Mysuru: In a unique blend of equestrian training and cultural immersion, students from prominent schools in Mysuru recently completed a 26-kilometre horseback heritage ride from their training campus to the historic Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel and back.

Organised by M.A. Lakshmikanth Raj Urs and Dr. Mekhala Kagli, Founders of Chamundi Horses, an equestrian initiative and stable in Mysuru, the event served as an outride-training exercise, giving students real-world experience in navigating city traffic while connecting with Mysuru’s rich architectural heritage.

The journey took the riders through busy city streets and past key landmarks before culminating at the iconic Lalitha Mahal Palace, an early-20th-century royal residence and heritage property.

Despite the challenges posed by Mysuru’s growing traffic, all participants completed the ride safely and efficiently, demonstrating the horsemanship and road-safety awareness developed through their training.

The ride featured young equestrians aged between 8 and 15. Participants included L. Kshaminaam Urs (15 years) of Sadvidya High School; Advika Sangamesh (15 years) of St. Joseph’s; Loukya Sangamesh (10 years) of Rashtrotthana Vidya Kendra; Haren Cariappa Kodandera (8 years); Pranav Krishna Mohan (8 years) and Trishika Mohan (11 years), all three from NPS International.

Their participation reflects growing interest among young people in equestrian sports, supported by structured training programmes that emphasise skill development, confidence and experiential learning.

Lakshmikanth Raj Urs and Dr. Mekhala Kagli conceived the heritage ride as more than a riding exercise. It was designed to help students develop confidence, discipline, road awareness and an appreciation of Mysuru’s history.

By combining city navigation with visits to cultural landmarks, the programme aimed to produce well-rounded equestrians who are as comfortable in urban environments as they are in competitive arenas.