February 2018 - Horse Riding Malaysia

Benua Equestrian Stables

Benua Equestrian Stables is a private stable located in UPM. There are 2 stables in UPM, one runs by the university and the other (Benua) is privately owned.

I get the meet the owner during last year endurance competition and I have been putting off to visit his stable.

UPM is located next to MAEPS but the riding track is not identical. MAEPS offers into-the-forest track while UPM has well-maintained farm track.

The track in UPM has plenty of clear path for cantering.

In the track, if you do slow canter on open area and trot and walk on down slope, you will complete the track in approximately 45 minutes.

Taking break half way into the ride with my horse, Mufasa, a really light endurance horse.

Mufasa is back from our ride and cooling down. I could see her body was steaming a little the moment the groom removed the saddle.

The groom, Eddie was showering Mufasa after my ride.

A couple of other horses outside their stables.

Getting ready for flat work.

The open area in the compound.

Banner inside the office. You can tell Benua Equestrian Stables offers wide range of riding activities.

The office is elegantly decorated.

Hall of fame!

A few more frames exhibiting horse info-graphics.

A little coffee table in the office for the staffs and visitors to relax and chat.

The front entrance of the management office is cozily decorated and looks welcoming.

Benua Equestrian Stables

Signage in front of the management office.

Benua Equestrian Stables pick-up truck for taking horses out for competition.

The arena within Benua Equestrian Stables compound. Large enough for trainers to coach students for various types of lesson.

There is also a much bigger arena above while is within UPM stables. Both UPM and Benua Equestrian Stables are using the big arena during my visit.

Kids having their riding lesson in the big arena.

This is the location of Benua Equestrian Stables.

If you would like to visit, please contact Chris at +6011-23464152.

Roeckl Riding Glove

I bought my last pair of riding glove from Decathlon in 2016. It has been a reliable pair of glove for my ride for the last 1.5 year.

After my endurance competition in July 2017, it started to have some tiny holes and I have to eventually replace it with a new pair.

I got this new pair of gloves from the shop in Putrajaya, from Uncle Michael… No wait, he is now a Dato Michael.

As usual, he will let me play and try with as much as I want.

Finally I settle down with this pair…

A very solid pair of riding glove. Definitely thicker than my previous pair yet it is not too hot while wearing.

An extra padding above the little finger for additional grip for reign.

Yup, it is friendly on my touchscreen too!

The price is RM100. Usually if I ask for it, Uncle Michael will give a little discount. But I didn’t ask for it because Uncle Michael has been an awesome friend 🙂

Here you go… My new pair of riding glove for the next 1-2 year to come.

This is my 3rd pair of riding glove.

1st pair I bought it in Plaza Ampang City for RM35,
2nd pair from Dechalon for RM89,
3rd pair from Uncle Michael for RM100

I’m pretty happy to have this new pair of glove as every time I replace a glove, it’s a sign that I’ve clocked much more hours on the saddle. Keep riding folks!

Countryside Stables Penang

Countryside Stables Penang is located in Balik Pulau, Penang (Pulau Pinang), approximately 30km from George Town.

You will be passing through some small roads and village area. For the distance of 30km, it will take you about 30-40 minutes coming from George Town in early morning.

Upon arrival, you will see the grand entrance.

There was no out ride activity in Countryside Stable Penang. I went there for an hour of riding in the big arena. The entrance fee for Malaysian adult is RM10 and RM15 for non-Malaysian adult.

The riding fee and lesson fee is the same. RM80 for 30 minutes or RM120 for 60 minutes. I opted for 60 minutes to ride in the arena.

Upon entering, you will see a tastefully decorated signage.

Countryside Stables Penang

The colorful decoration gives a Thai-ish sense of design.

There are many ponies being stationed at the front part of the stables. That definitely get the kids excited during their visit.

Of course, there are also bigger horses and a lot of them look totally stunning!

This is Frankie. The groom got Frankie for me for my ride in the arena.

Frankie used to be a jumping horse and he is now being used for schooling.

The groom got me to ride inside the ring for 15 minutes to assess my riding level before allowing me get into their big arena.

I walk for a couple of circles and spent the remaining time trotting inside while chatting with the staff, Ganesan who is a really friendly guy.

Posing with Frankie, after the warm up and before entering to arena.

Frankie has been an energetic boy in the big arena.

I didn’t need to use my whip. Gentle squeeze on the leg and a few kissing sound could get Frankie transition into trotting and cantering the the arena.

There is also an indoor arena. This is wonderful as even during rainy days students can continue their lessons.

An open area for visitors and students to chill out.

The staff was kind enough to turn on the fan for me while I went in to take a seat.

Some carriages on display.

This is the location to Countryside Stables Penang. If you would like to ride here, please contact Wan, 012-4080678 for more information.

Sunset Ranch Los Angeles

Sunset Ranch is located 8 miles away from Los Angeles.

Upon arrival, the registration booth at your right side. You see this wooden house on your left.

Horses roaming around the ranch. Ready for riders to go out to the track.

Horse is ready! This is the area riders mount on the horses.

The mini version of the Hollywood sign in the ranch.

Few more horses around the ranch ready for riders.

Our guide, a local teenage girl who has been riding in the track since young age is preparing her horse to take us out to the track.

Ready to go!

Some briefing before hitting the track.

Hey guys, come over faster!

Everyone is looking good!

Continue to walk on the track.

The sun was hot, but the wind is really cold during winter.

Looking back at the track.

The trail is a popular spot for hikers to take a walk on the weekend. While we were riding, there are many also hikers along the track.

Alright, everything still looks good.

Walking along the long track.

The mountain there is not super green during winter because lack of rain. I bet the place look much greener during summer when it gets wetter.

On the top left side of the photo, that’s the viewing area for hikers who come all the way up to have a good view of Los Angeles.

The tall buildings in the center of the photo is the downtown area in Los Angeles.

We stopped at the peak to rest and of course to take some photos.

On our way back. Since I was leading front while going up, I stayed back on the way going back.

In the front there are our local guide, a couple from Chihuahua, Mexico and another rider from Florida.

Taking a turn while walking back.

We met some other riders going up the trail while we were coming down. This track is very friendly for first time rider too!

Passing by the famous Hollywood Sign!

Right before entering the ranch from our track.

Of course, at the end of the ride, please remember to tip your guide according 😉

Following is the location to the ranch. Click here for their website to find out more. You can make a booking and make the payment right from their website.

Mazamitla, a town and municipality of the Mexican state of Jalisco. It is located 124 km south of Guadalajara. The name comes from the Nahuatl language which means “Where deer are hunted with arrows”.

Driving to Mazamitla from Guadalajara.

Driver side is on the left in Mexico and that definitely added some excitement on my drive. Sorry Emilio we almost got us killed!