Some journeys begin with a single decision. Arysha Kanda’s life began before she even took her first breath. Her mother was a devoted horsewoman, riding through fields and training rings while pregnant with her. It was only natural that Arysha grew up with the same fire in her heart.
She climbed into the saddle at the age of four. The world seemed big, but the bond between a girl and her horse felt even bigger. What started as play soon grew into purpose. By eleven, Arysha wasn’t just riding for fun. She was riding for Malaysia. Her first international competition took her to Singapore, where she won the event as the youngest rider. That victory sparked a dream that never stopped growing.
Today, at just eighteen, Arysha carries more than 30 internationally recognised titles. She has jumped in arenas across Asia and Europe, each time raising the Malaysian flag with pride. But medals are only a part of her story.
For Arysha, the real beauty lies in horsemanship. The trust between rider and horse is what fuels her. The quiet communication. The shared rhythm. The feeling of becoming one with a living, breathing partner. It is a connection she hopes more Malaysians will come to understand.
In August 2024, she made her boldest move yet. She left home, family, and familiarity behind and moved alone to the Netherlands to chase professional training in showjumping. It was a leap into a new life, driven by a dream bigger than fear. Day by day, she trains with one goal in mind: to qualify for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games and, one day, stand among the legends of her sport.
The road is long, but Arysha rides forward with faith, grit, and a heart anchored in purpose.