Horsing around on home turf

When you think of horses, the Singapore Turf Club comes to mind.

Racing fans flood the massive grandstand at Kranji each week, and why not? For a mere $5 by CashCard or ez-link, and $6 by cash, locals and tourists alike can get to watch the steeds racing across the flat.

And even if you are not there for the betting, there is still a frisson of excitement as people cheer on their favourite horses.

There are also foodcourts and restaurants on site with television screens, for keeping up with the action while having a meal.

Last month, the Singapore Airlines International Cup brought global attention to the tracks when racehorse Dan Excel broke the track record and claimed top prize.

For racehorse owners, there is complimentary entry to the plush Owners' Lounge.

But if you are more inclined towards riding a horse yourself than betting, there is always the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre (STCRC).

Apart from riding lessons and competitions, STCRC partners with schools for co-curricular activity programmes.

It is also home to several former race champions, as well as horses used in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

GET SERIOUS WITH A SADDLE

For those keen on riding, there is the Bukit Timah Saddle Club (BTSC) at 51 Fairways Drive.

The club offers packages for beginners, which include lessons on horse care, safety and basic riding techniques.

The only catch is that riders must be at least seven years old to experience the eight-week programme, which will set you back $577.80.

Younger children can participate in pony rides and educational programmes to learn how to care for ponies and horses.

More experienced riders can sign up for a public riding package in groups of three to eight people. An assessment lesson has to be booked with a BTSC instructor before riders are accepted into the programme.

The package of four lessons, each lasting 45 minutes, costs $428.

Tracing its history to the formation of the Singapore Sporting Club in 1842, BTSC brings a wealth of experience to its wide range of equestrian facilities and lessons.

The club is an accredited riding school, livery centre and training facility, and is internationally approved by the British Horse Society.

When you're ready to take horse riding to a competitive level, you can join the club as a member, and buy a horse of your own.

Internationally qualified instructors will show you the ropes of dressage and show jumping.

Every month, the BTSC also hosts weekend riding competitions, which members of the public can watch.

DOWNLOAD A HORSE APP

Download the free-to-play My Horse app, which brings the experience of owning and looking after a horse to your fingertips.

You can train your horse for competitions and take photos of it through an in-game camera as it plays and eats in the paddock.

HOP ON A CARRIAGE

Go back in time with this vintage experience, which will bring you on a journey to explore the Singapore Zoo's Rainforest Kidzworld.

The carriage features authentic leather seats, old-style wagon wheels and a handsomely groomed steed.

Be charmed by a scenic view of the Upper Seletar Reservoir which you will catch a glimpse of along the way.

The ride is available from 10.30am to 5pm. Tickets are at $6 per person.

ATTEND AN EXHIBITION

Hosted by the Singapore Philatelic Museum, the Horses for Courses exhibition explores the history and development of horses from the early wild years to present day's highly selective breeds.

Check out the material and objects displayed at the museum to discover the myths, legends, art and hobbies related to the majestic creature.

The exhibition will end on Aug 26.

Admission is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.

'Side walkers' guide disabled riders

For those who like interacting with horses, but also want to give back, volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Singapore might just be the thing for you.

Ask Miss Alicia Loh, who has been volunteering since 2009.

"In school, I thought many of the projects, such as flag day, were rather meaningless because I didn't get to see the people I was helping," she says. "After searching online for horse-related activities, I came across RDA."

The charity provides free riding lessons for individuals with disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy to autism.

A session includes practical instruction on proper riding techniques, which is intended to improve the posture and musculature of the riders.

They will also play simple games on horseback conducted by the volunteers to build self-confidence.

RDA partners with special needs schools and parents to help the disabled through these activities, which are known as hippotherapy.

"RDA lets me help directly, so I found it a more meaningful way to fulfil my Community Involvement Programme requirements," says Miss Loh.

Anyone above the age of 16 can sign up to be a volunteer with RDA. Most volunteers play the role of a "side walker", guiding and assisting the disabled rider.

More experienced volunteers can also have the opportunity to lead the horses during the 45-minute sessions.

No prior experience with horses is necessary, and volunteers will be given on-the-job training.

Although the degree of commitment required is flexible, RDA spokesman Andrew Liu was quick to stress that volunteering should not be undertaken frivolously.

"The side walkers are responsible for encouraging the riders and looking out for their safety," he says.

"They have the most important role to play in the therapy sessions."

Mr Liu added that while there is a lot of fun involved, RDA is not a place for, well, horsing around.

"The last thing we want is for members of the public to think that this is a petting zoo," he says.

This article was first published on June 8, 2014.
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