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SARGA.CO – The prestigious national horse-racing championship series, Indonesia Horse Racing (IHR) 2025, will be held in Payakumbuh, West Sumatra. For the first time, SARGA.CO, Indonesia’s premier equestrian event promoter, is bringing the IHR 2025 series outside Java under the banner Indonesia's Horse Racing (IHR) Cup 2025.
This championship, featuring 13 race classes, will take place at the Kubu Gadang Racecourse, Payakumbuh, on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
Horse racing is nothing new to the people of Sumatra, especially within Minangkabau society. The equestrian tradition has existed alongside daily life since the Dutch colonial era in the late 19th century.
One piece of historical evidence, quoted from armadaberita.com, is the oldest racecourse located in Bukik Ambacang, Bukittinggi. Established in 1889, horse racing at this venue was initially an entertainment reserved for the elite and nobility. Over time, however, it evolved into a much-anticipated public festival.
The race tracks are typically grassy, ranging from 800 to 1,000 meters in length. The horses used are mostly agile and sturdy local breeds. Jockeys come from all walks of life, from teenagers to adults.
This tradition also gave rise to several racecourses across West Sumatra, including those in Payakumbuh, Batusangkar, and Padang Panjang. Each region has its own stories and pride, but the essence remains the same: horse racing is a community celebration and source of entertainment.
Since the establishment of PORDASI (the Indonesian Equestrian Sports Association) after independence, horse racing has grown rapidly. What was once a local pastime has become an official competition with national standards. Minangkabau horses have competed several times in championships in Jakarta and achieved remarkable results, further elevating West Sumatra’s name in the world of horse racing.
Beyond sport, horse racing has become an economic driver. Every event draws thousands of spectators. Vendors set up stalls, night markets emerge, and hotels and guesthouses fill up. Local governments view horse racing as a cultural tourism attraction that provides economic benefits while keeping the tradition alive.
Interestingly, Minangkabau horse racing has also created new stories. In 2017, the first female jockey won a race in Bukittinggi. Her presence marked an important milestone, showing that tradition can adapt to the times without losing its essence.
“I’m so happy to become a champion, even though it wasn’t easy to get here. I started learning to ride racehorses when I was 12,” said Najla in Bukittinggi, as quoted by antaranews.com.
Today, horse racing is more than just a sport or entertainment. It is part of the Minangkabau identity, a cultural heritage more than a century old.
From the historic Bukik Ambacang racecourse to the modern arenas of today, horse racing continues to be preserved as a source of pride, entertainment, and social unity for the community.
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