Arkan Muhammad Khalifamusta never imagined that his initial foray into equestrian sports during his first year of university would lead him to achieve numerous accomplishments in various championships. It all began as a spectator on the sidelines of the arena, captivated by the precision with which athletes and horses cleared high obstacles, marking the start of his journey in the world of equestrian sports.
Despite being a relatively new student, this student from the International Undergraduate Program, Management class of 2023, has achieved impressive accomplishments. At the 2025 Porsenigama event, Arkan won first place in the 40–60 cm Show Jumping category and second place in the Walk Trot 3 category in the equestrian sports held in October 2025.
He did not stop there, as Arkan once again demonstrated his consistency by winning second place in the 80 cm Open class at the 2025 Central Java Classic Series 2 in Klaten, Central Java, on 5–9 November 2025. A few weeks later, he returned to the podium by winning 2nd place in the 50–70 cm Open class at the UGM Horse Show, which took place at the Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, on 22–23 November 2025.
Arkan’s interest in equestrian sports began during his early university days. At the time, he was merely a spectator at a horse racing event. However, his first experience riding a horse became a defining turning point.
“When I tried it myself, it felt extraordinary. There was a rush of adrenaline, control, and freedom all at once. It was from that moment that I fell in love with horse riding,” he said.
His commitment grew stronger as his desire to excel grew from within. What was once just a hobby turned into a serious responsibility. He trained two to three times a week.
“What keeps me going is the satisfaction of seeing my own progress and the growing connection with the horse. Every time I push past a new limit, the reason to keep going feels even stronger,” he said.
Along the way, Arkan recognised the significant role of his trainer. Additionally, Walter, the horse he rides, became an important partner who helped him develop. From Walter, Arkan learned about discipline, patience, trust, and leadership.
“A horse is not just a piece of sports equipment. He is a partner. From that relationship, I learned that achievement does not come from ambition alone, but from the bond we build,” he explained.
Ahead of Porsenigama 2025, Arkan consistently trains using the same horse to strengthen their connection. His biggest challenge is managing self-doubt, especially when he has to complete a series of obstacles in a short time while remaining calm and focused.
“When I am confident in myself, and in the horse I am riding, my execution on the field becomes much more solid,” he said.
His experience competing in the Show Jumping and Walk-Trot categories left a lasting impression. The entire long training process was tested in just a matter of minutes. Despite the pressure, Arkan found beauty in equestrian sports at that moment.
“When we made the final jump and landed cleanly, there was a sense of relief and pride,” he recalled
In the future, Arkan aims to continue developing and participating in competitions outside Central Java. Although he trains actively, he admits that he does not have any significant difficulties dividing his time between college and sports, thanks to the flexibility of his training schedule. Even though he has to sacrifice rest and leisure time to maintain his focus, he can do so.
Concluding his story, Arkan advised FEB UGM students who are interested in trying equestrian sports or participating in Porsenigama next year to be brave enough to start.
“If you feel even a little curious, be brave enough to start. Never underestimate the first step,” he concluded.
Reportage by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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