SEA News
A Rumble In The Jungle – Dressage In Sumatra
By Alison King
Sep 8, 2004

Sekayu is a large town some 3 hours drive from Palembang, the regional capital of Sumatra Selantan (South Sumatra). It sits on the shore of a large river and is surrounded by paddy fields and oil palm and rubber plantations.

The town of Sekayu had never before seen an equestrian event. However, for the National Games – known by everyone as “PON” - they had managed to construct a superb covered arena measuring 40 x 90m, a cross country course, two warm-up arenas, stables and a grandstand. Accommodation was provided for more than 75 horses. The riders and trainers were accommodated in an athletes’ village and there was a clubhouse serving food and drinks all day. The facilities were excellent and had been constructed in a remarkably short time. Everyone had travelled far – including the judges who came from as far afield as Australia (Melbourne), Hong Kong and Thailand (Bangkok). There are no horses in this part of Sumatra so everyone had to transport their horses, in some cases very long distances by boat and by truck, so it was much the same for all. There were 27 horses taking part in the dressage.

The dressage discipline started, as with the jumping, with a friendly competition. The level was not too high (elementary) and this allowed riders to get a feel for the lovely, cool arena and for their horses to settle into their surroundings. There was a wide range of types of horses entered in the competition. Some were well bred, imported warmblood dressage horses and others were small, locally bred horses. Despite their small size and paces, there were a few of the local horses that were quite capable of performing tests at the level demanded and they acquitted themselves quite well. In general, nerves and tension affected many of the performances but Roy Ibrahim on Kumala Jamzes ended up the winner.

The first real competition was the Team Competition. The test used for this was the FEI Regional Games Preliminary test. There were 5 teams representing different areas of Indonesia. To our surprise there were horses from Bali. By this time the horses and riders were a little more settled and they rode with more confidence. The test was more difficult than that used for the friendly as it involved walk pirouettes, simple changes and flying changes.

This time the level of training of the horses became more important as there were some that could do the flying changes quite well whereas others could not do them – a costly error! There were 6 horses that gained more than 60%. Translated into “dressagespeak” this meant that they had produced a “satisfactory” level of performance. Many of the horses placed lower than 60% had problems with the way of going. For example many of them went with short necks and their noses behind the vertical. This was to become their downfall in the individual test as well.

The individual test was a test of the same level but slightly more difficult in its construction. There was more requirements for extensions in both trot and canter and also included was the half pass. However, the results of this test showed an improvement as 8 of the horses gained more than 60% with the winning horse achieving 69.05% - a good score. The judges clearly agreed on the winning combination, all three of them placing him first. The horse Cherenton Armani ridden by Endarjanto Bambang performed a fluent, smooth test but with one error of course. This horse is still only young but shows great potential. All three of the judges also agreed on the second placed rider, Roy Ibrahim on Kumala Jamzes, giving him 67.71%. A few problems after the second halt disturbed his rhythm and were costly, however, he recovered quickly and regained his rhythm to produce some expressive extensions and flying changes. Larasati Gading on her difficult stallion Dynamite pulled out all the stops to perform a 65+% test that was good enough to earn her the bronze medal. This horse was ridden with determination every step of the way to get one of his best scores so far. Jeanne Lukito riding Pizaz Girande was just out of the medals in 4th place with a score of 64.48.

The first 4 horses were all imported warmbloods or of European bloodlines, however, it was pleasing to see that there were some locally bred horses in the group that scored over 60%. Bima, ridden by Jolfie Momongan was 5th with a respectable score of 64.10% and Kumala Alfaro Juang ended up 7th with a score of 60.76%. Both these horses made some mistakes but they also performed some movements well and could score higher.

It was encouraging to see so many horses participating in the dressage discipline. The top horses are clearly on the right track with their training. It was also good to see that the riders had invested in good training. There were three dressage trainers helping different teams – from Hungary, Germany and from Australia. This is the only way to go if these riders want to improve. They need good material and good training.

These PON Games have done a remarkable job in bringing equestrian sport to a new area of Indonesia. The vision of the local Regent, Alex Noerdin, and the hard work of some committed riders and their families have combined to make this an extremely well organised and enjoyable show for everyone. Hopefully it will stimulate interest in horses and expand the base of support for this increasingly popular sport.


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