Staff Writer

While horse-riding is well known for its ability to help children with special needs, such as those suffering from illnesses or disability, animals can offer all children a unique opportunity to connect in a special way with another living being.

Horse-riding can improve balance, coordination, emotional well-being, motor development, muscle tone, and posture, according to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (Narha), a non-profit group that promotes the use of horses to benefit people with emotional, learning, and physical disabilities. A world-class equestrian hub Established in 1999 and certified by the Thailand Equestrian Federation (TEF), the International Riding School at Horseshoe Point in Pattaya offers horse-riding opportunities and tuition for beginners through to advanced riders of all ages. Built in a natural environment covering 3,750 rai (607 hectares), the International Riding School is adjacent to Horseshoe Point, a facility-packed Mediterranean-style hotel, as well as Three Kingdoms Park, a theme park based on the famous Chinese novel The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In 2002, the school was the first horse-riding school in Thailand to be accredited by the Ministry of Education. The center is linked to the Centro Equestre da Leziria Grande (Portugal), run by Maestro Luis Valenca Rodrigues, a leading practitioner in the art of classical riding. Riders showing great promise can therefore proceed to the very highest levels if willing to persevere. What's on offer? Pleasure rides are the ideal starting point for children who have not been on the back of a horse before. On a weekday (8 am-6 pm), a 15-minute ride, including groom and helmet, costs 300 baht (US$9) on a pony, or 450 baht on a fully-grown horse. These prices increase to 550 baht (pony) and 800 baht (horse) for a 30-minute ride. Group lessons during the week start at 800 baht (pony) to 1,200 baht (horse), while a private lesson will cost 1,300-1,700 baht. Ten-lesson packages are also available (7,000-15,000 baht). These rates increase if learning on the weekend.

One and two hour trail rides start from 950 baht (one hour, weekday on a pony) to 2,000 baht (two hours on a weekend). These are for experienced riders only. All prices quoted are inclusive of VAT (7%).

To learn more about The International Riding School at Horseshoe Point, visit the official website at http://www.ridingschoolasia.com, or http://www.horseshoepoint.com.

Transport connections:

Car: The International Riding School at Horseshoe Point borders Siam Country Club (Golf), the Thai Polo Club and Siam Polo Club. The elevated Bangna–Bang Phli-Bang Pakong Expressway runs above Bangna-Trad Road and costs 55 baht ($1.52) to access. This route takes even less time than if you use Highway 34 (Bangna-Trad Road), which takes about an hour and a half. Highway 34 is the road that runs underneath the huge elevated expressway. Pattaya is about 180 km from Bangkok and is well signposted on these roads.

Bus: Air-con buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekamai (BTS [‘Skytrain’] Ekamai)  on Sukhumvit Road every 40 minutes for Chon Buri City and Pattaya from 5 am-9 pm. Buses depart Chon Buri for Bangkok every 40 minutes from 5.30 am to 5.30 pm and Pattaya to Bangkok from 5.30 am to 9 pm. The journey takes about one-and-a-half hours depending on the traffic situation.

Several travel agencies and Pattaya resort hotels offer bus or minibus services several times daily from downtown Bangkok, Khao San Road, or Don Muang International Airport, to Pattaya, at fares ranging from 150-500 baht.