Page 17 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 85 | OCTOBER 2017

COVERED 17

“There is no better feeling than when
an animal 10 times your own size is

responding exactly to what you’re
asking of it,” says Rashmika.

What riding styles do you practice? Do you also compete at a higher level? What does the future hold for the two of you?

Jyotika: We both do dressage, which is about monitoring the rhythms and Rashmika: The logical next step for us is to own a horse. Going to different
movements of the horse. This is not about controlling the horse, but rather places to try different horses is a nerve wracking experience, because you have no
teaches you how to communicate with your horse using physical strength. idea what the horse is like. But that, in its own way, gives you a lot of confidence.
Going from one move to the next to run the course curves is primarily what Competition horses are thoroughbreds and very difficult to ride. Hence, we’re
dressage is all about. Rashmika has now started jumping fences — I don’t seeking horses that are somewhere in between riding and competitive. We’re
have the heart to jump. definitely not working towards becoming athletes, as we do it for fun!

Rashmika: We both compete in dressage competitions locally. We have Jyotika: It has been extremely difficult for us to make our mother understand the
entered preliminary level contests at RBSC Polo Club, Royal Horse Guard love we have for horses. She was never really fond of it, but after Rashmika broke
Riding Club and Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Pattaya. It might not seem her collarbone, she has been anti-riding. When we get back home late from the
that way, but it’s actually a scary experience to take the horses outside the club, we sometimes get an earful, but we know she fully supports our passion.
club. They are very used to being here where it’s fairly quiet. So when they go It’s a proper lifestyle that we now follow. Not only the riding aspect, but coming
out, they tend to spook, and sometimes have difficulties with the different here, meeting new people and talking about our shared passion — this is our
noises around. But if you want to get better at what you do, you have to present and future.
compete outside.
Surely it hasn’t been all about breaking bones! Any fun experiences?
How has the experience moulded you so far?
Rashmika: The first time I fell off Dolly, she spooked because I tied polo wraps
Rashmika: Riding is incredible. Horses are temperamental and sensitive around her legs. Horses can spook for the most mundane of reasons. Thankfully,
creatures, so the proposition is difficult, but it’s all about the bond you it only resulted in a little soreness.
have with the horse. You can ride an easy horse, but if you don’t have a
connection with them, you’ll never be able to ride. Conversely, you can Jyotika: My horse is weirdly territorial when it comes to me. She wants me to
have a relationship with a difficult horse and make it all look so easy. And shower her, and even give her kisses during it. At the end of the day, she belongs
the experience thus far has been life altering. If we’re upset at something, to the club so I have to remain open to sharing her, but I try my best to make her
whatever the issue may be, we come here and instantly find happiness. my own. When I’m about to come in for a ride, the groomer will text me to ask
People ask us how we can even like riding, but now we’re so past that initial what I’m wearing on that particular day and will match her saddle pad to my
stage. We’re even okay with the smell of horse manure — it doesn’t bother shirt.
us anymore!
What are your final thoughts? Any pointers for aspiring riders?
Jyotika: Recently, on a public holiday, I spent an entire day here cleaning out
Paula’s stall. From her hay to what she sleeps on — I cleaned it all. At the Jyotika: Riding is beyond a hobby — it’s an obsession. It’s amazing to see how
end of it, I was the happiest person alive. There is something therapeutic we’ve both imbibed the art of riding, and have grown to love the same thing over
about experiences like these. Whenever I am done riding Paula, I shower her, the years. We hope to keep going on like this for a long time, and to be able to
dry her up and prepare her to go back into her stall. It’s not only about the bond with and earn the trust of many more horses.
one hour you book to ride, but it is also about what you do before and after
that matter as much. The process is long but eminently fulfilling. Rashmika: Riding takes a lot of focus and commitment, but achieving exactly
what you want out of it is immensely satisfying. There is no better feeling than
when your horse — an animal 10 times your own size — is responding exactly to
what you’re asking of it. Horses welcome anybody on their backs, so when you’re
on there, be prepared for the ride of your life.

ALL-ACCESS INTO BANGKOK’S CONTEMP OR ARY INDIAN LIFEST YLE