First day of our 3-day horse riding trip across Peninsular Malaysia!
We decided to have Bidaisari Stables in Janda Baik, Bentong (Pahang) as our first stop. It is a track that Jaclyn wanted to go since last year but never had a chance.
Suki and I rode in Bidaisari Stable once in September last year. It was a reasonably relaxing ride so we were really looking forward coming back again after 6 months.
Jackly got on Pampa, the first endurance horse she ever had; Suki got on Zaafa, an anglo Arab that has pleasantly light and smooth canter; while I got on Bella, an easy-going grey horse and she is really good looking.
Our guide, Raju came along with us on his horse and guided us to finish through the big loop in the trail.
We crossed 2 small streams and spent fair amount of time allowing the horse to rest and eat, while the riders took the time to take lots of photos!
We covered 12KM and it took us slightly more than 2 hours to complete the trail.
Next stop, we are heading over to Kuatan for Pusat Equestrian Pahang!
I got a jumping horse, (named Russian) which is not used to going out the trail. Before going out, I flatwork Russian for about 10 minutes in the arena and Russian was a really steady boy while walking and trotting.
When we hit the trail, I gave Russian the clue to go canter. He started off with slow canter and within very short time he transition into fast canter and I couldn’t slow him down.
Russian kept fast cantering for the next couple of minutes and eventually transition into galloping while going down hill. Yeeeeehar! (Well, it was actually steadier than I thought it will be)
The only problem was, I couldn’t slow him down and I felt fairly uncomfortable riding a horse that I couldn’t control.
Eventually at a very sharp turn, Russian was fast cantering into left while my body momentum was still going forward. I felt down on my right side and knock my head. I could tell I almost lost my conscious as the world was spinning when I hit the ground. I laid on the mud for a couple of minutes before Din came to my rescue.
Din and I exchanged horses. I got back on to horse back and ride back to the arena. At this point I could feel I lost a bit of my balance because my hand and leg coordination was out of sync.
Back into arena, I flatwork Russian again for another 45 minutes. The objective for doing this is to make sure I find back my balance and confidence on horse back before calling it a day.
It’s been a while since my last fall from a horse. The good thing about falling down is we always get to stand back up on our own and remember to stay humble no matter how much one has been riding.
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.
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 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 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!
There wasn’t a big stable. The horses are kept behind the owner’s house.
Our groom is preparing our horses.
Not forgetting to pose with the horses.
Half way going up the hill.
Keep walking…
Wefie time!
Hey buddy, snack break!
The view along the trail
Horses are taking a break while we go up hiking the trail by foot.
More views along the trail.
View on top of the mountain we hike for 15-20 minutes.
Quite a relaxing walk while chatting with Emilio.
More photos of me and my riding buddy!
Selfie time!
Victory for making this far.
A few more random shot of the view along track.
Agave plant, the raw material for making Tequila.
Heading back. Left? Right? Center?
Getting out of the wood.
Passing by the local’s house
Field belongs to the local with beautiful little flowers.
We ended the ride by visiting a small shop serving delicious taco and amazing coffee (with unlimited refill!)
Bidaisari Stables is located in Janda Baik, Bentong, Pahang. It is approximately 1 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.
The stables is located next to Bidaisari Resort. They offer accommodation + riding activities packages. If you are coming from outstation and looking for a place to stay and ride, this will be the perfect choice. You can check out more of their packages in their Facebook page.
A big paddock is just right next to the stable. You can take riding lessons in the stable for RM100/lesson.
You can probably tell, the location of the stable is pretty scenic. It’s a chilling environment to have a relaxing ride.
Suki and I decided to go there for trail ride after watching the video posted in Horse Riding Malaysia group:
I got Bella for my ride, a beautiful grey horse with soft canter.
We warmed up the horses in the paddock before heading out.
Look at the big smile on Suki’s face!
We met a new friend, Adam during our visit. Adam is a passionate young rider who was training for his up coming endurance competition. He usually trains in DARC.
Adam was on Zephyr, an Arabian during our trail ride.
We head out to the trail after our short warming up. Raju, the groomer came along with us on his trail bike to guide us along the trail.
Without delaying, we head out to the trail!
Suki was passing a stream, where her horse, Pampa really wanted to lay down to play water. Suki was quick enough to get Pampa to keep moving else she would have become a wet rider.
Of course we did not forget to stop to take some evidences we have been in such an awesome trail!
The trail was hit by heavy rain the night before. Some bamboo collapsed and blocked our way in. Suki and I got down from our horses to clear the path in order to proceed, while Adam was holding our horses.
My muddy boot as a result of clearing the bamboo on muddy ground.
The scene near the peak of the trail. Magnificent view indeed!
We came back from the trail in approximately 2.5 hour. It was a long track with a lot of uphill and downhill. It is a good place for riders to connect with the horses.
The stable also comes with a club house which is tastefully designed in horse theme.
Suki was playing with the dog in stable after coming back from our ride.
We also got to meet Yasman, who operates the stable. We had a good chat on the horses in the stable and what we can do in the club house. A super friendly and passionate horseman. It has been a pleasure meeting Yasman!
The stable offers riding lesson and packages as following if you are interested coming over for some actions:
Here is the location:
For more information, please contact Yasman at (+60 11-3229 3111) or visit El Campo at Bidaisari Janda Baik Facebook page.
Congratulations to Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin for winning Gold medal in SEA Games 2017 equestrian endurance competition!
More than 20 riders earlier took part in the SEA Games endurance race that began in 3 AM of Sunday morning at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu.
Sultan Mizan is the first Sultan to have participated in SEA Games history.
Tuanku led the Malaysian team which comprised five other riders.
It was also the first time Sultan Mizan had won gold in 80 KM equestrian endurance at the SEA Games. Malaysia had previously bagged two gold at the 2013 Myanmar Games.
The riders had to go through an 80 KM track and the horses would have to undergo checks at designated locations to ensure their fitness.
The official result as follow:
Our Sultan ranks 4th in the world. His majesty has vast experience having competed in numerous international equestrian endurance events in the Middle East and Europe.
Our champion rider, credited team effort for Malaysia’s success in the following video:
Sultan Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin created new record for SEA Games by completing the endurance in 3 hour 48 minute 38 second, with average speed of 21 km/h. Video by: ARJASNEH AHMAD – BERNAMA
In Sultan Mizan’s words
We worked in cohesion, moved together and our strategy worked. Although it was a long race, it did not seem boring or lethargic as we galloped energetically.
I would like to congratulate all and sundry, from the trainers, horse handlers, veterinarians, officials to the state government, for helping us achieve our target and working tirelessly for a successful race which went without any untoward incident.
~ Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, 20 August 2017
According to NST, the ruler also hoped Malaysia’s success would boost its chances to host the Asian Endurance Cup and the World Junior Endurance Championship next year.
On behalf of Malaysians and all horse riders in Malaysia, we sincerely appreciate your contribution to the equestrian field in Malaysia. You have inspired us so much and we look up to you to be a better riders. Thank you for making us proud, Sultan Mizan & team Malaysia!
