Horseracing: SLMA Equestrian Festival at Diyatalawa on August 26

For the first time in its history, the Sri Lanka Equestrian Association (SLEA) will hold a Horse Show at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) Polo Ground in Diyatalawa, on August 26. 

The SLMA Equestrian Festival 2018, organised by the SLMA, will be conducted by the SLEA under 4 disciplines- Show Jumping, Tent Pegging, Barrel Racing and Enter Driving. 

Sri Lanka has a growing number of Equestrians, and the SLEA expects to add more events to its annual calendar to afford more exposure to the riders. 

SLEA President, Suranjith Premadasa expects the upcoming event to attract more entries at the Equestrian Centre, Melder Place, Nugegoda. 

"Stepping up to a golden era in Equestrian sports activities, as mentioned above, it is a positive way forward for the sport. The SLEA considered the convenience of the spectators when setting up the date and it will be a great chance for all parents to give their children a greater experience of watching a colourful Equestrian sports  competition during the August school vacation," Premadasa stated. 

Equestrian sports are Horseback games mostly based on ancient military cavalry training methods which help better maneuvering of horses in the battlefield. 

"By organising the upcoming SLMA Equestrian Festival 2018, the Sri Lanka Army has displayed their dedication, determination and discipline to take the Equestrian Sports in Sri Lanka to a new dawn," Premadasa added. 

"Army Equestrians in SLMA Diyatalawa have done a tremendous job by training their horses to conduct the first-ever Show Jumping competition in Sri Lanka. They have used cavalry based training methods to train their general riding horses for Show Jumping and also for other Equestrian sports activities. I believe that the discipline, determination and the dedication of the Sri Lanka Army are key factors behind this outstanding success," he further added. 

The SLEA, under the guidance of its President Premadasa, is committed to the development of Equestrian sports in Sri Lanka and have extended their technical guidance, advices and commitment for the success of the event. 

The SLEA is very confident it would be able to step up to the international arena in the near future, with the rapid development in Equestrian sports activities in Sri Lanka.