Former World No 1 endurance rider Datuk Awang Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani has been tasked with building a stable in Nilai which he hopes will see more people taking up the sport.
It will also help generate jobs for those in the area, especially those whose income has been affected by Covid-19.
Kamaruddin said the stable would consist of paddocks as well as an area for archery classes where participants can also learn about horseback archery.
“I was asked by someone to help design the facilities. I convinced him to expand the area so that the community can enjoy the place as well,” said Kamaruddin.
“I’m in the planning stage now. I reckon it will take six months to get everything operational – pending approval from the authorities.
“It will help generate interest in the sport as we will be able to give the people a chance to ride the horses for cheap and easily. That is why I want to build it near the town centre.
“We have scouted an area. It is near a school and we will speak to them to see how it can benefit their students.”
Kamaruddin has already developed such a place at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
Several of those he helped train in Serdang, finished fifth at last year’s FEI Junior and Young Riders Endurance World Championships in Pisa, Italy.
However, with the current Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), Kamaruddin has been unable to continue much of his training not just in Malaysia but abroad as well.
As such, he hopes the new facility in Nilai which will initially employ 12 people when operational, will help him continue doing what he loves best – teaching people about horses.
“I am one of those affected by CMCO. There have been many jobs I have had to turn down as I can’t travel,” said Kamaruddin.
“I was working on a project to train more equestrian riders but that is on hold.
“As such, I will now spend my time on the facilities in Nilai. Hopefully, everything will be sorted out soon,” he added.
