You do not usually go to a dragon boat festival expecting to meet a horse – let alone four miniature ones. But at this year’s IHH x Singapore Sea Regatta 2025 (IHHSSR), the unexpected became unforgettable.
The crowd favourites were found quietly waiting by the sidelines, soft-nosed, four-legged, and impossibly charming.
In collaboration with Medical Channel Asia and EQUAL, a registered charity specialising in equine-assisted learning and therapy, four mini therapy horses – Boogie, Summer, Friday, and Ginger – made their festival debut at Marina Bay as part of a special partnership focused on mental health and emotional wellness.
Over two mornings, these gentle horses welcomed participants young and old in booked 5-minute sessions designed for calm, connection, and comfort. In fact, each interaction was more than a photo opportunity – it offered a glimpse into the power of equine-assisted therapy. Over the years, it it has increasingly been used to support people with anxiety, trauma, or communication difficulties
Slots for the two-day experience were booked up ahead of the event, with proceeds going towards care and transport for the horses as well as supporting the beneficiary of IHHSSR -the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
Why Horses?
Horses are animals deeply attuned to the energy of the humans around them. With heart rates lower than humans, they can influence our own stress levels through co-regulation. Simply standing next to a calm horse can help slow down breathing, lower blood pressure, and ease mental tension.
Through its certified equine-assisted learning programmes, EQUAL Singapore works with children, youth, seniors and vulnerable communities to support mental and emotional wellness.
“I feel calmer already,” commented Dr. Benjamin Huang, Co-Founder, Organising Committee of SSR, who swung by the booth amidst the hustle and bustle of the festivities. “Thank you Friday!”
Small, calm, and irresistibly endearing, EQUAL even brings the miniature horses directly into nursing homes. Over there, bed-bound seniors can benefit from therapeutic bedside visits. They are able to walk the wards, bringing comfort, stimulation, and social engagement wherever they go.
Beyond the Horses: A Festival of Wellness
The rest of IHH SSR 2025 was just as impactful, albeit louder. Over two days, The Promontory at Marina Bay came alive with dragon boat races, open-air workouts, fun and festivities that drew crowds from all walks of life.
The festival kicked off with Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung who officially paddled in the first race, setting a strong, symbolic start to a weekend of sport, solidarity and social purpose.
Despite steady rain on Day 1, paddlers took to the waters with unwavering determination. Dozens of teams competed across divisions that included cancer survivor teams, healthcare institutions, corporate crews.
By Day 2, the skies had cleared, and the teams proceeded on with much fervour.
Mental Health Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of this year’s Regatta was a powerful theme: “Rise Above the Waves”
This year’s beneficiary, the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), has championed mental health care and advocacy since 1968. SAMH offers rehabilitative and creative programmes to support individuals and their families in reintegrating into society.
At a festival full of energy, EQUAL’s four miniature horses offered stillness — a reminder that healing can be quiet and personal. For those who met Boogie, Summer, Friday, or Ginger, it was not just an experience. It was a connection.
We are proud to have partnered with EQUAL Singapore to bring this unique experience to the public. Grateful to everyone who came by to say hello to Boogie, Summer, Friday, and Ginger!
