Horse Play

Vietnam’s first Equestrian Grand Prix..

It’s 2014, The Year of the Horse, and things at the normally laid-back Bach Ma Equestrian Farm are stirring up. Equestrian coaches, horse riders, event organizers, designers, builders, doctors and veterinary specialists, the Vietnamese press, and even an overseas Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) judge have visited the farm in the past few months. All this is in preparation for the first Equestrian Grand Prix in Vietnam on March 8 & 9, 2014. The private event is by invite- only and will feature 30 competing riders.

“Equestrian events are very specific,” says Cliff, an organizer of the Equestrian Grand Prix. “In Vietnam, we do not have as many horses available as we do in other countries. Unfortunately it’s very difficult and expensive to import good horses for riding. Riding in general is expensive. We also lack experienced vets to care for sick horses, and skilled farriers to care for their hooves and shoes. There is so much that needs to be done for the competition to happen. We have to take care of not only our guests, but also the horses that will be arriving with the guests.”

Equestrian-ARY-6

Adding: “Our own horses have to be trained and prepared as well. We need a doctor and a medical van 24/7 for the entirety of the event. We have to work with local vets and prepare them as much as we can. We need to have a proper FEI judge flown in to keep ourselves up to international standard. We need so many things that simply aren’t available in Vietnam. There’s so much to do and only two more weeks to go. But we will do it and we will do it properly.”

“Yes, there are horse races in Vietnam, but not a proper equestrian competition, one that celebrates the skill and art of horse riding, show jumping, vaulting, dressage, all the disciplines of horse riding and training, as well as the relationship between riders and their horses,” says Kim, one of the 30 competing riders. Kim is a successful Vietnamese businesswoman who’s both excited and anxious for the upcoming competition that will, hopefully, be the first of many in Vietnam. “And there’s absolutely nothing like it in Vietnam. Even the notion of equestrianism, true equestrianism, the art, the skill, the dedication, the patience implied and required, just does not exist in Vietnam. We will change that.”

Equestrian-ARY-1

“Our only hope is that this event will serve to promote horse riding in Vietnam and draw together a community of people who love horses and the art of horse riding,” says Cliff.

Marshmallow and Romeo
“I want to be the representative for Vietnam in the SEA Games,” Kim professes. “It’s really ambitious I know when I’ve only ridden for, at most, a little more than a year. But I set goals in order to know where I’m going. If you don’t know where you’re going, you go nowhere. I compete now not actually to win but to inspire, to motivate, and to better my riding.”

Eleven-year-old Angela is one of Kim’s competitors, and despite her young age, Angela has had more than half a decade of riding experience under her belt and numerous riding titles and trophies in her cabinet back home. “I started riding at five. I actually wanted to start at four but my parents didn’t allow me to because I was too young.”

Equestrian-ARY-5

Angela has ridden in four different countries: Singapore, Jakarta, Thailand, and most recently, Vietnam. To her, each riding experience and each horse is unique. “In Jakarta, there was a horse named Marshmallow, which I was riding on. Here there’s a horse named Bella. She can sometimes get really excited and can go really fast, so I always have to keep my strength up, just like I did with Marshmallow. There’s also another horse here named Romeo. I may get the chance to ride him in the competition. I’m really excited because Romeo is a palomino. I’ve never ridden on a palomino before and I really, really want to ride one! But Romeo… he’s a bit different from the other horses. Sometimes he doesn’t respond well if I nudge him with my foot. Sometimes I have to call or shout to get to him.”

For Angela, it takes years to foster a relationship with each individual horse – to get to know them, train them and work with them – which is even more of a challenge for her, since her family moves every couple of years. She is not in the least bit disheartened, however. “Here it’s a different place. I have to learn how the horses are trained here and work with them.”

And the reason why she’s competing?

“I just want the little boys and girls my age out there to know that there is a place like this here, and maybe come and join us,” she replies.

For more info, visit www.bachma- equestrian.com.vn.

Images by Adam Robert Young

Share this story, choose your platform!

About the author:

Leave a Comment

Vietnamese athletes in the Olympics 2024

As 2023 came to an end, Vietnamese sports fans celebrated three remarkable athletes who clinched the official berth for the Paris Olympics 2024 in France. The Vietnam sports authority is hoping to take 12-15 athletes to represent their nation at the Olympic Games in France, but only five have qualified so far. That puts them

Read More »

Momentous Sporting Events in Vietnam

Vietnam has always been known for its resiliency, history, and culture. These qualities are only further exemplified in the sporting events that they hold in the country. This Southeast Asian has been the stage for many milestone moments for the country and the region as a whole. It doesn’t look like Vietnam is about to

Read More »

THAIFEX- HOREC Asia 2024

Shaping the Future of HoReCa Bangkok, Thailand – The Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Koelnmesse are thrilled to announce the upcoming THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2024. Scheduled from March 6th to 8th at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, this premier event is poised to redefine the HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, and

Read More »

Adventure Travel in Uganda: Rafting, Hiking, and Wildlife Safaris

Uganda, often called the Pearl of Africa, is a hidden gem for adventure seekers. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests and snow-capped mountains to vast savannas and majestic rivers, Uganda offers a wide array of thrilling activities for those looking to explore the wild side of Africa. From adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting on the

Read More »

Streets, Stories, and Pho: A First-Timer’s Guide to Hanoi

Hey there, Hanoi Newbies! Welcome to the chaos, charm, and downright deliciousness that is Hanoi! Buckle up because we’re about to dive headfirst into this city where every street has a tale to tell, and the aroma of Pho is practically a love letter to your taste buds. This first-timer’s guide is your golden ticket

Read More »