On a weekend afternoon, Khoi, 43, in District 7, HCM City, drove 10 km from home to the horse farm in Binh Chanh district owned by Le Tien Tong, born 1977, to indulge his love for riding.

Khoi has pursued this elite hobby for 5-6 years. As a regular client, he picks his favorite saddled horse. With a swift move, he mounts, reins in hand, guiding the horse around the yard.

Visitors and riding students soon join, selecting horses. Tong and the farm’s staff teach them proper posture and rein technique.

Tong leads one of the horses with a rider around the yard by rope. On horseback, learners and guests beam with delight, while onlookers snap photos and cheer.

As an experienced rider, Khoi freely roams the farm with his horse. After slow trots, he urges it into a bold gallop, thrilling spectators.

Khoi said: “To me, riding isn’t about controlling the horse, but is the process when the rider connects to the horse. Each horse has its own personality, mood shifting with circumstances.

“Horses are smart—they sense your emotions. If you’re angry or negative and push it to move, it might resist or react wildly. So this sport demands understanding and love for horses. On their backs, you sync with their rhythm, blending with their motion.”

Balancing life

Khoi never imagined he’d ride or adore horses this much. In 2018, after playing a cowboy-themed game with horseback riding, he fell for the sport. He found Tong’s farm in Binh Chanh district and tried it out.

“The truth is, I loved horses before riding them. Now, riding and caring for them is an endless passion. Being on horseback always feels fresh. My first ride took me to a hilltop at sunrise—we stopped to watch. It was calm, peaceful, and emotional. Even now, every ride brings that feeling,” he said.

As he loves horses so much, Khoi bought a horse, boarding it at the farm and paying Tong to care for it. His horse has since birthed a healthy foal.

Kiet, 25, from Lam Dong, also frequents Tong’s farm. When he was a kid, he saw horses at tourist spots. Growing up, he watched films featuring horses and dreamed of owning one. Later, he joined Tong’s farm to learn riding.

After just 10 lessons, Kiet mastered it and grew hooked. The young man then poured two years’ savings into buying a racehorse.

Kiet said: “Riding feels wholesome—it balances my life. I got obsessed, hid it from my family, and spent a hefty sum. I once felt hesitant to own a horse, because I had just worked for two years. But my passion and future plans pushed me to invest. Now, I board it with Tong for VND5 million monthly.”

Since owning his horse, Kiet spends weekends with it, ditching other hobbies. He visits, tends, and trains with it whenever he has free time. Though he’s had it only since late last year, Kiet and his horse share a tight bond. He gets restless missing it for a week.

When spotting its owner, the horse shows joy—stepping close, bowing its head. As Kiet strokes it, the horse closes its eyes, enjoying the moment.

Beyond Kiet and Khoi, other people also board horses at Tong’s farm. On weekends or free time, they visit to care for and ride their horses.

“No matter how busy, I make time for my horse. Without it, I miss it—like losing a close friend,” Khoi said. “Riding and tending horses isn’t just fun anymore—it’s a passion, a bond between man and beast. Just watching, petting, feeding, or walking them brings joy and calm. Long ago, I started seeing my horse as a friend, a family member.”

Ha Nguyen