Article: Whale of a time for kids

Saturday June 6, 2009

By CHRISTINA CHIN

FREE pony and carriage rides are among the many thrilling activities lined up for visitors at the 15th National Horse Show (NHS) at the Penang Turf Club in Batu Gantong today and tomorrow.

Thousands are expected to throng the club for the show from 10am to 6pm as the event coincides with the school holidays.

Admission is free and visitors do not have to pay to take part in the activities.

Loads of fun: Free horse rides and entertainment provided by a magician, a snake show charmer, a clown and a band, thrilled visitors to the National Horse Show in Penang. The show continues today and tomorrow.

Visitors will have the chance to 'horse around' with the majestic animals besides being entertained by many performances.

There are also 'street shows' which include performances by a 'snakeman', balloonist, comedian, juggler and puppeteer.

The event, last held at Penang Turf Club in 2004, got off to a rousing start yesterday with groups of eager children and their families crowding the grounds for a fun-filled day with horses, clowns, entertainers and magicians.

With blaring music and colourful decorations, the PTC took on a festive air as excited children waited patiently to pet the horses and get on the pony and carriage rides.

Be my friend: Ivan, with encouragement from his mum Beh, patting a donkey named Bella.

The show was launched by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Stalls selling everything from clothing, equestrian gear, pottery, Japanese porcelain, and handicraft to chocolates, lined the expo and bazaar areas.

Adding to the carnival atmosphere was a caricature artist and fortune teller.

Wonderful experience: A girl being taken on a pony ride at the carnival.

Visitors should also look out for performances by a modern jazz band, Chakora Band, hip hop and violin music, country band and Chinese entertainers besides the line dancing, games and magic show.

Clown David Lim - one of two South East Asian representatives at the 20th Pflasterspektakel 2006 street art festival in Linz, Austria, was also among the performers at the show.

These events will be held at the main stage.

Colourful face: A volunteer painting some cute graphics on the face of a girl at the face and hand painting booth.

Visitor Lilian Goh, who was spotted shopping in the charity sale booth, said she was enjoying herself.

This is how it works: A. Alexandra (right) explaining the horse shoe to (from left) M. Uthayakumar and Eugene Battolome, both 12.

"This is a good sale - lots of bargains as there is a mix of new and old items," she said, adding that it was worthwhile for people to come.

In his speech, PTC president Datuk Ong Eng Khuan said the event was aimed at educating the public on the development of the equine industry and equestrian sports.

Among the first day's events was the Interstate Riding in Schools Programme (RISP) showjumping final.

The competition's champion Mohd Joshua Merican Noordin, 16, is a student of St Xavier's Institution (SXI) and an avid equestrian competitor.

"I've been riding since I was nine. Although I've won in team events, this is my first time winning in an individual competition.

"I was a little nervous," he said, adding that his aim was to represent the country in international competitions.

"Equestrian is an excellent sport for youngsters because it teaches discipline," he said.

Other exciting competitions to look out for are the 8th Asian Regional Farriery Competition, Pony Club Showjumping, Dressage and Penang Queen's Cup.

Business communication executive Nora Beh, 31, said she attended the show yesterday and would attend it today and tomorrow as well as her three-year-old son Ivan, loves horses.

"Since I work weekends, I had to apply for leave to bring my son here.

Winning pair; Mohd Jushua showing off his horse, Astraphy and champion trophy.

"There is so much to see so I don't want to tire him out by doing all in one day," she said.

"I knew there would be a lot of people.

"Ivan really loves horses and was so happy when he got to touch the animals. The interactive activities like face painting are good for kids," she said.

Ivan, who speaks English fluently, said he was "not scared" of the big horses.

"My favourite is the big black horse - it neighs loudly when it's excited," he said before giving MetroNorth a demonstration.

A kindergarten teacher, who only wanted to be known as Tan, said she brought along 50 kids between the ages of four to six to the event.

"They are having so much fun," she said.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Metro: North , 6 June 2009