This page provides information for you to get started by finding a horse riding school and horse riding equipments in Malaysia.
Horse Riding Schools in Malaysia
The first thing you need to look for is a horse riding school in Malaysia. A riding school is the place you will get proper training on how to ride a horse safely.
Since there are not many riding school in Malaysia, my suggestion is to find one nearest to you.
Of course, if there is any reason that you do not want to attend the one nearest to your home for other reasons (for example, if you only want to train with a specific coach), that’s totally fine too as long as you do not mind the traveling time.
I will not include too many details on lesson fees here as the lesson fees inflate over time.
Some schools charge based on packages along with a small membership fee, while some schools charge by individual lesson.
Lesson fees will vary depending on your levels, packages and schools.
Some of the bigger riding schools in Malaysia are: Denai Alam Recreational and Riding Club, Selangor Turf Club, Putrajaya Equestrian Park, etc but you have a lot of other options too if you want a less busy riding school.
So, head over to the Malaysia riding school page or make a Google search to find a riding school.
Horse Riding Equipments in Malaysia
As the up-front cost for the equipment can be a little overwhelming compared to other sports, I generally recommend new riders to only spend the minimum to get started.
It’s only when you know for sure to continue for longer term, you should then invest into better quality gears and some of the nice to have.
Helmet
On your first day of attending your riding lesson, you will be able to loan one from the riding school. Perhaps, even for the following few lessons. Some schools might charge you a few Ringgit for each use, most will let you use for free.
If you think that horse riding is a sport for you after completing a few lessons, then you can consider to get a helmet for hygienic purposes. Consider allocating a budget of RM200-RM300 for a reasonably good entry level model.
Practical tips: The size of your helmet plays an important role. Make sure you get the right fit by trying out the sizes. You should always try on the helmet when you buy one to ensure it doesn't move around when you shake your head. Refer to the sizing guide from each brand if you are getting from online store.
Gloves
In the first 1-2 lesson you won’t be working with the reins too roughly, so it’s ok to ride with bare hands. Once you get into trotting on your own, getting a pair of entry level gloves will be good enough.
A pair of gloves will protect your fingers from too frictions with the reins. The reins might cause blisters if you get an active horse and you try to slow your horse down. Proper riding gloves also provide better gripe on the reins. So, highly advisable to get a pair.
Practical tips: It's much cheaper to buy the gloves online once you know your size. Personally, I do not buy an expensive pair anymore because they will still break at some point. A pair that costs around RM50 is good enough to use for 2 years, depending on how often you ride. When it breaks, simply throw it away and get a new pair.
Riding Boots
In your first 10 lessons, you can probably get away with just wearing sport shoes. But soon you will realize it will be too much of hassle to clean your sport shoes after each lesson. Then, you know it’s time to get a pair of boots.
You can start by buying an affordable short rubber boots and pair it with half chap. That will get you going for your riding journey for a long time.
In my early days, I used to complete endurance competition with just short rubber boots and half chap so it’s totally fine with basic setup.
This is where things can get expensive if you get too fancy with your equipments too quickly.
I have seen friends who bought long boots for over RM1,000 and I also have friend who wears custom boots for over RM2,000.
Pro tips: You don't practically need a pair of expensive boots in the early days (at least the first one year or so). I'm still very much in love with my long rubber boots (that cost less than RM100) for almost all my rides. I just spray it with water after use and leave it in my car until the next ride.
Half Chap
Half chap goes together with your short boots. It will protect your calf from stirrup. Get the affordable endurance type to begin with. Probably a little over RM100.
Half chap normally can last surprisingly long. The endurance type is easy to clean and dry, so it’s a good choice if you are just getting started.
Pro tips: Wear your breech along while picking one to ensure it fits tightly and comfortably. Avoid buying online if you are not sure of the size as the calf size might vary.
Breeches
Breeches is commonly called the riding pants. Similar to boots, you can get away with your first 8-10 lessons with a pair of jeans or long pants.
If you are interested in horse riding for longer term, get a pair for more comfortable riding experience. A good entry level pair will cost you around RM 200-RM300.
Pro tips: Get a dark color to save the hassle of cleaning the stain.
Well, these are the basic to get you started.
If you want to go a little further, maybe you want get a whip too. There are short whip for jumping and long whip for dressage.
Usually your riding school will be able to provide one for you. You can get one for yourselves if you want to be a more little fancy.
If you go for trail ride when you are more comfortable with riding, you might also consider getting a camera (like a GoPro or other brands) that can mount on your helmet to record the fun moments.
Here are some shops that you can visit to get some gears.
Shops for Horse Riding in Malaysia
You can go to any of the following shops to get your horse riding equipments in Malaysia.
- G05, Ground Floor, 50450, Plaza Ampang City, Jalan Ampang, Kampung Berembang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
- 012-207 2990
- Bukit Kiara Resort Bhd, Bukit Kiara Equestrian, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
- 03-2096 1228
- Royal Selangor Polo Club, c/o, No 1, Lorong Kelab Polo Di Raja, Desa Pahlawan, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
- 014-331 4900
I’m going to leave you here with this…
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step– Ancient proverb
I hope I have provided you a little bit more information about horse riding in Malaysia to get you started.
I will see you in the arena soon!
Daniel Foo