BUILDING CHAMPIONS, OPENING DOORS: EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION OF SINGAPORE MARKS 50 YEARS

The Equestrian Federation of Singapore (EFS) turns 50 this year and has spent five decades building Singapore’s competitive equestrian programme and working to bring the sport within reach of more Singaporeans.

What has driven that work is a straightforward conviction since its founding in 1976 is that equestrian sport should not be reserved for the few, but for all, a goal EFS is working towards through its riding school, school partnerships, and community outreach. 

To this end, EFS is keenly looking forward to unveiling key community-building and inclusion initiatives, in line with its strategic vision to celebrate this milestone year.

EFS is based at the 4.5-hectare National Equestrian Park at 100 Jalan Mashhor and has renewed its lease in 2024, securing the site through 2034 which provides a stable foundation for its next decade of plans.

BUILDING ON 50 YEARS OF COMPETITIVE AMBITION

EFS' work is centered on a structured four-stage development pathway: foundation, development, excellence, and sustainability, designed to support athletes and coaches at every point in their careers. There are also performance targets which have been set for every major games cycle through 2031, including medals at the upcoming 2027 SEA Games across the disciplines of dressage, jumping, and endurance.

“We are proud to have witnessed the professional and personal growth of numerous equestrian athletes over the past 50 years,” remarked Ms. Valerie Oh, Secretary General of the Equestrian Federation of Singapore. “As the National Sport Association for equestrian sport, EFS crucially values its mandate to support Team Singapore’s competitive ambition. Through a holistic approach to training and athlete development, we partner athletes to create lasting, fulfilling and rewarding experiences, and even sports careers, shaping inspiring stories that will empower the next generation of equestrian enthusiasts.” 

INFRASTRUCTURE REVAMPS FOR FUTURE AMBITION

To better support athletes and coaches, the EFS is planning infrastructure overhauls to equip its grounds with world-class training facilities including a new outdoor arena currently in the planning stages. More details will be released in due course.

BRINGING EQUESTRIAN SPORT TO MORE SINGAPOREANS

The National Equestrian Centre (NEC), launched in 2011 and now marking its 15th anniversary, is EFS’ main vehicle for broadening access to the sport. Its programmes particularly target families in surrounding communities. Initiatives like bringing ponies directly into Tiong Bahru make visible, in the middle of a public housing estate, what the sport can offer to families who had never considered it. 

‘Let’s Play and Let’s Ride’, EFS’ youth engagement programme, currently runs sessions averaging five to eight participants. By 2031, EFS is targeting a fourfold increase in participation. EFS’ school partnership, which includes CCA programmes, is also set to grow from one school slot to four over the same period.

Credit: Equestrian Federation of Singapore

To fund this growth, EFS is seeking to raise $500,000 Singapore dollars — a milestone campaign tied to its 50th anniversary. Donations to EFS are tax-deductible under its IPC status. EFS is also building new partnerships across sectors, including with Singapore’s Community Development Councils and community groups, to deepen its grassroots reach. 

Fifty years in, EFS’s ambition has not changed: compete at the highest level, and make sure more Singaporeans can be part of it. 

To support EFS’ 50th anniversary fundraising campaign and community initiatives, donations can be made via this link.