Telling people you own a horse in Singapore might lead to people giving you curious looks.
That’s because Singapore is a tiny island that is almost like a concrete jungle. Horse ownerships tend to happen in countries with more farmland, like New Zealand and Australia, and horse owners there probably won’t get many queries about the ownership because it is more common to own one, or maybe even a herd.
Given that there are estimated to be about 2,000 horses in Singapore for use in riding schools and equestrian sports, owning a beauty like this will sound quite prestigious.
People also own horses professionally. These racehorses are tapped on for sports and competition.
However, it might be sad for horse enthusiasts to note that on October 24, 2024, the Singapore Turf Club will hold its last race – The 100th Grand Singapore Gold Cup – marking the end of over 180 years of horse racing in the city. This means horse racing can continue to be lavished as a racing sport in urban cities like Hong Kong and London, but not in Singapore.
Before you decide on whether owning a horse is a feasible idea, we explore the reasons and purposes for you to own this ride.
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Why Buy A Horse
A check on sghorsemart.com showed the different types of horses one can own. From yearlings to ready to race (two to three-year-old) to horses in training. There are also horses you can have shared ownership for.
The horses are available via auction, and you will have to follow the process to bid for them as well as the paperwork.
A Horse As A Pet Or A Competition Breed
You can get an equestrian horse for amateur owners from $8,000 to $15,000 price range. The horses come with fresh vet checks and the country of birth includes the United Kingdom and Ireland. You can also check the pedigree of the horses, as well as the age, colour and gender.
Unraced horses are in the $20,000 price range and are usually aged from two to three years old. Ready-to-race horses and horses in training to be raced are also around that age and are priced from $35,000 onwards. Race horses for competition can cost around $95,000.
Buying A Horse For Children: What You Need To Know
The monthly maintenance expenses for polo ponies, competition horses and riding horses are upwards of $2,500.
Some places offer beginner lessons for young children. Children aged three years and above can take pony rides, with adult supervision.
For example, the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre is a place for novices and first-timers to learn to care for their horses.
You can also take lessons from Singapore Polo Club, which offers horse-and-stable management sessions, lessons on how to groom, feed and care for the horses. But do note that it is membership only.
Children can learn show jumping and dressage and pick up lessons from trainers. Your child can also pick up self-confidence, increased balance, and caring for animals when interacting with these large beauties.
If buying a horse sounds like too much of a commitment too soon, there are stables where you can visit to let your child’s wild side run free, such as Gallop Stable, National Equestrian Centre, and the Bukit Timah Saddle Club.
Buying A Race Horse: What You Need To Know
The monthly training fee for racehorses is upwards of $2,750, excluding charges for specialised services and care.
The Malayan Racing Association (MRA) is the regulatory authority for horse racing in both Singapore and Malaysia. All horse owners must be registered with MRA in order to race their horses at Singapore Turf Club.
Image Credit: Singapore Turf Club
A certified racehorse with shared ownership is priced at around $95,000. These horses are like horses that have won in competitions, and are more costly. They are usually older, around four to six years old.
When purchasing a racehorse, you should engage a locally based trainer or a bloodstock agent to select a horse that suits your needs and budget.
You may wish to call on the services of a veterinarian to inspect a yearling, weanling or racehorse you are considering buying. A consultation fee will be charged for which fee, the vet will look over your prospective purchase for confirmation, faults and external injuries as well as inspect its movement whilst walking.
You will also need a trainer in guiding you in the purchase of the horse and ensuring that it reaches its full potential.
All trainers based in Singapore are licensed by the MRA. They have been carefully selected by the club based on their proven track records. A trainer should be able to advise you on getting a quality horse, the current condition of your horse and the likelihood of its performance in a race.
Race Entries
Horses must first be entered in order to run in a race. Trainers will submit entries before the closing time according to race conditions for each race meeting.
The part of owning a racehorse that many are keen on is the prize money. It can start from $110,000 to a whopping $1,000,000. Races that offer a prize money of $1,000,000 include the Singapore Gold Cup and the Kranji Mile.
Do note that most horses will be repatriated after October next year following the closure of the Singapore Turf Club, so do be prepared for this. Racehorses in the Singapore Turf Club had almost 1,500 horses kept in the stables in its heyday. The numbers have likely dwindled, following the upcoming closure in 2024.
Too Much Maintenance? You Can Also Sponsor A Horse
Owning a horse can also be for a good cause. For example, there are therapy horses and ponies that provide people with disabilities therapy and enjoyment.
The Riding For The Disabled Association Singapore or RDA, supports this cause. It provides unique horse-riding therapy to those with disabilities.
Sponsoring a horse or pony costs $12,000 per annum. The sponsor helps to pay for the horse’s yearly upkeep, food, health (medical and dental) and other associated costs.
You will also get the following benefits:
- Sponsorship Plaque bearing your company’s name, your name or the name of your loved ones displayed for the duration of the sponsorship term.
- Sponsorship Certificate with information on your sponsored horse.
- Framed horseshoe from your sponsored horse.
- Photo opportunities* with your sponsored horse for your company’s publicity
- Visit to RDA Centre with your staff or family to visit your sponsored horse
- Invitation to our annual RDA Race Day at Singapore Turf Club
- Your flyers or corporate gift in our goodie bag for our annual fund-raising events like Race Day or Ball (optional)
- You may place your company’s ads in our newsletter or social media such as Facebook
- Your sponsorship will be acknowledged on our website
Interestingly, the ongoing sponsors of RDA include Hermes Singapore (Retail), Mdm Ho Ching, Dover Court International School and Dover Court Parent’s Association, Clarksons Singapore, and StarHub.
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