Georgian Equestrian Federation obtains new horses for first time in 30 years

Georgia’s Equestrian Sports Federation has obtained new horses for the first time in 30 years after purchases made by the Sport Ministry in support of the national body, revealed on Monday.

Two mares and one stallion of Hanoverian and Holsteiner cross-breeds were purchased for €200,000 in Italy as part of the initiative, the Ministry said.

Photo: The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs/Facebook

Federation President Lasha Jaiani thanked the Ministry for the move and said his body had not enjoyed such support from the state in three decades.

Photo: The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs/Facebook

Riders competing under the Federation’s umbrella had to rent horses for training and championships until now, with the Federation left without horses following the economic hardship and lack of state support since the 1990s.

Photo: The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs/Facebook

In her comments on the development, Sport Minister Thea Tsulukiani acknowledged there were other sporting federations in the country without proper infrastructure and adequate equipment, and promised similar efforts to support them.