Equestrian riding schools for kids aren’t just for elite polo playing families, they’re valuable confidence builders as Sam Coleman saddles up

Leo Landridge is like any other unassuming six-year-old; shy and reticent with strangers, prone to looking at the ground when talking to adults, even a bit small for his age. He slumps his shoulders in to become small, to compress himself like a pill bug if the need arises. By no means, talking to him spontaneously, would anything about his demeanour convey strength or self-assurance.

And yet that assumption is trodden under hoof the minute that little Leo dons a helmet, straddles across a field and stands knee height at a massive, intimidating stud named Titus. This is no kiddie pony; this is a full strength animal, and it looks fully annoyed that Leo is even in its presence let alone about to attempt a mount.

That’s just what he does though, jumping up with deft motion on the horse, grabbing the reins with fierce conviction, wielding the animal under his legs. Titus pulls back, almost yanking Leo off and throwing him to the ground. It’s almost painful to watch; it’s a wince-inducing moment. But looking over at Leo’s mother, Enrica Langridge, she’s all smiles, completely oblivious to the danger, it seems. ‘Oh I’m afraid at times, I don’t deny it. But it’s such a confidence builder as you watch them deal with the situation and control their horse again. They do seem a bit startled but they’ve got a bit of a smile haven’t they. “I did that didn’t I?” they seem to be saying, “I managed to control that situation.” ’

Leo and Enrica are part of KL’s children’s equestrian culture, a vibrant community of parents who see a high value in exposing their children to horses, the care of these animals and the lessons they can impart, both physically and mentally. There are a number of equestrian parks and stables in KL that offer classes and riding programmes to kids, the largest being Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, purportedly the largest equestrian stable in South East Asia with over 250 horses and 70 acres of trails. Most stables have a children’s programme as does Selangor Turf Club through the Malaysian Equine Council’s activities.

Special attention has to go to Taman Equine however, located in Seri Kambangan, a riding stable that has a strong focus and philosophy that guides its activities, particularly in its offerings to children. Small (it has 54 horses), run by Kiwi Chris Ladbrook, a 15 year horse riding champion and assisted by Asileann Nic an Lamaire, it is – despite its size – the most active equestrian club for youngsters, one of the few that takes kids under ten and the only one with expat managers. With its Saturday ‘Pony Club’ (where kids learn how to saddle and brush the horses as well as games on horseback) and focus on both riding and livery (caring for horses that are kept on premises by owners), Taman Equine has slowly been gaining an excellent reputation by winning competitions and working patiently with its kindred clients. ‘Kate (11) and Lisa (nine) [two girls who are students] were terrified, absolutely terrified when they came here. They had a bad experience at another riding school, had been dumped and run away with. But we just took them slowly, took them on their own for a few days. Now they’re both cantering [galloping] happily each way,’ says Ladbrook proudly, rubbing the horse sweat on his riding pants. Sabrina, one of the school’s strongest competition students (‘one of our superstars,’ Ladbrook states with a wide grin) cites winning a competition as one of the best moments of her horse riding career, let alone her life thus far. ‘I rode Spanky and he stopped, right in front of the judges. That was bad. But I still won.’

While horse riding at such an age is a remarkable builder of character and skills, still, it may not be for everyone. ‘You see that some of the parents are projecting their ambitions on the kids. That’s not right,’ Ladbrook readily confesses. And while almost all the kids enjoy horses and riding, some are just not inclined and the fear never abates. ‘It [riding] develops them as little people; this gives them something that they’re good at. But you can’t force it, I’ve met some that aren’t made for it,’ Nic an Lamaire explains. Last but not least there is a cost issue. While Taman Equine offers a beginner’s package somewhat affordably priced at RM300 for four lessons, it’s still a sport which is costlier than other comparable sporting type experiences.

Ladbrook though shrugs at this. ‘It’s like what the old masters said, the original master riders, that “riding horses is like living lessons in life”. You learn things like compassion, commitment and responsibility,’ he tells, watching one of the students cantering. ‘It’s a special thing to watch these kids… to see them connected to the horses.’ Leo, smiling as proud as a peacock, guides Titus into the paddock.

Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, Jalan Bukit Kiara (03 2093 1855/www.berjayaclubs.com/kiara/); Taman Equine, 1 Jalan Equine, Taman Equine, Seri Kembangan (03 9543 7878/www.equine.com.my). Also call the Malaysian Equine Council (03 4022 1581/www.equinemalaysia.com.my) for riding camps and schools in your area.