01st June 1997

A love of horses

By Chamintha Tilakaratna

Many of us, children and adults are big fans of horses and horse riding. The image of horse riding we have is usually associated with the movies where dashing cowboys go riding off into the sunset, having galloped to the rescue of the damsel in distress. Apart from having ridden a pony at a children's party or at a park, or on holiday in Nuwara Eliya for a holiday, most Lankans have never actually had the opportunity of riding. But now a young man from Wattala, Mohan de Lanerolle ( Junior), has made it possible for those living in and around Colombo to experience the excitement of horse riding for themselves.

A lover of horses, Mohan has pursued his dream of owning and riding them from a very young age. Having been trained in England, he has also had some success in show jumping. Conducting lessons for a student at the Hilton Horse Riding Centre, his first step was to approach the student who was about 6 years old with an introduction and a smile. He held her hand and got her on the horse very carefully, so that she would lose all fears of riding. "It is very important to make sure that the student is made to feel at ease and to make him or her realize how interesting it is,' Mohan said, "while safety is rule number one."

Although riding looks easy, to be a good rider is not as simple. Of course, there are some who are talented by birth and who learn fast. It is simply an art of learning to keep one's balance while communicating with the animal and giving instructions. "Riding is all about having control over an animal weighing over 40 kilos and communicating effectively with it," Mohan said.

"As far as I know I am the only person who is giving lessons here,' he said. But Mohan feels that locals are not enthusiastic about riding like foreigners. "Lankans should be encouraged to take up riding," he said. His lessons at the Hilton cost Rs.200 per half hour.

Recently, Mohan imported five horses from India. "I had to go through so much trouble to bring these horses down. After having tried so many places, finally, I got them down from India," he said. Many of his students are young, the majority being less than 18. Earlier he had over six horses.

Classes are held from 6 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 10 p.m. At the end of each course, he gives a project report and a certificate which is accepted around the world. He also allows the horses to be taken on the roads and gives lessons at the beaches as well. "Many prefer to come for lessons in the mornings as it is very relaxing and soothing," Mohan said. "It helps one to carry on with the day's work without much trouble and a clear mind," he added.

Kristina and Erica, two of his students who also ride with him said that they have been to many horse riding places and so far this has been the best. "Mohan is a good teacher and he makes horse riding much easier. Everyone should try horse riding," they said.

Mohan who conducts lessons mostly as a hobby said his main aim is not profit but to promote riding in Sri Lanka. Having been able to spend some time at the horse riding center at the Hilton, one can definitely agree that it is not only a healthy sport but also an interesting one.

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