The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) launched a horse riding club yesterday at its campus in Baridua, Ri-Bhoi district.
The USTM riding club will not only be limited to university students but accessible for everyone across the nation, the university authorities said.
Eight professional trainers-caretakers have been appointed to look after the eight horses available in the club. USTM, however, plans to double the number of equines to 16 in the next year.
“It has been scientifically proven that the sport of horseback riding has many therapeutic qualities which provide both physical and mental health benefits,” USTM Chancellor M Hoque said at the launch ceremony. “Horse riding also opens up new career opportunities for the participants and also gives them an upper hand in job opportunities, especially in the civil service, sports, defence and police.”
Others present on the occasion included Vice-Chancellor Prof G D Sharma, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Deputy Inspector General Rakesh Sethi, National Cadet Corps Col. Shomir Bhatnagar and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan State Director Sayed Ali.
“The riding club will definitely help the students in becoming fit to face any kind of challenges in the world,” Sethi said. “It will also help the students in reducing mental stress and therefore help them in excelling academically.”
