How Sanyogeeta Limaye built a life around horses

(January 7, 2026) For Sanyogeeta Limaye, the relationship between horse and rider has always been about patience, discipline and quiet understanding. These are the values that she first absorbed as a young rider in Pune and later refined across riding arenas in India, the United States and the United Kingdom. What began as a hobby gradually evolved into a life shaped by early mornings at the stables, years of international learning and the steady pursuit of excellence in one of sport’s most demanding disciplines. Today, with over 15 years of experience behind her, Sanyogeeta’s career reflects a balance between competitive ambition and the responsibility of nurturing both horses and riders.

Sanyogeeta Limaye | Equestrienne

Currently a senior instructor at Embassy International Riding School, Sanyogeeta trains aspiring riders for competitive circuits while also developing and schooling horses. Her achievements on the national and international stage reflect this depth of engagement with the sport. She has won three gold medals at CDI 1* events in Prix St George, Inter I and Inter I Freestyle Dressage, establishing herself among India’s top dressage performers. At the FEI World Jumping Challenge 2023, she ranked third in Category A in India, underlining her versatility across disciplines. The same year, she secured two bronze medals in Grade 3 at the NEC Show Jumping Championships and two silver medals in Prix St George and Advanced Level Dressage at the NEC Dressage Championships. Earlier, she was named Best Rider in the Open Category at the EPL Championships in both 2022 and 2023, and won a silver medal across Grade 3, Novice and Preliminary categories at the NEC Championships in 2018.

Early beginnings and formal training

Sanyogeeta’s journey with horses began as a hobby in her hometown of Pune. Over time, her passion deepened into a commitment serious enough to pursue professionally. She began her formal training under Asian Games gold medallist Col. G. M. Khan, whose mentorship proved transformative. “His guidance played a pivotal role in shaping me as both a rider and a professional. It strengthened my technical skills and instilled the discipline and dedication required to excel in equestrian sport,” she remarks in a chat with Global Indian.

After completing school, Sanyogeeta became acutely aware of how challenging it was to pursue equestrian sport full-time in India. As a practical step, she completed her graduation in electronics engineering. “However, deep down, I always knew I wanted to build my life around horses and take up equestrian sport as a profession. With that conviction, I began looking for opportunities to work with reputed trainers and riders,” she recalls.

Sanyogeeta Limaye | Equestrienne

Global exposure and professional grounding

Her career took a decisive turn when she spent a year training and working with Olympians Elisa and Neil Shapiro in the United States. The experience strengthened her fundamentals and broadened her understanding of international equestrian standards. After returning to Pune, she founded Ceddar Equestrian Centre, marking her first step as an independent professional. During this phase, she also trained with leading UK producer John Steels, an experience that refined her approach to horse training, conditioning and long-term management.

Eventually, Sanyogeeta received an offer from Embassy International Riding School in Bengaluru, widely regarded as the hub of Indian equestrian sport. She recognised immediately that it was the right environment to grow as both rider and trainer. “Each phase of my career has taught me what it truly takes to build a life in sport. It’s made me resilient, determined and persistent, while keeping me grounded. That exposure, both domestic and international, has helped me grow not just as a rider, but as a human being,” she says.

Discovering a passion for coaching

Sanyogeeta began teaching children on her personal horses as a way to sustain herself financially, given the high costs associated with the sport. It was during this period that she discovered a natural affinity for coaching youngsters. “Helping children understand the nuances of riding, watching them develop a bond with horses, and seeing their gradual improvement brought me a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment. I realised coaching wasn’t just a means of survival, rather it was something I genuinely loved,” she says.

As a woman in equestrian sport, Sanyogeeta acknowledges that her presence is still relatively uncommon, particularly in training roles. However, she believes the saddle itself remains a great equaliser. “As a rider, gender doesn’t change expectations or standards. As a trainer, there can be challenges, but I see them as opportunities for growth. They have pushed me to evolve and made the journey more exciting and rewarding,” she adds.

Competing, persevering and giving back

Sanyogeeta has competed at national championships and higher levels for over 15 years and has represented India at international events. The journey, she admits, has not been easy. Equestrian sport in India is often perceived as a pursuit for the affluent, creating additional barriers for athletes building careers independently. “Earning enough to invest in my own horses, train and maintain them, and compete consistently has taken years of relentless effort and personal sacrifice. Every setback has made the victories more meaningful. Looking back, I know every step has been worth it,” she reflects.

Sanyogeeta Limaye | Equestrienne

Her biggest inspiration, she says, is her husband, Ashish Limaye, one of India’s top equestrian athletes. “His discipline and excellence constantly push me to grow. My parents have been my strongest supporters from the very beginning. Together, they have never allowed me to give up, especially when the journey became difficult. Their belief in me motivates me to aim higher and stay focused,” she says.

Reflecting on her international exposure, Sanyogeeta Limaye adds, “I feel privileged to have learned in countries where the sport operates at the highest level. Those experiences have given me a deep, wide-ranging understanding of the equestrian world. My goal now is to contribute meaningfully to the growth and visibility of equestrian sport in India, and to ensure the next generation can access opportunities I once had to seek abroad.”