Page 16 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 85 | OCTOBER 2017

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Horsin

AROUND

Temur Yusuf speaks to Jyotika Horse riding isn’t your typical hobby, particularly in Thailand, where a
lack of facilities and unpleasant weather dissuade many from pursuing
and Rashmika Khanijou about their this endeavour. However, jyotika (25) and Rashmika Khanijou (22)
stepped out of the norm and turned what is considered to be a niche
unconventional passion for pastime into a passionate lifestyle. It was their father’s dream for them
as children to master their equestrian skills. But they lost interest for
horse riding. a lengthy period and only rediscovered their attachment to riding as
young adults. With their fervent enthusiasm and go-getting attitude,
it’s no wonder the two picked up the exhilarating sport so quickly.

For this interview, they take us inside their newfound lifestyle, and
reveal how they tackle the art of dressage, their experience competing
at a preliminary level and how riding has shaped their current lives.

How did your love for horse riding initially blossom?

Rashmika: After our father became a member of the Royal Bangkok
Sports Club, it was his dream for us to start riding. When we were seven
and 10, respectively, we started to ride and did so for nearly four years. I was
never so keen on it — not that I didn’t want to do it, but I was often scared.
And with the lack of a riding partner, Jyotika also eventually stopped.
However, she encouraged me to continue after I completed my studies in
Australia.
Jyotika: When I received my own club membership at 21, I used it only
for the gym. But seeing people ride made me think about our childhood
experiences, and that convinced me to give riding a shot once again. When
I first came back to the stables, I was very scared. I even hated the idea
of standing around horses — it had been almost 10 years since I last rode.
But I persevered. The first few months, I learnt from a teacher whose style
I didn’t enjoy, and that got me thinking the whole riding thing was not
really for me. But when I found a different teacher, a former national team
dressage rider, everything changed. He’s still my teacher to this day.
Tell us about the stars of the show – your horses!

Jyotika: My horse’s name is Paula. I’ve only been riding
her for seven months, but words don’t do justice to
the relationship I have with her. She’s definitely a
somewhat advanced horse and not for someone
who is learning to ride. And a real drama queen
too! Even though she was difficult to handle
initially, there was something about her that kept
me coming back. Look where we are today! It’s
utterly strange yet so beautiful that I’ve fallen in love
with a horse. Riding, for me at least, is all about Paula. It’s
almost as if she’s taught me how to do it.

Rashmika: I ride three different horses — Dolly,
Napa and Elmo. I recently fell off Elmo and injured
myself severely. He has had a history of doing such
things though. I had been riding him for a month
and a half, and one fine day while practicing for a
“Riding, for me at least, is all about competition, he spooked. He ran and I flew onto the
Paula. It’s almost as if she’s taught me fence, smashing my collarbone in the process. All of
this was four months ago, and I’ve only returned to
how to do it,” says Jyotika. riding three weeks back. The doctor hasn’t even given
me the green light to ride yet.

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