Ludhiana's very own wild wild west

LUDHIANA: When it comes to distractions, Ludhianvis like giving a free rein to their pursuit of passion. The latest fad in the city, apparently, is keeping horses as pets. And, whether they know any riding skills or not, seems to be of little consequence. For, many boast of steeds despite lack of riding skills.
'I always wanted to keep horses as pets, but my parents wouldn't let me.Finally, I got them as my birthday gift,' Hitest Kumar, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar told TOI. His persistency won him not one, but two horses ' Jack and Pom.
Satinder Mahal, who lives on Ferozepur Road, has a herd of eight horses ' all bought just a few months ago. The horses are Fire cane corso and boxer breed, he said. A keen rider, he added, 'I was fond of horses, so I bought them. I feel like a superhero when I ride my horses. Even my relatives come over for a horse ride.'
Haibowal resident Pankaj, too, faced stiff resistance from this family. 'No one wanted to keep horses, as they consider them wild (animals). But I wanted them, desperately. It was me who insisted that we buy a horse. And now, I am proud of my decision as all my friends keep discussing my pets,' he said.
Shiv Raj Sohi, who stays in the Civil Lines area, added that he had eight horses in his stable. All are of very rare breeds.
'None from my family likes them, so I have to take care of them. I love to spend time with my horses and spend time riding,' he claimed.