For nearly three decades, the Embassy International Riding School (EIRS) has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s equestrian landscape, producing some of the country’s finest riders, including Olympian Fouaad Mirza, while setting new benchmarks in coaching and athlete development. Under the leadership of Director Silva Storai, EIRS has also transformed competitive riding through the Equestrian Premier League (EPL), now in its 16th edition and regarded as one of India’s premier equestrian competitions. In this exclusive conversation with Sanjay Jadhav, Editor, Puneinsight, Silva Storai speaks about the evolution of equestrian sport in India, the philosophy behind nurturing world-class riders, the growing popularity of the sport, and EIRS’ vision for taking Indian equestrian excellence to greater heights in the years ahead.
Embassy International Riding School has been at the forefront of Indian equestrian sport for over three decades. Looking back, how have you seen the sport evolve in India during this period?
When we established Embassy International Riding School in 1996, equestrian sport in India was still a niche discipline with limited infrastructure and competitive opportunities. Over the years, the sport has grown significantly, with greater awareness, improved training facilities, and increasing participation from young riders across the country.
One of the biggest changes has been the emergence of structured competitions that allow riders to develop through regular competitive exposure. That was the vision behind the Equestrian Premier League. Now in its 16th edition, the EPL has become an important platform for riders to gain competitive experience, build confidence, and prepare for national and international competition.
Today, we are also seeing higher standards of training, stronger emphasis on horse welfare, and Indian riders making their mark on the global stage. While there is still room for growth, the progress over the past three decades has been extremely encouraging, and I believe the future of equestrian sport in India is very promising.
Equestrian sports have traditionally been associated with the armed forces and elite circles. Do you believe this perception is changing, and what has contributed to that shift?
Yes, the perception is gradually changing. While equestrian sport has its roots in the armed forces and was once seen as exclusive, it is now becoming more accessible to a wider community. Greater awareness, better access to coaching, and increased participation by young riders have all played a significant role in this shift.
Competitions such as the Equestrian Premier League have also helped make the sport more visible by giving aspiring riders regular opportunities to compete and showcase their talent. As more Indian riders achieve success at the national and international levels, more families are beginning to see equestrian sport as a rewarding and viable sporting discipline rather than a niche pursuit.
What are the biggest challenges that still prevent equestrian sport from becoming more mainstream in India?
The biggest challenge is awareness. Many people are still unfamiliar with equestrian sport and the opportunities it offers. In addition, the sport requires specialised infrastructure, trained coaches, and a strong commitment to horse welfare, all of which take time and investment to develop.
Another key challenge is expanding opportunities for riders to compete regularly. Consistent, high-quality competitions are essential for athlete development, which is why initiatives such as the Equestrian Premier League are so important. As awareness, infrastructure, and access continue to improve, I believe equestrian sport will become increasingly mainstream in India.
Embassy International Riding School has produced some of India’s finest riders, including Olympian Fouaad Mirza. What has been the philosophy behind developing athletes capable of competing at the highest level?
At Embassy International Riding School, we focus on developing complete equestrians, not just competitive riders. Our coaching philosophy combines strong technical training with discipline, responsibility, and a deep understanding of horse care and welfare.
We also place great emphasis on long-term athlete development by providing structured training, regular competition experience, and clear pathways for riders to progress to higher levels of the sport. Our aim is to help every rider realise their full potential while developing confidence, resilience, and a lifelong passion for equestrian sport.
What makes EIRS different from other riding schools in terms of coaching methodology and athlete development?
Our approach is centred on creating an environment where riders can grow at every stage of their journey. We maintain small coaching groups, personalised training plans, and regular performance assessments so that each rider receives focused attention and a clear pathway for progression.
What also sets EIRS apart is the ecosystem we have built around the sport. Riders train on quality horses, learn the importance of horsemanship alongside riding skills, and gain valuable competition experience through initiatives such as the Equestrian Premier League. This combination of individualised coaching, world-class infrastructure, and meaningful competitive opportunities ensures that riders develop not only technical excellence but also the confidence, judgement, and professionalism needed to succeed in the sport.
Developing an elite equestrian athlete requires a unique partnership between horse and rider. How do you nurture that relationship throughout the training process?
The bond between horse and rider is the foundation of success in equestrian sport. We encourage our riders to spend time understanding their horses, learning their behaviour, and taking responsibility for their care, not just their performance in the arena.
Our training focuses on building trust, patience, and consistency because a strong partnership develops over time. When riders truly understand and respect their horses, they are able to communicate more effectively, perform with greater confidence, and achieve stronger results in competition.
The Equestrian Premier League has completed an impressive journey from a two-club competition to one of India’s premier equestrian events. What has been the driving force behind its growth?
The driving force has always been our commitment to creating a consistent and competitive platform for riders. When we launched the Equestrian Premier League, our vision was to provide riders with regular opportunities to test themselves, learn, and improve. From a two-club event, it has evolved into a nationally recognised league because it has remained true to that purpose.
Now in its 16th edition, the EPL attracts riders from across the country and has become an important fixture on the equestrian calendar. Its success reflects the growing interest in the sport and the need for well-organised competitions that support long-term athlete development.
What new initiatives or highlights can riders and spectators expect from the 16th edition of the Equestrian Premier League?
The 16th edition of the Equestrian Premier League builds on the strong foundation we have established over the years, with a focus on delivering a high-quality competitive experience for riders across all categories. We are expecting strong participation from riders across the country, making this one of our most competitive editions yet.
For spectators, the league offers an opportunity to witness top-level equestrian talent and experience the excitement of the sport up close. Our focus remains on delivering a professionally organised event that showcases excellence, supports emerging talent, and inspires more people to discover and engage with equestrian sport.
Finally, when you look ahead to the next decade, what is your vision for Indian equestrian sport, and what legacy would you like Embassy International Riding School to leave for future generations?
My vision is to see India emerge as a strong force in international equestrian sport, with more riders competing and succeeding on the world stage. To achieve this, we need continued investment in coaching, infrastructure, horse welfare, and a strong competitive ecosystem that enables young talent to thrive.
As for Embassy International Riding School, I hope our legacy will be one of excellence, opportunity, and inclusivity. Beyond producing champions, I want EIRS to be remembered for building a strong foundation for equestrian sport in India, inspiring generations of riders, and fostering a lifelong respect for horses and the values the sport instils, including discipline, perseverance, and partnership.
