Currently, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is thinking about the plan to establish Equestrian School. The school is designed jointly by Laboratory of Cattle and Pets, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Equestrian Student Activity Unit, business unit of Faculty of Animal Sciences, as well as Directorate of Student Affairs of UGM.
That was delivered by Deputy Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Business Development Faculty of Animal Sciences, Dr. Ir. Edi Suryanto, M.Sc., to reporters on the sidelines of the socialization of student entrepreneurship program (PMW), Saturday (9/4,) at Grha Sabha Pramana UGM. Based on the plan, the school will be released in June. This school is a development program of equestrian unit.
"This equestrian school is not only designed to provide knowledge about the technique of riding a horse for competition and tracking alone, but also the business development of this sector, how to raise horses, maintenance and utilization of horses as tourism transport such as around Alun-alun Kidul area," he said.
With the establishment of this school, Edi expected that UGM equestrian unit can gain some advantages, not only sporting achievements in competitions but also benefits by doing business from horse breeding. "We also want to inject entrepreneurship spirit to students through this activity. The horse is an expensive animal. The price of one superior Belo (col/ yearling) could reach 40-50 million rupiah. If breeding can be done, doubled profit will be obtained," he explained.
Furthermore, Edi said, this equestrian school would initially be for only members of equestrian unit. But in the medium term the unit will also be opened to the public.
In order to support the pioneering establishment of the equestrian school, he hopes that the university provides financial support. "This program for institution (UGM) will give a good image and becomes one of attractions for the promotion. Therefore, we hope there will be support from the university," Edi said.