Majlis Ekuin Malaysia malaysian equine council program pengenalan pendedahan sunnah berkuda
Description
Majlis Ekuin Malaysia (MEM), also known as the Malaysian Equine Council, is a non-profit organization established in January 1993 to promote and coordinate all forms of equine activities in Malaysia. As an umbrella body, MEM serves as a catalyst for growth in equestrian sports, horse care, and related disciplines, bringing together stakeholders from riding clubs, veterinary services, and training centers. Headquartered in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, MEM operates through a network of partners, including the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Department of Skills Development (JPK). Its initiatives align with national goals for sports development, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment, emphasizing safety, ethical practices, and inclusivity. MEM’s programs cater to beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals, fostering a vibrant equestrian community while adhering to international standards like those from Equestrian Federation of Asia (EFA) and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
MEM’s educational offerings focus on skill certification, safety training, and cultural integration, particularly through the Malaysian Skills Certification System (SPKM) and National Dual Training System (SLDN). These programs equip participants with practical competencies in horse management, riding, and therapy, often in collaboration with institutions like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and private equestrian centers. Foundational certificates include the O-Level National Orientation Course in Basic Horse Care and Management Skills, adapted from Equestrian Australia in 1995 and localized for Malaysian contexts. This short-cycle qualification (typically 4 days) covers equine anatomy, grooming, stable management, and basic riding safety, serving as an entry point for aspiring riders or handlers. Graduates receive a verifiable certificate, essential for advanced training or employment in stables and riding schools.
At the diploma level, MEM facilitates the Diploma in Equestrian Services under SPKM, emphasizing vocational skills in horse breeding, training, and event management. This 1-2 year program (120 ECTS-equivalent under Bologna Process alignment) includes modules on veterinary first aid, equine nutrition, and competition preparation, with hands-on placements at accredited facilities. It prepares participants for roles like stable supervisors or event coordinators, with certification renewable through continuing professional development (CPD).
Advanced qualifications encompass specialist diplomas in Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation, focusing on therapeutic riding for physical and mental health benefits, often integrated with community programs for youth and persons with disabilities. Postgraduate certificates in Equestrian Coaching (6-12 months) target experienced riders, covering advanced techniques like dressage and showjumping, aligned with FEI guidelines.
The Program Pengenalan Pendedahan Sunnah Berkuda (Introduction to Exposure in Sunnah Horse Riding), while not a direct MEM offering, is closely associated through MEM’s promotion of cultural equestrian activities. This initiative, inspired by Islamic traditions where horse riding is considered a Sunnah (recommended practice of the Prophet Muhammad), provides introductory exposure to traditional riding, archery on horseback, and horse care rooted in heritage. Organized by partners like Rubinga Heritage and JEQMA Academy, the program—often referred to as Pendedahan Awal Sunnah Berkuda (PASUB)—is a monthly workshop (1-2 days) emphasizing spiritual, physical, and safety aspects. Participants learn basic mounting, dismounting, and handling techniques, alongside Quranic references to horses (e.g., Surah An-Nahl 16:8) and historical contexts like Arab equestrian traditions. Safety guidelines from MEM are integrated, covering helmet use, horse temperament assessment, and emergency protocols. The program targets families, youth, and cultural enthusiasts, promoting resilience (“daya ketahanan”) through river-crossing rides or archery simulations at sites like Sungai Lui Equestrian Hub in Selangor.
PASUB culminates in a Certificate of Participation or Achievement, acknowledging foundational exposure and serving as a prerequisite for advanced Sunnah riding classes. It aligns with MEM’s broader goals by blending recreation with heritage preservation, addressing challenges like African Horse Sickness through biosecurity modules. Locations include Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam and Sungai Congkak, with fees subsidized for community groups. MEM supports these through webinars like “Introduction to SPKM & SLDN,” held in collaboration with JPK and DVS, explaining certification pathways for Sunnah equestrian skills.
MEM’s ecosystem extends to short-cycle certificates in Equine First Aid (1 day) and Horse Welfare Management (3 days), essential for all riders. Diplomas in Veterinary Assisting for Equines (2 years) prepare paraprofessionals for stable veterinary roles. Bachelor’s top-ups via partners like UTM offer degrees in Animal Science with equestrian focus, while master’s programs in Sports Management incorporate equine modules.
Admission to MEM programs requires age 18+ for advanced levels, basic fitness, and Malaysian nationality for subsidized slots; no prior experience needed for introductory courses. Applications via MEM’s Facebook or website (equinecouncilmalaysia.org) ensure rolling access, with events like the June 12, 2025, webinar on certification systems.
MEM’s career services link graduates to jobs in riding schools, therapy centers, and events, with alumni in national teams. Committed to inclusivity and heritage, MEM’s programs, including Pengenalan Pendedahan Sunnah Berkuda, empower participants to embrace equestrian traditions safely, making it Malaysia’s vanguard for equine education and cultural sports.
