Perdana Stables has one of the largest riding facilities in northern Malaysia. The Langkawi horses are famous for horse shows and variety of riding activities for riders.
The entrance of Perdana Stables for Langkawi horses.
Upon entering, you can see the arena on the left and stables are further inside.
The classical Langkawi Geopark sign that has been around for years.
The mounting area for riding the get on the horse.
The main stables where it connects to the office.
Beautiful grey horse, Seven Wells Akira named after the tourist attraction nearby.
A big round pen for training.
Float for transporting horses.
Variety of unique saddles at display.
Short riding boots – probably can be loaned for ad-hoc riding sessions.
Medals and certificates own by Perdana Stables from competition locally and internationally.
Photos of Tun Mahathir when he was active in horse riding activities.
Looking out from the sitting area of the stables.
A big arena for horse shows and riding activities.
Audience bench for enjoying the horse shows.
Hanging a few saddles on the side of arena.
Custom built training equipment without using a real horse for practice.
Looking into the arena from the audience bench.
The toilets are at a separate building next to the main arena.
Jungle and Beach Ride
I booked a jungle and beach ride with Perdana Stables.
Passing through lush of greenery while heading out.
Small stream along the way.
Magnificent view between the mountain area connecting to the beach.
We have arrived the beautiful sandy beach. Berjaya Resort is on the right side.
Walking on water with splash of the waves.
Stopped to pose at calming water.
We continued our trail to walk passed the trees next to the beach.
Walking slowly on a long stretch of tree next to the beach.
We went up to a small hill to see the additional man-made islands in Langkawi that made up the 101 instead of 99 islands.
A short video to capture the jungle and beach ride.
Pimienta, a lovely Anglo-Arabian that gave me a wonderful ride with soft cantering. Getting a shower after the morning working shift.
I had the opportunity to chat with Hamzah, the founder of Perdana Stables and one of most respectable trainers in the Malaysia horse riding industry. No words can describe the contribution and dedication Hamzah put in the horse industry over the last few decades.
The Langkawi Horse Show originated by Hamzah and his team (the Hanssens’ family) is one of the most unique horse shows in Malaysia. You must check it out if you have the opportunity.
More information on Langkawi Horses
For more information, please visit the Langkawi Horses website or the Facebook page.
Kasavilla Stable is located in Dengkil. It is a new stable started operating in early 2022. A team of experienced horseman is taking care of the welfare of the horses.
As you arrived, you will see a newly built stable.
Red bricks and a clean roof with cream and black color design combination make the stable uniquely recognizable.
Upon entering, you can see the boxes are well kept, clean and tidy.
At the side, there is a paddock for training the horses and lesson for students.
The big paddock is located right next to the stable.
The wide entrance of the paddock.
The paddock is big enough for 3-4 horses riding at one go comfortably.
The rider and the horse were bonding before mounting.
The staff in Kasavilla Stable was kind enough to bring us some nasi lemak before our ride. Not to mention the nasi lemak was so tasty!
Daniel on MistyKitty on Ben
Kity and I booked for a trail ride and we mounted on our horses in the paddock.
Misty is a young and active horse. She can get a little naughty in the beginning but once she is warm up, she is so fine. It is really fun and exciting to ride with her once I took her out further into the trail.
Ben is an older horse with very steady pace. He was a little heavy in the paddock but once he was out he will carry the rider comfortably. A very good horse for riders who are getting started with trail ride.
Kasavilla Stable Trail
The trail offers a lot of greenery which is relaxing for the eyes and refreshing for the lungs.
We also got plenty of even and straight track for cantering. Super fun track!
Stopped by for photos after a long stretch of slow cantering with our riding buddies.
Totally enjoyable the Sunday morning ride. Thumb up!
We came back in slightly below 2 hour covering 18KM.
Next, a few more photos around the stable and paddock.
Peeping from behind one of the boxes in stables.
Clean and tidy interior of the stable.
Toha (right), the man who is running the stable who is also a very experienced horseman.
More Information on Kasavilla Stable
The location of Kasavilla Stable as follows. For more information, please contact Toha at 01157394989 to book your ride or visit their Instagram.
3rd day of our 3-day horse riding trip across Peninsular Malaysia! We selected Terengganu International Endurance Park (T.I.E.P.) as our final destination.
Terengganu International Endurance Park (T.I.E.P.) is my most looking-forward-to track to ride since my endurance competition last year.
Our accomodation is fairly near to T.I.E.P. It took us about 15 min drive to get there. (Look at Suki’s sleepy eyes!)
Good morning horsies!
The girls abandoned me in the car while I was parking. They ran over to welcome the horses instead!
Jaclyn got Princess, I got Jacq and Suki got Langkasari.
Wasted no time, we started off our ride in T.I.E.P. – one of the top 10 endurance tracks in the world!
The initial track that we planned for was 14KM.
Upon completing the 14KM, we didn’t get enough of umh! and requested our guide, Anuar to bring us to another round of 10KM.
In total, we completed 24KM in the track as you can see in the following video.
Upon coming back, horses rest and drink before heading back to the stables.
This is an emotional moment for me.
