New S$12m stable in Sembawang provides 150 horses for community events

Key Concepts

• Gallop SG: A horse riding center operator in Singapore.
• Crunchy Turf Club: A racehorse club that recently closed, leading to the rehoming of its horses.
• Horse-Assisted Therapy: Utilizing interactions with horses for therapeutic benefits, particularly for the elderly and children.
• Operational Costs: Expenses related to maintaining the horse riding center, including land rent, horse upkeep, and veterinary care.
• Community Engagement: Efforts to connect the horse riding center with local residents and organizations.

New Horse Riding Center in Zumbawang & Rehoming of Racehorses

Gallop SG has invested approximately 12 million Singapore dollars to establish a new horse riding center spanning three hectares in Zumbawang. This center serves as a new home for around 150 racehorses previously housed at the now-closed Crunchy Turf Club. The relocation and repurposing of these horses are central to the center’s mission, shifting from racing to public and community-focused activities. Interest in Gallop SG’s programs, including horse riding lessons, has increased by up to 40% since last year, demonstrating initial success in attracting a wider audience.

Community-Focused Programs & Accessibility

A key strategy for the Zumbawang center is its integration with the local community. The facility aims to connect with residents through various initiatives, particularly targeting underprivileged groups. An example highlighted in the report is an outing organized by the People’s Association Sambawang GRC, providing free horse rides and feeding opportunities for 100 low-income families. This outreach extends to schools and senior centers, with Gallop SG actively seeking collaborations and partnerships to broaden community engagement.

As stated by a representative, “Once you move to a heartland like Sambawang, you need to connect the facility to the lives of the people living here and low income is one thing but also say the schools, our senior centers. I think gradually uh we have to work with them come up with collaborations, partnerships that can engage the community.”

Feedback from participants in these programs has been positive, with families expressing enjoyment of the environment and the horses’ appearance. One participant noted, “They actually like it uh because there were a lot of colors of the horses. They were quite excited.” Another stated, “I feel quite enjoy also. Um the environment here is very cozy also and I feel is a very uh family harmony.”

Horse Re-skilling & Therapeutic Applications

The 150 horses rehomed from Crunchy Turf Club are undergoing “reschooling” to adapt to their new roles. These roles include horse-assisted therapy for both elderly individuals and children, as well as providing joy rides for families. This diversification opens up horse-related experiences to a broader demographic. The center’s size – 20 times larger than Gallop SG’s other two branches – facilitates these expanded activities.

Financial Challenges & Operational Costs

Despite the positive community response, Gallop SG faces significant financial challenges. The move from its original Bukit Timah location in 2024, coupled with a two-year redevelopment period, resulted in lost clients. Furthermore, operational costs have risen by approximately 20% since last year. A major contributing factor is the increased land rent in Zumbawang, reflecting the rising value of land in Singapore.

The representative explained, “I would say the value of the land obviously has increased right over the years. Our rent is much more than we were paying at uh Fukitima. So that's something to consider.”

Maintaining each horse also incurs substantial costs, estimated at around 2.5 thousand Singapore dollars per month. This figure encompasses expenses such as feed, veterinary bills, vaccinations, and even disposal costs.

Future Plans & Outreach

Gallop SG is actively planning to increase outreach and awareness efforts, with a particular focus on community engagement. As part of these efforts, some of the horses will participate in the Chingay celebrations in the heartlands starting in mid-March. This participation aims to further integrate the center and its horses into the local community and raise its profile.

Synthesis

The new Gallop SG horse riding center in Zumbawang represents a successful rehoming initiative for racehorses displaced by the closure of Crunchy Turf Club. The center’s focus on community engagement and diverse programs, including horse-assisted therapy, demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and social impact. However, the organization faces ongoing financial pressures due to rising operational costs and land rent, necessitating continued efforts to expand outreach and secure sustainable funding. The center’s future success hinges on its ability to balance its community mission with financial viability.