Equestrian enthusiasts gathered at Colvin Taluqdars’ College’s equine centre for ‘Breakfast Among Horses’, a morning heritage walk organised by Lucknownama, a group dedicated to promoting the tehzeeb, culture and cuisine of the city. Historian Mirza Ishrat Beg traced the horses’ roles from battlefields and royal courts to faith and folklore, calling them “man’s first friend” and noting examples like Rani Lakshmibai’s horses, Razia Sultan’s horsemanship and Imam Hussain’s loyal Zuljanah. He also highlighted Lucknow’s equine legacy, linking the city’s mounted police to the Nawabs of Awadh.
Dhruv Khera
Fatima Zohra
(L) Sana Husain and her constant companion, Sunlight (R) Radhika Sood
At the stables, caretaker Anwarullah Abbasi described the horses’ daily routine, grooming and diet, dispelling the myth that they eat only grass. Visitors learned basic riding etiquette — for example, never standing directly behind a horse, since it has a blind spot and may kick. Abbasi noted riders sometimes forfeit races or medals rather than push injured horses, underscoring their bond.
Krish Arora and Manraj Singh
(L) Sana Abbasi and Maryam Abbasi (R) Vasundhra Gangwar atop her horse, Rania
Syed Mohammad Hasnain and Nawab Masood Abdullah
Asif Idrisi
Organisers highlighted the intelligence of thoroughbreds and Marwari horses known for their inward-curving ears, speed and endurance and relayed an anecdote that the British killed many Marwari and Sindhi horses before leaving India to deny them in battle for their sheer strength. Guest speaker Nawab Masood Abdullah recalled horses in Hindi cinema, naming memorable screen steeds like Dhanno from Sholay and Badal in Mard.The walk concluded with participants enjoying breakfast amidst the stables, interacting with the horses, posing for photographs and watching riders demonstrate horseback riding.— Amina Ashraf
