Retirement of Virat
Image by- Loksatta
The horse 'Virat,' which was part of the President's bodyguard fleet, retired on Wednesday after the 73rd Republic Day parade. Its cavalry was Commandant Colonel Anoop Tiwari, the President's bodyguard. The magnificent black horse 'Virat' participated in the Republic Day parade 13 times. After the parade, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh affectionately patted the horse and bid farewell.
Retirement of Virat
Image by- DTNext
Virat had previously received the 'Chief of the Army Staff' award on the eve of Army Day on January 15. 'Virat,' the first horse to receive the award for exceptional service and ability, is the first recipient. Let us tell you that Virat has been protecting the President for the past 19 years.
Horse Virat
Image by- DNA India
Virat finished his training at the Remount Training School in Chembur. This Hanoverian breed horse became a member of the President's bodyguard family in 2003. This is a horse of the breed Hanoverian. As the Charger of the President's bodyguard, he has received special recognition from the Indian Army.
Virat provided services to three presidents. Virat has worked for former Presidents Pratibha Patil, Pranab Mukherjee, and Ram Nath Kovind.
Virat Horse
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During the parade, Virat is regarded as the most trustworthy horse. He is also known as the President's bodyguard's charger.
According to an official, Virat is a disciplined horse known for its build and size. Despite his age, Virat performed admirably during the Republic Day Parade and Beating the Retreat ceremony in 2021.
The President's Bodyguards are the most elite regiments in the Indian Army, numbering in the thousands based on height and heritage and dressed in the finest regalia for the occasion. For centuries, India's top VIPs, from British viceroys to modern-day heads of state, have been assigned to the 200-strong cavalry unit. Every Republic Day, equestrians dressed in red coats, gold stripes, and turbans carry the President to the stage and signal the start of the national anthem.
It is natural to mention Rajasthan when discussing the best horses. Even today, on the Polo Ground in Jaipur, Rajasthan, full of Raje-Rajwade and their wonderful stories, more than one breed of magnificent horses and their abilities can be seen. It is said that Maharana Pratap's horse Chetak's loyalty, as well as his amazing and indomitable courage, live on in the pages of history.
Hanoverian Horse
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The Hanoverian Horse, or simply the Hanoverian, is a breed of strong and robust German warmblood horses. These noble and elegant horses have a well-proportioned body and flexible movements that include a ground-covering walk, a rhythmic canter, and a floating trot. Because they are light and agile, they frequently compete in equestrian events such as English dressage and mounted athletics.
The Olympic gold medal-winning dressage team in Beijing in 2008 included three Hanoverian geldings: Bonaparte, Satchmo, and Elvis VA.
Two of the most well-known Hanoverian show jumpers are Shutterfly and For Pleasure. While Shutterfly won the World Cup three times (in 2005, 2008, and 2009), For Pleasure finished second in 1995 and was a member of show jumping teams that won two Olympic gold medals.
According to WBFSH (World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses) rankings from 2008, the Hanoverian studbook finished third in eventing, just behind the Irish Hunter and Selle Francais.
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