In 1985, a group of friends got together and organised the first Horse Show in Dibrugarh District Planters club. The seed of the formation of the Equestrian Federation of Assam (EFA) was thus sown. Subsequently, the EFA was formed in the mid-nineties to introduce and promote equestrianism in Assam and the North Eastern states of India.
Since its inception, the EFA has worked tirelessly to promote equestrian sports in the region. As a result, Assam today has a number of centres which impart high quality equestrian training. These centres include, The Assam Valley School, Delhi Public School – Numaligarh, Royal Global School, Assam Police, 47 Assam R&V Sqn NCC, and the EFA Centre for Excellence.
Through a packed calendar of events each year, that includes competitions as well as coaching camps, the EFA has ensured that its riders and horses are at par with national and international standards. This has resulted in many of our riders winning laurels at the national level.
Over the years, the EFA has hosted numerous competitions. Some these include:
EFA also has the distinction of winning the FEI Solidarity Award 2017 for its flagship programme – The Retraining of Racehorses Programme (ROR). The ROR was aimed at securing a second career for retired thoroughbred racehorses, and retraining them in Olympic disciplines. The programme received an outstanding reception at the national and international stage and was recognised for its efforts in the FEI Awards Gala in 2018.
One of the crucial roles played by the EFA is the support provided to its neighbouring states in promoting equestrian sports. EFA has been pivotal in helping establish state associations in Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. EFA continues to support its sister associations in conducting events and through technical guidance.