I took Jacq for my 40km last year. I spent fair amount of time training with him back in Batu Arang last year (average of 3-4 times in a week).
Jacq was sold to another private stable in Terengganu, which means I can’t see him and ride with him as frequent as I used to.
Because of the endurance training, my riding style has changed so much to fit to Jacq. When I was riding Jacq, we feels in-sync with each others’ movement.
Jacq has got a lot more thinner than he used to be. Frankly, I have such an unspokeable heartache to see him again.
As much as I felt reluctant to leave Jacq, but it’s time to move on after petting and feeding Jacq.
I carried a heavy heart to come back to Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
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.
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!
July 14-16 was the long awaited endurance competition I have been preparing for in Terengganu International Endurance Park, Lembah Bidong by Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES).
I have prepared specifically for this competition for more than a month with my coach, Abang Iskandar in Batu Arang. Here and here are some of my training footprints although I did train for average 3 times a week for a month.
We went up there on Wednesday night about 8.30 P.M.
A day before the vet check, Bang Is got me to practice trotting Jacq (the horse I was riding for competition) at the vet check zone.
Of course not forgetting to let Jacq familiarize with the area.
Vet Check Day
The actual day of vet check. Black vest is for 40 KM participant. Maroon vest is for 80 KM.
Lucky enough to get No.1 vest for my maiden competition
On the actual vet check day, the doctor on site was checking Jacq after trotting.
A lot of the horses got excited during vet check because there are a lot of horses gather.
Rider No.20 having a special hard time with his stallion (if not mistaken). Well, there were a lot of mares around including Jacq.
The surrounding of the site during vet check day.
The rest area where horses can cool down after each loop for competition.
On the same day we went for a briefing conducted in the open space next to office area.
We were given the following notes for the competition.
This map shows 40 KM participant need to follow Green arrow in 1st loop and Bluearrow on 2nd loop.
In the evening, I got my helmet taped with the head lamp in such artistic touch… Better be safe than be sorry!
After dinner to discuss the strategy on what is the pace to ride, we head back hostel for rest.
Competition Day
Ready to go Rider No.1!
My crew members (Riena and Wan) were helping me to do a final check and some gave me a few final reminders before heading off.
Warming up Jacq in the field.
Flag Off
Flag off was at 3.15 A.M. for 40 KM participants.
Here is a very clear video posted at the courtesy of Ramis Karymshakov, a visiting official from Kyrgyzstan. Please spot for Rider No.1 🙂
1st 20 KM Loop
I started off trotting for the first 5 KM until the 1st water point, as planned. Frankly the initial trotting 5 KM was the hardest part of the competition. It was early in the morning and doing active trot to warm up both the rider and the horse were pretty exhausting.
Water Point 1
At the first water point, I did not stop for rest, again as planned. I cantered into the direction of 2nd water point.
The stamina was much forgiving when I was cantering. Although I still have to ride in the darkness with my tiny head lamp, it was good enough for me to focus on the next 50 M and seeing the Green arrow sign ahead clearly.
Water Point 2
At the 2nd water point, Bang Is and Riena were waiting for me to cool down Jacq. I had a quick stop at 2nd water point and proceed cantering to 3rd water point.
After water point break and cool down Jacq, I could feel she was cantering much lighter than the previous round. I felt like cantering in the air. It was like yeeeehar~ moment.
Water Point 3
Cantering into 3rd water point, again Bang Is and Riena were waiting for me there to cool down Jacq and I got the chance to have drink. After a short break, I continue cantering back into flag off gate to complete the 1st loop.
In the last 1 KM before reaching the gate, I started walking Jacq to allow her heart rate to come down. In fact, the earlier 4 KM was a breeze too. I was wondering how did I got back to the gate so fast.
Once I came back, I checked my time, it was 4:43 A.M. (We started off at 3.15 A.M.). The 1st 20 KM loop took me approximately 1 hour 30 minutes – as planned. My departure time for next loop is +40 minutes which made it to be 5.32 A.M.
1st Loop Vet Check
Jacq’s heart rate came down in 9:30 minutes. We proceed to vet check once her HR was about 56.
Abang Is helped me with bringing Jacq for vet check while I can take a rest myself for the next and final loop.
Everyone (including Jacq) were resting in our tent. We fed Jacq with sufficient food and drink before the next loop begin.
Not forgetting the rider was pretty exhausted after 20 KM ride.
After resting a bit more and it was about 5.20 A.M. we started preparing the horse for the next loop.
2nd 20 KM Loop
My take off time was set to be 5.32 A.M. Wasted no time, I got myself ready prior to that and head to the gate right at the dot.
At the point of taking off Abang Is already asked for me that I was at place No. 5.
I cantered my way to the 1st water point in the Blue route. Abang Iskandar and Riena did not wait for me there.
Water Point 1
Jacq did not want to drink water at 1st water point. I believe I made a mistake there when I cantered all my way to the water point. According to Abang Iskandar, I should be slowing down Jacq in about 200 m prior to the water point so that when we got there Jacq would be relax enough to want to drink.
Moving forward, I cantered a little faster in the next 5 KM heading to 2nd water point. At this point I was able to over take a few riders ahead of me and placed at No.2. I was excited that I was going to get at least top 3.
