Malaysia’s Horse Whisperer

Thestar.com.my - Full Article

17 Sept 2017
By Rajes Paul

NOW, why would a septuagenarian, who quit the equestrian scene 10 years ago, want to get back on the saddle and compete in a 100-mile race?

For 72-year-old former world No. 1 equestrian rider Datuk Kamarud­din Abdul Ghani, it’s all about sending a message to the new generation.

“It’s not just about me riding again. Over the last five decades, I’ve competed in polo, show jumping, dressage and all distances in endurance races – from 40km to 240km.

“I’ve raced in the mountains, desert, jungle, hills and under all kinds of terrain and weather in different parts of the world. I’ve done it all. Now, I want the next generation of riders to go one level higher.

“I want to go around the country’s many riding places. I want to see them all flourish – from managing the stables to organising events and producing talents.

“We have good riders. We saw that during the recent KL SEA Games. But I want them to rise to another level,” said Kamaruddin, who intends to complete the Grand Slam of endurance by riding the 100-mile race in the Tevies Cup in Nevada, United States, next year.

He has already done two other 100-mile races – the Endurance Race in Florac, France, and the Tom Quilty Endurance in Tasmania, Australia, in the late 1990s...

Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2017/09/17/malaysias-horse-whisperer-septuagenarian-kamaruddin-still-going-strong-in-bid-to-make-country-proud/#vSyWIb4rCSEBwheC.99