Chonburi: What started out as a straightforward gold mission turned into a test of nerves and logistics for Malaysia's equestrian team before 17-year-old Megan Min Ern Ding finally triumphed in the individual dressage event at the 2025 South East Asian (SEA) Games in Chonburi, almost two hours of journey from here, today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) honorary secretary Datuk Yap Mou Soon said the gold had always been part of Malaysia's plan, but unexpected complications arose when Megan's horse, the brown horse Gaudi Vita, fell ill before boarding its flight from Denmark. The horse was supposed to have arrived on Dec 6 but only arrived on Dec 9 due to a fever, requiring extra payment to ensure its arrival on an expensive flight.

Despite these complications, Mou Soon praised Megan's composure and patience in delivering a gold-winning performance. Megan produced an elegant and composed freestyle test, showcasing harmony, precision, and control to impress the judges at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in Pattaya. Her score of 76.525 points proved untouchable, leaving Thailand's Pawarisa Thongpradup to settle for silver with 71.135 points, while Pawarisa's compatriot Nynn Puttisombat scored 70.410 points for bronze.

Meanwhile, Mou Soon believes the Sarawakian has long-term potential beyond the SEA Games, particularly in competing at the Asian Games and Olympic Games. The SEA Games is currently taking place from Dec 9 to 20 across two provinces: Bangkok and Chonburi.