Water Point 2
Unfortunately upon reaching water point 2, Jacq heart beat got super fast and it didn’t seem like I could continue fast cantering as I earlier did. Not even to proceed the route before her heart rate slow down.
We took a lot of time to cool down Jacq and let her rest.
The riders that I overtook earlier has arrived to water point 2 and continued to water point 3 while Jacq was still resting in water point 2. Ouch…
We knew that Jacq is not going to make it to vet check if we were to force her with the fast pace. So while moving to water point 3, I was only doing slow canter.
Water Point 3
The good news is at water point 3, Jacq heart beat appeared to be better than when she was in water point 2. While the bad news is, I did not manage to overtake any of the riders went ahead of me while I was resting in water point 2.
At water point 3, Abang Iskandar and Riena updated me with their plan. After leaving water point 3, I should walk for 1 KM, canter for 3 KM and then finally walk for 1 KM before arriving to the gate.
I continued as planned and arrived to gate at 6.52 A.M. In other words, it took me 1 hour 20 minute to complete the 2nd loop. This is way beyond the planned time which was 1 hour sharp.
Jacq took 8:22 min to cool down before heading for vet check.
Here is the health report card for Jacq after completing 40 KM.
The game was over. But we didn’t know our placing until later on the official result came out.
We head for breakfast and only came back collecting the result at approximately 11 A.M.
I was placed at No.5 out of 19 riders. Not too bad for maiden ride. Feeling highly grateful that I got No.5 while some riders were not able to complete the competition.
The rest of the results.
On the next day, I managed to meet up with some riders in the stable.
Selfie with Leong, who was another rider during the 40 KM competition.
Summary
In summary, it was an amazing riding experience during the endurance competition. I couldn’t have done it without the help my coach Abang Is, and the crew, Riena who updated me with the plan along the way and get me on almost every water point. Terima kasih Abang Is, Riena!
Also not forgetting Jacq who has gave her very best to go through the journey with me. Thanks Jacq!
In total, it costed slightly below RM3,000 for the entire game. The breakdown as follows:
RM2,500 – horse rental and training
RM200 – registration
RM200 – hiring crew members at RM100 each member
RM50 – vest deposit (which unfortunately I lost it)
It has been a long journey since I first started riding in Putrajaya about 2 years back. I could still vividly remember how awkwardly I did my rising trot. I’m grateful for all the people and horses who taught me how to be a better rider.
You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.
There is an endurance competition in TIEP (Terengganu International Endurance Park) happening on 7th-9th July 2017. I have a discussion with Abang Iskandar on joining the endurance competition for 40KM and he agreed to train me for that. This is my first time joining an endurance competition. How exciting!
I wanted to bring Jack up to TIEP for the competition. Unfortunately right before my training starts, Jack got into a fight with Shadow and had a few scratches on his legs and body. That makes Jack unfit for training, at least for the past 2 weeks.
As a replacement, Abang Iskandar suggested me to use Rainbow instead.
Heading out from the stable. Abang Iskandar and Opie are in front. Rainbow was throwing a bit of attitude right before hitting the track, hence I was falling behind.
Trotting out the track. I was heading front.
Further out into the trail.
It was always pleasant to have a chat with Abang Iskandar during the ride. He is always generous sharing his horsey experiences.
Continue trotting out…
We hit the tar road and continue trotting. We were trotting pass a mosque. It was early morning where the sun was rising behind the thick cloud.
Big piece of empty land along the tar road.
Long stretch of tar road for trotting. We definitely trotted for several KMs on the tar road.
This is almost the end of the tar road we trotted. Abang Iskandar was adjusting his saddle.
We passed by kampung houses in the Batu Arang. There are a lot of big beautifully constructed houses in the area.
After we completed the tar road section, we went back into kelapa sawit farm. This is a video where we rode few weeks back but it is on the same track. (Make sure you watch the video in HD)
On our way walking back. We wanted to cool down the horses to lower their heart rate. This is the same pace we are going to follow during our competition as a trial run. We wanted to check the horses heart rate when we got back.
I was discussing with Abang Iskandar why Arabian was being such a preferred breed while riders going for endurance competition.
On our way back, we passed by the big arena for conducting jumping class when it is ready. It’s a really huge arena.
To put the size into perspective… This is the arena compare to a human and horse size. Really looking forward to see it to be filled with students jumping inside.
Making a turn at the corner of the big arena to get back to stable.
Rainbow tend to raise his head when he gets thirsty. Hey… hold on, we are reaching stable soon!
Upon reaching stable, our groomer Faizal came helping me getting Rainbow.
Opie made it back to the stable right behind me.
Faizal untacking Rainbow.
I was removing saddle pad while Faizal removed the saddle.
Yours truly needed to drink after 2 hours ride.
On Sunday, we covered 24km according to Abang Iskandar. The day before (Saturday) I did 1 hour of flat work in the big arena with Hanna and Liliana. Surprisingly it wasn’t too tiring – at least my muscle didn’t ache too bad on Monday.
If you would like to ride in Batu Arang, please contact my favourite coach Abang Iskandar (011-21277822).
