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As a kid, Nara Ketusingha had the chance to take up all sorts of after-school activities, with full support from his parents. Whether it was soccer, taekwondo or shooting, he learnt them all.

But nothing really caught his imagination - until he started horse riding.

"I was about nine when asked my mother if I could learn to ride," Nara says. "She thought I would soon quit, like all the other activities. But not this time."

Years have passed, but the grown-up Nara still enjoys saddling up - and not just as a rider. These days he also teaches a new generation of horse riders.

The joys of a young instructor

Nara, 26, began teaching when he was a freshman at Kasetsart University's faculty of humanities. At that time he was also a member of Thailand's dressage equestrian team.

"I feel very happy when people call me 'Khru Cha-Om' [his nickname]," he says. "That makes me feel that I really can help them achieve what they want."

But the giver also enjoys being a receiver.

"Equestrian instructors can earn about Bt1,000 for a one-hour lesson," says Nara, who also fills a voluntary role as assistant to the secretary general of the Thailand Equestrian Federation.

"It's like a perfect combination for me - doing what I love and earning a living at the same time," he says.

A committed teacher

Nara's teaching philosophy is to give his students everything he can.

"Whenever I teach, I remember what it's like being a student," he says, referring to his studies for a master's degree in business marketing from Swinburne University of Technology, in Australia.

"Back then I wanted teachers who really cared about me, rather than those who couldn't wait for a class to finish."

He never leaves a student alone on horseback during his lessons.

"I have to make them feel that coming to learn with me is worth every baht they pay."

A few horse-riding tips

After almost ten years' experience, Nara believes anyone can learn to ride a horse.

"Don't learn horse riding just because it looks cool. Without a true desire to learn, you may quit easily if you have an accident, and that's a waste of money," Nara says.

"Also, don't stick to riding tame horses. A wilder horse is very good practice, and it will make you tougher and able to master other horses."

Nara currently teaches horse riding at the Thai Polo Club, Pattaya. Also, he is the manager of the Thai Polo's youth club.

 

Watchara Saengsrisin

The Nation