Anush Agarwalla’s journey from a young boy riding horses in Kolkata to becoming India’s first Olympic dressage rider epitomizes a decade of personal grit and the gradual development of Indian equestrian sport. Inspired by the 2012 London Olympics, Anush pursued dressage—a discipline lacking infrastructure in India—by training extensively in Germany under Olympic champion Hubertus Schmidt. Overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers, he built resilience and technical mastery, culminating in historic milestones such as India’s first Olympic dressage quota at Paris 2024 and medals at the 2023 Asian Games, where he helped end a 41-year equestrian medal drought for India.
Beyond his competitive achievements, Anush’s story highlights the importance of trust and partnership with his iconic horse Sir Caramello Old, whose retirement marks a new chapter with a young mare aimed at LA 2028. His vision for Indian equestrianism is ambitious yet realistic, emphasizing the need for structural growth in coaching, horses, competitions, and support systems. Anush’s journey is not only a testament to individual discipline and courage but also a blueprint for India’s emergence as a future powerhouse in dressage, inspiring a new generation and signaling the beginning of a transformative era in the sport.
