Bali Equestrian Centre — Attraction in Bali

I took a few lessons at the Bali Equestrian Center, but it wasn't what I would call a pleasant experience.

First of all, the ground on their arena is horrible, yet they still do dressage training there. I have no idea how. Also, the horses that were used for training should have been retired at least a few years ago. Also, the horses that were used for riding classes didn't look healthy. Their fur coat didn't shine, and the same goes for their body condition. People who know a thing about horse riding can easily see this.

The first horse that they gave me was used cruelly while racing, so it had a terrible injury. The horse's tongue stuck out because of the bit mouthpiece that, as I could guess, blocked something after that injury. However, I didn't really ride well it as it wasn't capable of being ridden. However, they told me that they were using this horse to see whether I could ride and that they would give me something decent next time.

However, the next time they gave me a horse that didn't look any better and probably needed to be checked by a vet. It was an old pensioner horse that should have been in a peaceful field rather than carrying someone. I was very disappointed and told a trainer that in Russia, we don't ride such horses once they're that old and ready to be retired. Her answer was that I don't know a thing about horse riding. Ha! I own a horse that stays in one of the best Russian equestrian clubs, KSK Derby, and what they gave me was a great dressage horse (LOL!). Also, she told me that we in Russia don't know how to do dressage and have a tiny number of Grand Prix riders (yeah, this trainer definitely does Grand Prix dressage which is why she told me this!).

So, she was insulting me, and instead of doing her job, I was forced to close this argument and remind her that we were there to have training. The only reason why I decided to still have training was because they had charged my card in advance. To sum this up, want to train at Bali's Equestrian Center? Pay money and get the worst...

The Bali equestrian center is filled with sad, abused horses. It may "look" pretty and the horses are fed but that's about the extent of the kindness extended to the animals. Don't be fooled, the center is only about image and prestige, not about the genuine care and love for the animals that live there. The horses are kept in stalls most of the time living lonely, boring empty lives. When they are taken out they are tortured with all the tools used in the pain filled industry such and tie downs and nosebands. You can see these devices proudly displayed in the resturant area. I was horrified when I personally saw a staff member kick one of the horses in the stomach because the horse was not behaving as he wished. The horses are being used in the way that machines are used, for profit and personal gain. What we have accepted as "normal" horse care and treatment is NOT correct nor kind. If you draw on your empathy, do some research and start to understand you will learn that these forms of treatment are nothing short of torture. It's time we open our eyes and stop the cruel, inhumane treatment of these beautiful creatures. If you can simply imagine yourself with a peice of metal in your mouth, then your jaw wired shut, that alone should give you pause. Horses cannot make loud noises, they do not scream or cry like dogs or humans when they are in pain. They suffer in...

I read some bad reviews about this place, but honestly, you gotta check it out for yourself! When I visited, they have shop selling riding gear. Front desk ladies were super helpful and professional. The place is massive, they have horses for lessons, but only for beginners and advanced riders. Big horses are rare in Bali so I get why they have a weight limit. It's tough to find a horse vet in Bali, and it’s just not worth it if your horse ends up with problems after being ridden by heavy riders who pay just 700k Rp. They really care about the animals’ welfare and only let their horses be ridden once a day. My kids did a pony ride and had a blast! The pony was this adorable small, brown horse, Vey clean and well taken cared of. The guy leading it was super nice and made sure the kids felt safe the whole time. They even got to pet the pony afterward, which they loved. The yard is awesome and super neat. I couldn't go into the stable because some of the horses are private, and I totally respect that. I couldn’t ride a horse myself because I'm a bit heavy, but I completely understood.

PS. It takes a while for them to check for available spots, not because they’re slow, but because they have a process. Just follow the rules and don’t expect things to be exactly like in your country, and...