Looking for a new hobby or something fun to do with the kids? Why not have a go at horse riding? You’ll get to escape the urban jungle and enjoy some fresh air and a day out in the sun, in the company of some beautiful beasts. We’ve scouted out a few of the great stables in Singapore and Johor where you can do just that. Whether you want to go professional or you’re just looking for a leisurely ride, it’s time to saddle up!
Riders Lodge Resort
Located just an hour away from Tuas Checkpoint is Riders Lodge Resort. The sprawling grounds include a quaint manor with 25 guest rooms, spa, pool and golf course. Be sure to drop by the Agnes Café, which serves up delicious local and international cuisine – everything from Norwegian salmon to beef rendang. For a weekend, opt for one of the popular ride-and-board packages. Or choose to have a single riding lesson or a guided trail ride on one of the 30 horses. Riding lessons can be taken as a group or privately, and whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll be in good hands. If you’re more serious about the sport, you might want to take part in one of their riding camps or the Learn To Ride Programme, which lasts from two to three days.
Psst… Surprise your little ones with a birthday party at the lodge! It includes riding lessons, horse feeding, a one-hour craft session and a night’s stay. It is not a club but a resort that is open daily and all-year-round.
The Legends Golf & Country Resort, Lot 1302, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia
+607 652 5330 | riders@riderslodge.com.my | riderslodge.com.my
Bukit Timah Saddle Club
You don’t have to be a member to ride at the Bukit Timah Saddle Club. There’s the option of doing a course of four Public Horse Riding Lessons, which are held in groups of three to eight riders. (Before you enrol, you’ll need to go for an assessment lesson.) Alternatively, you can choose to embark on a guided trail ride, or more experienced riders can compete in inter-club competitions in jumping and dressage. Drop by on a weekend (10.30am to 1pm) for pony rides for the kids and enjoy a relaxing brunch at Rider’s Café.
51 Fairways Drive
6466 2264 | btsc.org.sg
Gallop Stable
Young and old alike can enjoy riding at Gallop Stable. With 10 riding arenas and 200 stables, this is the largest public riding centre on the island. If you’re not keen on committing to regular lessons, opt for a one-time trial lesson (30 to 45 minutes) or a guided trail ride to get a feel of riding. Excite the kids with pony and carriage rides, pony and donkey feeding, private lessons and pony camps. Choose to have a private, semi-private (one friend) or group lesson. If you’re more adventurous, take on an advanced class to learn more about dressage and jumping.
Horsecity (Bukit Timah), 100 Turf Club Road
6463 6012 | gallopstable.com
National Equestrian Centre
With 50 stables and an Olympic-size sand arena, the National Equestrian Centre offers public, private and group lessons (maximum four people) for kids and adults alike. If you have prior experience, you can choose to self-ride. Close by is the lush Bukit Brown area where riders can follow a 5km trail. If you want to head out after your lessons, there are handy shower facilities you can use. The centre is open from Monday to Saturday.
100 Jalan Mashhor
9753 8739 | facebook.com/NEC.Singapore
Singapore Polo Club
Besides enjoying riding and polo, your membership at the Singapore Polo Club also gives you access to great facilities and amenities, including a gymnasium, swimming pool and recreational programmes such as archery and soccer for kids. Classes are held weekly, Tuesdays to Sundays (morning and afternoon slots), for riders aged six and up. Non-members can ride for up to three months, after which they or their family must become members. Experienced riders can opt to take part in the club’s monthly competitions as well as national and regional competitions.
80 Mount Pleasant Road
6854 3999 | singaporepoloclub.org
Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre
The Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre boasts an indoor and outdoor arena with 40 well-trained horses and ponies. If you already have some experience, you’ll need to attend an assessment lesson so instructors can advise you on a suitable class to attend. But don’t worry if you have little or no experience; there is a seven-week riding programme (held on weekends) that will teach you all that you need; groups are kept small – no more than five riders. After this, you’ll be able to book subsequent classes according to your abilities. Set on three hectares of lush greenery, the Riding Centre features some of the most advanced riding facilities in Singapore.
1 Equestrian Walk (Off Woodlands Avenue 3)
6879 3600 | stc-ridingcentre.com
Looking for more fun things to do? Or some more outdoor fun?
