LOOKING for a horse-riding destination set against a beautiful countryside backdrop that offers a scenic, educational and hands-on experience for the whole family?
Countryside Stables Penang is a place well worth visiting.
Nestled along Jalan Sungai Burung in Balik Pulau, Countryside Stables Penang is a charming family-operated horse ranch surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil rural scenery.
The stables are home to a wide variety of animals, including horses, miniature horses, ponies, donkeys and even deer, making it an ideal destination for families, nature lovers and animal enthusiasts.
Established in 2012, Countryside Stables Penang is a privately owned property by Wan Aikhsan Wan Jamil and his wife, Doris Lim.
Spanning nearly three acres, the ranch provides ample space for its animals to roam freely in a clean and well-maintained environment.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara during a recent visit, Doris shared that the horses at the ranch serve multiple purposes.
“These horses are meant for endurance sports, recreational activities and breeding,” she said, adding that the stables are open daily to visitors with a minimal entry fee.
Currently, Countryside Stables Penang is home to more than 30 animals, including miniature horses, pure-bred Arabian horses, polo ponies, Thai, Myanmar and Malaysian ponies, as well as donkeys and deer.
She added that visitors can stroll around the ranch while learning more about the different breeds, their characteristics and daily care routines.
“The stables offer a range of interactive activities such as pony rides, horse riding, feeding and grooming sessions.
“Guided rides and joy rides are available, with professional instructors on hand to ensure safety, especially for children and first-time riders,” she said.
According to Doris, one of the highlights of the ranch is its daily horse run at 6.30pm, a popular attraction that allows visitors to witness the horses in motion in a calm and natural setting.
“The stables are also known for offering affordable interaction sessions, feeding experiences and rides, all while maintaining high standards of animal care and cleanliness,” said Doris.
She added that with its friendly horses and picturesque countryside surroundings, Countryside Stables Penang has also become a favoured location for video shoots and creative projects.
“Bring your children to see, feed and ride a horse here.
“It’s a chance for families to experience horse riding, feel closer to nature and interact with the horses by feeding them hay with their own hands,” Doris said.
Suitable for both children and adults, Countryside Stables Penang offers a unique opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a memorable experience with well-cared-for animals in the heart of Penang’s countryside.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat