ITBP organises equestrian championship in Panchkula in memory of its horse Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm was reared and trained at the ITBP Training Centre Bhanu near Ramgarh in Panchkula. Deputy Commandant Raveshwar Singh Rana, who trained and rode the horse, named him Thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm participates in an equestrian sports event. (File Photo)

In a first, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) organised the 40th All India Police Equestrian Championship and Mounted Police Duty Meet in memory of Thunderstorm, a horse who brought many laurels to the paramilitary force in his seven-years long service. The championship was organised at ITBP Basic Training Centre, Bhanu, Panchkula.

Who was the Thunderstorm?

Thunderstorm was an exotic thoroughbred geld white colour horse, procured by the ITBP from a racecourse in Kolkata in 2014. A team of ITBP horse riders bought the horse, which was later named Thunderstorm due to its abilities, for Rs 1.40 lakh. Thunderstorm was four-and-a-half when he was inducted into the ITBP.

He was reared and trained at the ITBP Training Centre Bhanu near Ramgarh in Panchkula. Deputy Commandant Raveshwar Singh Rana, who trained and rode the horse, named him Thunderstorm.

He stayed with the ITBP till the end of his life in October 2021.

What made Thunderstorm unique?

Rana explained, “There were many things which made Thunderstorm unique. He was a small-sized horse but had a big heart. You will be shocked to know Thunderstorm had been declared unfit for the racecourse when we procured him. There were many doubts about its abilities, but Thunderstorm proved his critics wrong.

“Thunderstorm was the first horse from India to win two consecutive medals in the prestigious FEI Dressage World Cup in 2017 and 2018”, Rana added.

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DIG Dr Sudhakar Natarajan said, “Before Thunderstorm, the ITBP did not participate in prestigious competitions including the FEI Dressage World Cup, and national-level cross country competition etc. But Thunderstorm’s abilities made us participate in these events. And, Thunderstorm marked his presence in these events.

“It was Thunderstorm who gave us an identity in the field of equestrian sports. He was our family member. Hence, the ITBP decided to organise an equestrian meet in his memory,” Natarajan added.

What were the achievements of Thunderstorm?

Besides his consecutive wins at the prestigious dressage world cup, Thunderstorm won more than 40 medals in national and international equestrian competitions.

In 2018, Thunderstorm was selected as the Best Horse of ITBP at ITBP’s Raising Day Parade.

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How did the Thunderstorm die? Will another horse replace him?

Thunderstorm died after being paralyzed. He was being treated by veterinarians at ITBP Bhanu, Ramgarh.

“Indeed, the ITBP will one day get a better horse than Thunderstorm, but it won’t be Thunderstorm. Thunderstorm was unique”, Rana, who had developed a special bond with the horse, told The Indian Express.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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