What Is Equestrian Gymnastics? Exercise on Horseback Explained

After you start riding horses for a while, you will likely have opportunities to do ‘horseback gymnastics’ as part of your lessons. Although the term might evoke scenes of acrobatics, what does it actually involve? In this article, we introduce the purpose, methods, and precautions of horseback gymnastics. Purpose of Horseback Gymnastics Building Balance and … Read more

Mastering Half-Halt for More Enjoyable Riding

Do you know about half-halt? Can you explain it in detail? Some riders might confidently say they regularly perform half-halt during lessons, but in reality, many do not fully understand it or perform it unconsciously. Understanding and practicing half-halt allows you to achieve higher riding skills. Here, we explain what half-halt is, when to use … Read more

The Role of Winter Coat and Hair Flow in Horses

Have you ever noticed a difference in impression between summer and winter horses? Like dogs and cats, horses shed and grow different coats depending on the season. The coat in summer is called ‘summer coat’ and in winter ‘winter coat,’ and in this article, we will explain about the winter coat of horses. We will … Read more

Experience Archery on Horseback: Try Yabusame in Japan

Archery is shot while galloping along a straight course on horseback—Yabusame. It might seem difficult since it requires both horsemanship and archery skills. However, did you know that there are farms and riding clubs where you can actually experience Yabusame? In this article, we introduce the history of Yabusame and details about trial courses. What … Read more

Why Do Horse Riding Pants Look Different? The Surprising Origin of Overalls and Jodhpurs

What Are Horse Riding Pants Anyway? When searching for riding pants, you might find yourself thinking, ‘Yes, this is it!’ or feeling, ‘That’s not what I expected!’. If it’s the latter, it could be because you’re looking at images of baggy work trousers known as nikka-pokka, which can look very different from traditional riding gear. … Read more

How to Brake Effectively Without Forcing Power

Have you ever felt scared because you tried to stop a horse but it wouldn’t slow down at all? Stopping a horse might seem simple at first glance, but it’s actually a common stumbling block for beginners. In this article, we’ll explain the basic posture and tips for applying effective brakes on a horse! Fundamental … Read more