubhouse. Although my family moved out of Delhi soon after, and for the next few years I didn’t get a chance to ride, the love for horses was already deeply set within me. On our return to Delhi in 1987, we were back at the Club, before we had even got ourselves a house.
I started again from scratch (and quite literally). ‘Little Jyoti’ – a dark bay pony, was my first and best teacher. As I gained confidence, I began to explore the numerous trails at the Ridge. Over the years, now on bigger and more difficult horses, I would go galloping through the trails, taking in the fresh air, the chill of the winter morning, the chirping of the birds, the dancing peacocks, the lush greenery and the companionship of a horse. I began to regard the PEPC as a great tourist spot, and visitors from overseas had to see the Club, before venturing out to other insignificant places, like the Taj Mahal.
The Polo Club was like family to me. There was something so special about the atmosphere that one couldn’t possibly describe it aptly in words. And one took solace in knowing that no matter how tiring and trying things got during the week, a morning at the PEPC, riding through the sprawling trails, catching up on news with Club members over a cup of coffee, would give one all the rejuvenation one needed.
That blissful illusion was soon to be shattered as the Club had to move out in 1995, causing great anguish to members and traumatizing the horses that had to leave their home of many years. The sentiments of all those members who had no more than the best interest of the Club at heart, were echoed in a little tribute by Bogie Rao, to the Ride (with apologies to Lord Byron):
“So we’ll go no more a-riding,
So late into the night,
Though the horse be still as willing,
And the moon be still as bright.
Though the ground was made for polo,
And the horses loved to trot.
But the horse cannot go solo,
As the trails are with danger fraught.
Though the Ridge was made for riding,
The ‘dozers return too soon,
So we’ll go no more a-riding,
By the light of the moon.”
Had it not been for the kindness of the Army in permitting the Club to make temporary stables to accommodate the club, several horses may have been driven to a fate similar to Himani’s – the gray polo pony who could not handle the trauma and had to be put down.
From when it came first to the Ranges, to the way it stands today – ‘The Polo Club’ has come a long way. The dump at the Ranges has been magically transformed into a splendid riding complex under Ms. Iqbal Malik’s supervision. The horses have regained their physical and mental health. In this connection, one must acknowledge the laudable efforts of the Army, Lt. Gen. Deepak Ajwani, Maj. Gen. US Sidhu, the 61st Cavalry, and Maj. J.S. ‘Pinka’ Virk, in particular. His sincere concern for the Club and his untiring efforts, amongst those of others, has succeeded in re-hoisting the flag of the PEPC, as ‘The Polo Club’.
Soon after regaining its identity, the Club dispelled any doubts regarding its existence or its ability to maintain itself as the premier equestrian and polo institution in the country. It hosted the polo season as usual, in all its splendour and with several new sponsors. Six out of the seven players, who represented India in the Polo World Finals, are members of the Polo Club.
Even as it struggled to survive, the Club organized the Delhi Horse Show as usual in February 1996. A number of civilians were seen competing at par with army riders. Fifteen Club members represented the country in various international events, including the Olympics, no small achievement indeed!
Since the very day that riding activity began at the Ranges, the hardcore riding enthusiasts are there early in the morning – summer or winter – eager for their ride, if a little weary for lack of sleep.
The atmosphere, the fraternity peculiar to this Club has survived and prospered. The only change it has undergone, is a trivial change of name. One is presently happy and secure in the Ranges, under the efficient and sympathetic care of the 61 Cav. And although the past has given us reason to be skeptical, so that one does not say that we will remain where we are, it has also given us reason to be confident that we will remain as we are, come what may.
History > From the Horse’s Mouth > Press Clippings > Club Pictures
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