Riding schools in Singapore see around 15% increase in queries about sport

Key Concepts

• Year of the Horse (2026): A cultural period driving increased interest in horse riding.
• Space Constraints: A major challenge hindering the growth of equestrian sports in Singapore.
• Athlete Development: Concerns regarding the impact of limited space on preparing athletes for competitions like the 2029 Southeast Asian Games.
• Community Engagement: Riding schools’ efforts to broaden participation in horse riding.
• Equine-Assisted Activities: Utilizing horse riding for therapeutic benefits, specifically for special needs and elderly individuals.

Increased Interest in Horse Riding in Singapore – 2026

The year 2026, designated as the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, is coinciding with a noticeable surge in interest in horse riding within Singapore. Riding schools are reporting increases in inquiries and ridership, with Betima Saddle Club experiencing a 10-15% rise in queries regarding classes. One school specifically noted a 50% increase in queries since the beginning of 2026. This growth isn’t limited to children; there’s also a reported increase in adult ridership, particularly on weekends, indicating broader community engagement. As stated by a representative from a riding school, “we do see increased ridership and it is very interesting to note that it's not only coming from kids actually we see increased ridership in adults.”

Factors Driving Growth & Community Initiatives

While the Year of the Horse is a contributing factor, riding schools attribute the increased interest to proactive community engagement efforts undertaken in recent years. These initiatives aim to “drive public ridership” and make the sport more accessible. Beyond traditional lessons and competitions, schools are expanding into equine-assisted activities. A specific program mentioned is “Gallop Care,” which focuses on utilizing horse riding for the mental wellbeing of special needs individuals and the elderly. The goal is to raise public awareness about the benefits of interacting with horses, clarifying that recreational riding is less dangerous than competitive racing. As one representative explained, “Yes, it could be a risky spot depending on what you do. If it's for a normal leisure ride, yes, it's not as as dangerous as racing. So, this is what people need to understand.”

Challenges: Space Constraints and Athlete Development

Despite the growing enthusiasm, the local equestrian community faces significant challenges, primarily related to space constraints. The closure of the Singapore Turf Club to facilitate housing and other developments has limited the available space for riding schools to operate at full capacity. This limitation raises concerns about its potential impact on athlete development, particularly as Singapore prepares to host the 2029 Southeast Asian Games. The lack of adequate facilities could hinder the ability to train and prepare athletes for regional and international competitions.

Equestrian Federation of Singapore’s Response

The Equestrian Federation of Singapore (EFS) acknowledges these challenges and, in a written statement, affirmed its commitment to strengthening athlete pathways and developing a “structured progression framework.” The EFS is prioritizing collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders to optimize existing facilities and ensure the long-term sustainability, safety, and accessibility of the sport. This includes efforts to maximize the use of currently available resources.

Future Outlook & Goals

Riding schools across Singapore express hope that increased awareness will continue to fuel the growth of equestrian sports. They aim to provide opportunities for both the community and its athletes to excel, particularly as they approach the 2029 Southeast Asian Games. The overarching goal is to foster a thriving equestrian community where both recreational riders and competitive athletes can flourish. The sentiment is encapsulated in the hope that, “as we gallop into a new Lunar New Year, the schools also hope to provide an avenue for the community and its athletes to shine.”

Technical Terms:

• Equestrian: Relating to horses or horse riding.
• Equine-Assisted Activities: Therapeutic activities involving horses, designed to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning.
• Lunar New Year: Also known as Chinese New Year, a festival celebrating the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar.