Equestrian Sports Revival: A New Era Begins

Bangkok: The Indonesian Equestrian team has successfully carved a proud history at the SEA Games. The first gold medal was finally achieved by the Equestrian team at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

The gold medal was presented in the show jumping discipline in the team jumping category by Brayen Nathan Brata-Coolen, Arserl Rizki Brayudha, Raymen Kaunang, and Dirga Wira Ramadhan Saputra.

For Dirga Wira Ramadhan Saputra, this gold medal has special meaning because it is his first appearance at the SEA Games. “This gold medal means a lot to me, to my family, and of course to the country,” said Dirga.

“In the future I want to focus on the Asian Games, and my highest target is the Olympics,” he added.

The Indonesian team has appeared impressive since the preliminary round. The four Indonesian riders were able to record a clear round without penalty. Brayen Nathan Brata-Coolen had the highest score with a time of 77.53 seconds in the first round and 65.57 seconds in the second round.

“In the first half we were all nervous because everyone wanted to give their best for their country, so the burden felt different. In the second half, time got tighter and the chances of making mistakes were greater,” said Brayen.

Entering the final round, the Indonesian equestrian team was still able to maintain focus. The four riders again recorded clear rounds. However, Malaysia also achieved similar results so the gold medal race had to be determined through the jump off round.

In the jump off round which took place at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Pattaya, the competition was very tight. Both Indonesia and Malaysia again finished the race with clear rounds. Indonesia finally emerged as the winner with a time of 107.01 seconds, around three seconds ahead of Malaysia which recorded a time of 110.08 seconds.

“I am proud to see how each of us can overcome tense moments on the playing field,” said Brayen.

“We also want to thank the entire team who has supported us, both morally and technically, including the trainers. I have only been working with this horse for a few months, but I have been able to produce good results like today,” he added.

As of December 17 2025, the Indonesian equestrian team had contributed four medals at the 2025 Thailand SEA Games. In the eventing category, Indonesia won a bronze medal in the individual eventing number through Steven Menayang, as well as a silver medal in the team eventing number which was strengthened by Welda Agapindo, Jamhur Hatta, Riko Ganda Febryyanto, and Steven Menayang.

Meanwhile, in the dressage category, the Indonesian equestrian team won a silver medal in the dressage team number through Alfaro Menayang, Dara Ninggar Prameswari, Audirania Amanda Putri, and Karen Leticia Herjawan.

For this achievement, Menpora Erick expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the equestrian athletes who were able to make Indonesia proud at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

“I am grateful for the efforts of the equestrian athletes who have made new history at the SEA Games this time. The persistence and enthusiasm to present the first gold medal was finally realized. So it is not wrong that this equestrian branch is included in the 21 leading sports which we will continue to support, develop and monitor the road map because their potential is very large,” said Minister of Youth and Sports Erick.

“So if many people say that equestrian has finally broken its egg and won gold at the SEA Games this time, don’t worry, this is not the first and only gold from equestrian. This is the first gold that will open the next gold medals for equestrian sports for Indonesia,” added Minister of Youth and Sports Erick. (amr)