The Indian Naval Academy (INA) equestrian team delivered an outstanding performance at the Delhi Horse Show 2025, securing an impressive tally of 18 medals. The team, comprising four naval cadets, clinched 3 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze medals across multiple disciplines, including show jumping, tent pegging, and dressage. Their remarkable achievement placed them in fourth position overall, highlighting their skill, grit, and discipline.
The Delhi Horse Show 2025, a prestigious equestrian event, saw the INA team compete against top talent, with their performance reflecting the values of teamwork and excellence instilled by the Indian Navy. Images from the event captured the cadets in action, navigating challenging obstacles during show jumping and demonstrating precision in dressage. A notable moment included a cadet mid-air on horseback, clearing a hurdle marked with the event’s branding, while another image showcased the team’s focus during a dressage routine on a sunlit arena.
The INA team’s success at this event follows their strong showing at the Army Equestrian Championship in Bengaluru in 2024, where they also secured 18 medals. According to a press release from the INA, their achievements are the result of months of intensive training under experienced coaches, focusing on both technical equestrian skills and resilience. The team’s performance underscores the Indian Navy’s growing presence in the equestrian arena, a sport with deep historical roots in India.
Tent pegging, one of the disciplines in which the cadets excelled, has origins in the Indian subcontinent, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was used as a cavalry tactic against elephant-mounted troops, as noted by the International Equestrian Federation. The sport has since evolved into a competitive event, with India regularly hosting and participating in international championships. The Delhi Horse Show 2025 continues this tradition, drawing attention to the skill and precision required in equestrian sports.
The INA celebrated the cadets’ success in front of the Charger Equestrian building, a symbolic backdrop featuring the Indian flag and equestrian motifs. This achievement not only highlights the individual talent of the naval cadets but also reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports, inspiring future generations of equestrians.
