The good old gallops are still heard in Chennai

CHENNAI: There are perhaps few parallels in the world as graceful as the trot of a horse. The gait, the sleek coat and the balmy eyes are an instant attraction at the Marina Beach and marriage halls. Though the city has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, it still has space for these graceful animals. Horses, which predominantly occupied the roads till the advent of motor vehicles in the city more than half a century ago, still continue to provide livelihood for a few hundred people in Chennai.Owning one of oldest horse stables in the city situated opposite to the Ripon Building is a matter of pride for TR Thennavan. His nearly 130-year-old stable, which now has about 15 horses, has been supplying the animals for occasions like marriages, political events and VIP receptions over the years.Most of these horses are procured from breeding centres in Punjab and Hyderabad, says Thennavan. The owners here purchase horses from the breeders in sets of 10, with the average age of the animal at the time of sale, ranging between eight and ten years. The normal lifespan of a horse is 25 years.Maintaining them is no easy task, he points out. While oats and hay are offered to the horses, a cook also prepares specified food for protecting their health. “The horses are cleaned every day so that they remain bright and shiny, as they are often hired for marriages and other celebrations,” he explains. He also points out that the breed used for decorations can withstand the humid conditions of a hot place like Chennai, while the other breeds meant for racing, are moved to hill stations during the summer, as they are not comfortable with heat.Of late, horses have become a symbol of power and status in functions. It improves their reputation among people in the community. These animals also adorn occasions like receptions hosted in honour of noted personalities and are on high demand during the release of movies featuring top stars.The animals also bring in a decent income for the owners. If the cost for hiring horses for celebrations is in thousands, it is less than `100 for a joy ride at the Marina.