I have always wanted to try horse riding but it is usually very expensive in Singapore. Every once in a while, Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre offers horse riding experience at promotional prices. I recently chanced upon such an horse riding experience on Trip.com so I decided to give it a try.
How to Get to Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre
MRT
Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre is a 12-minute walk from Kranji MRT station.
Bus
SMRT Bus 925, 925A, 925M, 960, 961, 961M (Alight at the bus stop opposite Woodlands Industrial Park D Street 1, along Woodlands Avenue 3)
SBS Bus 160, 178
SMRT Bus 925, 925M, 960, 961, 961M (Alight at the bus stop after Woodlands Industrial Park D Street 1, along Woodlands Avenue 3. Cross the road to get to the Riding Centre)
You can find the full directions on how to get to Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre here.
Gearing Up
I met my instructor, Adi, who took me into the reception area where he fitted me with helmet and boots.
The correct attire for horse riding are comfortable pants and shirt that does not overly restrict movement. You can wear your own boots with 1-1.5 inch heel and riding helmet or rent the boots and helmet at S$1 each.
Stable Tour
My instructor, Adi, took me on a stable tour on a motorized cart much like a golf buggy.
Our first stop was the Tack Room where we picked up the tacking supplies for the horse riding experience.
He went on to explain that Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre has two stables, one on lower ground and one on higher ground. The two stables houses over 100 horses, most of which are boarded by owners. The horses are well taken-care of with quality hay and brushing twice daily.
Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre operate the only boarding stable in Singapore with fully-equipped equine surgical facility and qualified equine veterinary surgeons.
There are both covered and open arenas, you can have lessons and practice horse riding regardless of weather.
Tacking Up
The instructor chose a 15-year-old mild-tempered horse named Butterfly Pea for me. When I first saw her, I was a little scared because she was so much bigger than I anticipated. Her body was almost as tall my chest, she was taller than me when she held her head high. I could feel the heat radiating from her body, the muscles in her body are so strong.
We fetched her from her stable and the instructor Adi showed me how to lead the horse.
After securing her in the holding area, my instructor Adi showed me how to groom Butterfly Pea. Grooming a horse before tacking it up will help assure that the horse doesn’t get saddle sores or other pain caused by excessive loose hair or dirt.
We brushed her and picked her feet with a hoof pick. We even tied her mane into small sections and braided her tail. Adi did horse racing in the past and he told me presentation of the horse is very important too.
After grooming Butterfly Pea, it was time to tack her up. Adi placed a saddle pad on Butterfly Pea and placed the saddle on top of the saddle pad. He then put on the girth and adjusted the length of the stirrups. We wrapped Butterfly Pea’s legs with polo wraps and placed the reins on her. After putting the bite in the horse’s mouth, Adi put on the bridle , buckled the throat latch and noseband and the tack-up is done.
Horse-Riding Experience
Now for the actual horse-riding experience. Adi put a short ladder next to the left side of Butterfly Pea. I climbed up, swung my right leg over the horse back and I was sitting on Butterfly Pea. Now I understand why the attire ask for boots with heel, the heel will latch on the stirrups so avoid the feet falling through.
I was a little wobbly at first, especially when she started moving. With every step, I was bouncing slightly. It was kind of scary and fun at the same time. Adi my trainer reminded me to keep my weight on my feet in the stirrups.
To make things more exciting, Adi even got Butterfly Pea to gallop a little which made me bounce even more.
Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre also offers riding lessons from beginner all the way to advanced. You can learn in private, semi-private or group lessons. Learn more about Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre’s lessons here.
Conclusion
If you have not done horse riding before, you should definitely give it a try. It is really fun and safe with the experienced trainers and great facilities at Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre.
Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre
Address: 1 Equestrian Walk (off Woodlands Avenue 3), Singapore 737863
Telephone: 68793600
Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays, Tuesday – Friday 8am – 8pm, Saturday – Sunday 8am – 6pm
Website: https://www.turfclub.com.sg/en.html
