RFS-NorthLight commences in January 2010 with 10 members. NorthLight students now have an additional choice of CCA to choose from. The ages of the members range from 13 to 14. Students go to the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre (STCRC) every Thursday for their CCA.
The Riding for Schools (RFS) Programme has been specially-designed for students between the ages of 8 and 18 to help them build a range of skills that will come in useful not only in sports, but also in their school work and life in general.
The RFS Programme will help students to:
- Build confidence and self-esteem;
- Acquire self-discipline;
- Cultivate mental acumen and focus;
- Develop their physical fitness and coordination.
The RFS Programme offers a holistic and comprehensive curriculum that will include the following components:
- Classroom lessons on basic horse anatomy and rules of riding safety;
- Stable management and horse care;
- Fundamental riding skills, such as steering a horse to walk, trot and canter;
- An annual camp.
The NLS Knights were invited to perform at the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre. The occasion marked the official opening STC Riding Centre. The opening ceremony held on 24 June 2010 was graced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Mr. Teo Chee Hean.
Our students had been practising hard for many months and more so even as the date to the event drew closer. While many of their peers spent their holidays chilling out with their friends, our knight riders were having fun in what they enjoyed doing most and that was riding on the horses.
Knight Riders Camp
The NLS Knight Riders were invited to participate in the RFS’ first Day Camp. It was hosted by STCRC on 15 November, 2010. It was a day to be remembered. For Salihin, it was a chance to learn ‘to make friends with students from other schools’. For Haziq, it was a chance to get to know students from other schools. This is a good time to practice my speaking skills.’
Our students displayed wonderful attitudes throughout their learning experience. It was a time of learning new things, making new friends and for some, to have their dreams reaffirmed. They had first-hand experience of cleaning up the stables. The novelty of horse riding was soon overcome by the stench that permeates throughout the stables as Danish soon found out. “The stench of excrement and urine was disgusting. It was a lot of hard work keeping the stables and horses clean.” This sentiment was similarly expressed by Wee Keong, “cleaning the stables is not a simple job after all.” They soon realized how much of love and hard work the handlers have to put into taking care of the horses. They have the handlers to thank for ensuring that the riders will always have clean and healthy horses for riding.
Although it was hard work and not at all a pleasant one, our students displayed positive attitudes towards the experience. Danish felt that the horses ‘need my help to keep their stables clean like my own house.’ Haziq said, ‘I did not mind when I had to clean the stables so they have a comfortable place to stay.’ Our students have learned to look at the horses differently. Their horses have feelings and moods just like they do, and so should also be given respect and love. One student had his dream reaffirmed once again at the end of the day. The experience at Day Camp has made Muhd Salihin all the more determined to pursue his dream. He said, "If I had the choice, I would like to go to Australia to learn more about horses. I hope I can work at RFS one day. I am confident that I can make it come true."
Knight Riders at RFS Competition
The RFS Competition was held on 19 Nov 2010. Our Knight Riders were all ready to take up the challenges. Other schools represented were Pei Hwa, Radin Mas, SCGS, Bartley and West Spring. The Knight Riders did their best. They took the challenge and refused assistance from the instructors and handlers. They wanted to see how they would fare on their own. They were nervous, but they focused on doing their best so that they could do their school proud.
The competition has brought out the best in the NLS Riders and their resilience to withstand adversity was clearly demonstrated throughout. It is also an occasion where their maturity is displayed in their ability to appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses. In the words of Wee Keong, "Although NorthLight won 4th position, we were very happy because we ran the races without getting help from the instructors." Another rider, Haziq, has this to add, "We will not give up. We will try harder in 2011."
The competition has also brought the team together. Haziq said, "I felt sad, but my friends comforted me and told me it was okay. They told me not to give up." This spirit of camaraderie was evident right from the beginning. In the case of Kar Chun, "I tried to cheer them (his team-mates) up. I told them to do warm up so that we would have more confidence and we would not be nervous." Our NLS Knight Riders have clearly demonstrated their ability to appreciate their strength and the area they need improvement. But above all, they rise above the occasion, with renewed determination to do better the next time.
