White horse is an official army classfication of the sons of notables.
Eg. Minister's son, MP's son, leading party member's son, high ranking military officer's son, Very rich Singaporean's son (we are talking about bankers and others who constantly rub shoulders with ministers)
official statement is classification is so that no special treatment is given to "white horses"
Well my experience and the experience of my peers (I am 32 so my NS was still the get your head shoved into the mud and standby cupboard in parade square time) White horses are treated with the greatest respect and deference. Not given punishement and treated like royalty during BMT. Have officers looking out for them and constantly asking them if they are okay? Can they take the training? Want canteen break? After BMT, most white horses are transferred to HQ where they do clerical duties or those that feel abit gung ho will go to OCS and become officers although some of them are clearly not officer material.
But must admit some of these white horses are pretty decent chaps, my buddy was one. Father was head of Artillery, father didnt asked for white horse classification and he didnt say a thing, when sgts found out after they questioned him why your father occupation is civil servant, what civil servant?. Whoa they all freaked out cos they were really giving us a hard time during the course.