Bengaluru, June 29: Embassy International Riding School (EIRS), under the aegis of the Karnataka Riders Association (KRA), successfully commenced the 16th edition of the Equestrian Premier League (EPL) 2026 at its world-class riding facilities in Bengaluru.
The opening leg witnessed exciting competition in Show Jumping and Dressage, attracting riders from five states, over 10 equestrian clubs, and recording more than 300 entries across all event categories. Kiran Akhade of URB, riding SRS Newgrange, claimed top honours in the premier 130 cm Show Jumping class, while Embassy International Riding School riders dominated the Dressage events by securing all first-place finishes across the categories, making for a highly competitive start to the season.
Running from June to November 2026, EPL will feature six league shows, culminating in the Grand Finale on 28 November 2026. Over the past sixteen years, the league has established itself as one of India’s premier equestrian competitions, providing riders with a structured platform to develop their skills and compete at the highest standards.
This year’s edition offers cash prizes, awards, and championship trophies worth over ₹25 lakh, supported by EIRS and KRA, reaffirming their commitment to recognising excellence and promoting equestrian sport in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Silva Storai, Director, Embassy International Riding School, said: “We are delighted to begin the 16th edition of EPL. The league continues to provide riders with a competitive platform to develop their skills while fostering sportsmanship and excellence. We thank KRA for their continued support in encouraging equestrian talent across Karnataka and beyond.”
With the first leg concluded, riders have begun accumulating championship points, with the next leg of EPL 2026 scheduled to take place in July.
Results
Premier Show Jumping
- SJ7 – 130 cm Show Jumping: 1st – Kiran Akhade (SRS Newgrange, URB, Mumbai); 2nd – Prithiv Krishna (Pharrell, CS); 3rd – Aradhana Anand (Centuri, CS)
Show Jumping Winners
- SJ1 (60–70 cm): Nihaan G (Klaver, Covai Stable)
- SJ2 (80–90 cm):
- Sub-Junior: Bhargav Babu Velkur (Gucci Do Axe, EIRS)
- Junior & Open: Neil Kendall (Joey, Surge)
- SJ3 (90–100 cm): Ishta Iusta (Klaver, EIRS)
- SJ4 (105–110 cm):
- Sub-Junior & Junior: Rishab (Hero, EIRS)
- Open: Moksh Patel (Dakar, EIRS)
- SJ5 (110–115 cm): Barath Manoharan (Jashmir, ECE)
- SJ6 (120 cm): Kiran Akhade (Geronimo, URB)
- SJ7 (130 cm): Kiran Akhade (SRS Newgrange, URB)
Dressage Winners
- D1 – Preliminary Dressage:
- Sub-Junior: Siddharth Dutta (Bucephalus, EIRS)
- Junior & Open: Anagha (Power, Zippy)
- D2 – Sub-Junior Dressage & Open:
- Sub-Junior: Hem Kilaru (Abra, EIRS)
- Junior & Open: Eshaan Sundaram (Eotina, EIRS)
- D3 – Junior Dressage:
- Junior & Below: Eshaan Sundaram (Eotina, EIRS)
- Open: Arya Channagiri (Cloud 9, FSS)
Event Highlights
- Kiran Akhade, riding SRS Newgrange (URB, Mumbai), emerged as the winner of the prestigious 130 cm Show Jumping class.
- Embassy International Riding School riders secured multiple podium finishes across both Show Jumping and Dressage disciplines.
- EIRS riders swept all first-place finishes in the Dressage events, underlining the academy’s continued excellence in developing dressage talent.