Actor Randeep Hooda is as passionate about horse riding as he's about acting. The handsome hunk has also won a silver medal in the tough Dressage category. He speaks to CS about his passion for horses:

Riding in a break
I was introduced to horse riding at my boarding school in Haryana. Later, I lost touch with it and didn't ride a horse for 17 long years. During a sabbatical, Naseeruddin Shah introduced me to the Amateur Riders Club at the Turf Club, Mahalaxmi. He enjoys riding and encouraged me to take up my former passion.



I bought a handsome horse, but he died in two months. I couldn't accept defeat and so I bought three more horses. As of now, I have fiveu00a0-- Johnny Walker, Ranji (named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh), Raja, Simply Supreme and Crayon. Ranji is like a brother, while Johnny is very obedient. I keep them at the Turf Club. It took me almost two-and-half years to train them for competitions.

On a gallop
I have participated in events in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, New Delhi and other cities. I remember failing miserably at the Nationals in Chennai. But that made me more determined. I have participated in show jumping and dressage events. Dafedar Dhom Singh, an army man from 61st cavalry, helps me train my horses. I have competed with professionals, officers, civilians, Arjuna award winners. I won the bronze at the Chandigarh horse show, and four or five medals at the Delhi horse show, which is the country's biggest.

A stud on a stud
Horses are beautiful creatures. And spending time with them can be addictive. You need a high amount of fitness to become a horse rider. Have you ever seen a fat rider? While riding, you need to judge the rhythm of the horse and communicate with it. The rider has to be ambidextrous. In fact, dressage is the toughest of all show events. It's akin to doing a ballet with a horse. I was thrilled to get the silver at the Delhi Horse Show. This year too I want to participate at the Delhi Horse Show, but I need time to practise.