Few girls are as well shaped as a good horse - Hannah Arendt
Big Man Talking
At a recent press conference, former world no. 1 endurance rider Dato’ Awang Kamaruddin blithely stated “You can’t be good if you are [based] over here.” Was that a low blow at our Dr Nik Isahak, who based his WEC campaign in Malaysia rather than ride in Europe? Dr Nik qualified but was left behind by the vets. So, a hit below the belt?
Jump-Off believes despite reports to the contrary, the good Dato’ is actually taller than that.
Infusion Confusion
At the same press conference/luncheon, the Carcosa Seri Negara menu stated, "Coffee, Tea or Infusions." None of these mysterious infusions were actually available, though Doc Bala was standing with 20 litres of saline in case someone insisted on an infusion.
Smokin’ Hot Warnings
The owner of a riding club has been busy issuing warning letters to some of the livery owners he has, warning them not to smoke while on horseback. All well and good, if that’s what you’ve been doing. Not so amusing if you get said warning letter when you are a non-smoker.
Hot Potato Juggling
Despite fair warning, the EAM seemed to be caught on the hop by ECM’s question as to when they would announce how riders would be selected for the Manila SEA Games to be held later this year.
The question was thrown like a hot potato till it landed in Executive Secretary Major Yap Mou Soon’s lap. His answer - that they would announce the points system and which shows would be used for scoring points “sometime by next month.” In other words, no one had any idea.
Flat-Out Impossible
Which former Malaysian national rider and head coach of a unit in Kuala Lumpur failed the “Intro to Coaching” or pre-level 1 riding on the flat? Unbelievably, this showjumper was unable to canter on demand. Jump-Off thinks it also helps if you don’t fall off in front of the examiners.
Democrat Sam
Jump-Off's old friend Lt Col Sam Aniruth Deva of I am Sam fame is making a run at a seat in Thailand's parliament with an opposition democrat party. Sam a democrat? Is this a sign of the apocalypse?
The fastest growing game on horseback
The fastest ball game in the world also seems to be the fastest growing equine sport in Malaysia, judging by the 80 or so stables that were filled at the Royal Selangor Polo Club in the last year. Equestrian.Com.My readers will recognize showjumping names like Quzier Ambak, Tunku Nazroff, Shaffik Mustafa and Saskia Karina who have also started playing on the Kiara field. Political watchers may recognize Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin. In Thailand, Nathanart Bhinsaeng and Nicole Pearson have taken up the game.
Come on you dressage queens. You're next!
Malaysian Endurance Idol
Malaysia may be following in the footsteps of American Grand Prix dressage rider Robert Dover who is launching the "American Dressage Idol" Program. Dover’s program is open to American riders. Riders will train with him in Florida. From that group, the one and only American Dressage Idol will be picked, who will continue to train with Dover.
The Malaysian version – if you can pay enough money or provide your own sponsorship, you can train in France with Dato’ Gergasi and become the next Malaysian Endurance Idol. Oops, sorry, he’s still not (shy or) retiring.
Transitions:
Dato’ Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani has retired as Executive Director of Bukit Kiara Resort, the equestrian club he envisioned and ran with an iron hand for the last 15 years.
Alex Maurer is back in Malaysia after an ultra short stint in Germany with Philip Lowen. He is now pursuing a showjumping career at 3Q Equestrian.
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