Bhubaneswar, Dec 13: Two new horses will soon be inducted into the NCC stable located at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), with preparations already underway. The horses, trained by the Indian Army, are expected to arrive from New Delhi by February, according to officials of the 1 Odisha Remount and Veterinary (R&V) Squadron, NCC, functioning from the OUAT campus.

The addition of the horses is expected to strengthen equestrian training under the NCC. With an increased number of horses, the scope of horse-riding training for NCC cadets will be expanded.

Equestrian training has been conducted at the OUAT Veterinary Ground for the past 57 years. The facility is the only equestrian training centre in Odisha and ranks 15th in the country. Only NCC-enrolled students are eligible to undergo training here, with many cadets aspiring to join the armed forces in the future.

At present, the stable houses 11 horses. The number stood at 12 last year, but one horse died. The horses belong to Indian and Thoroughbred breeds and are maintained together. Adequate arrangements have been made for their feed, water, and medical care, with regular health check-ups conducted by OUAT veterinary officers. The last induction of horses at the OUAT stable took place in 2012.

After a gap of 13 years, the arrival of new horses has generated excitement among NCC cadets. Around 200 students participate in the unit every year, of whom 150 NCC cadets undergo equestrian training over a period of three years.

Every year, on the occasion of Republic Day, five NCC cadets along with a trained horse from this unit are selected to participate in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.