What is Horseback Riding and Trail Riding?
Trail riding and outdoor rides involve enjoying horseback riding while exploring nature such as mountains, forests, and coastlines. You can experience interacting with horses while taking in scenic views from a higher vantage point, which offers a sense of freedom and refreshment that’s unmatched.
Although trail riding might seem difficult for beginners, riding is a sport enjoyed by everyone from children to adults. While some enthusiasts dream of galloping on plains or beaches, if your goal is to gently stroll with horses and interact with them, even beginners can try this experience confidently.
Various courses are available, from relaxing forest and mountain trails to scenic night rides, beach walks, and even swimming in the sea, providing memorable experiences different from everyday life.
Recommended clothing for horseback riding and trail riding
When you think of horseback riding, you might imagine wearing riding breeches or formal attire like tails. However, casual, easy-to-move-in clothes suitable for getting dirty are recommended for trail riding.
While comfortable clothing is important, avoid skirts, shorts, or nylon pants that could cause injury. Long pants like jeans are ideal, and long-sleeved tops are recommended to protect against sunburn and insects outdoors. If you prefer short sleeves during summer, consider wearing arm covers. For footwear, avoid heels and sandals, opting for sneakers and always wear socks that cover above the ankle.
For some courses, waterproof clothing, swimwear, or sandals may be required, especially if water activities like seaside riding are part of the experience.
Riding Clubs Offering Horseback Tours and Trail Rides
Horseback riding adventures are available nationwide, with riding clubs and ranches offering experience courses. Here are some recommended places to try trail riding.
Canadian Camp Hokkaido Riding Club Brief
If you’re looking to experience horseback riding in Hokkaido, Canadian Camp Hokkaido Riding Club Brief, just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, offers easy access. All courses start with practice in the arena before heading outdoors, making it safe for beginners.
Passing through forests, you can relax and enjoy a healing experience. The club also has associated riding schools in Kyushu and Yatsugatake, offering similar trail riding experiences, with beach rides popular in Kyushu.
Frontier Riding Club
Located about a 30-minute drive from Sapporo North Interchange, Frontier Riding Club offers forest, river, and seaside courses. Before heading out, beginners are taught basic commands like how to walk and stop within the arena. The club also assigns suitable horses for each skill level.
Children from age 3 can ride alone, and those who are nervous can have their reins held by staff during the experience.
Chiba Riding Park
For those in the Kanto region, Chiba Riding Park is a nearby option. Just an hour from the city center with free pickup from the nearest station, it’s perfect for a casual rural walk. The course is suitable for children from age 6, and offers both practice in the arena on day one and outdoor riding on day two, ideal for beginners.
Akagi Riding Club
Akagi Riding Club in Kanto offers water-side trail riding along the Tone River. You can enjoy relaxing sounds of flowing water, with the added thrill of crossing the river for an adventurous experience. Beginners can join with a basic training course offered alongside trail rides.
Japan Sea Riding Club
In Niigata, Japan Sea Riding Club provides mountain trail courses and seaside beach rides to enjoy Japan’s beautiful natural scenery throughout the seasons, from lush green in spring to snowy landscapes in winter.
The mountain courses offer breathtaking views, and you can enjoy the changing scenery, such as snow-covered winters or vibrant spring foliage.
SUNNY FIELD IN AKENO HORSE FARM
Enjoy horseback riding while viewing the Southern Alps, Yatsugatake, and Mount Fuji at SUNNY FIELD IN AKENO HORSE FARM. They offer a variety of courses, including scenic woodland trails.
Seasonal spots like cherry blossoms, colorful leaves, and sunflower fields make each visit special. Beginners can take lessons in the arena before heading out on a trail ride.
Okinawa Riding Club
Located about an hour from Naha, Okinawa Riding Club offers unique horseback riding experiences exclusive to Okinawa. Courses include walking through the village of Musashi-mura with traditional Okinawan scenery, enjoying the beautiful sea and mangroves, or riding along the beach while feeling the Okinawan breeze. Some courses include entering the ocean with the horse from June to October, which is very popular.
Many horses at the club are friendly and well-trained, making it safe even for beginners to interact and enjoy.
Tips for Beginners on Horseback Riding and Trail Tours
Experience content varies greatly depending on the riding club, so it is important to confirm that the experience matches your preferences when booking. Make sure to check whether the ride includes outdoor trails or beach pathways, and whether weather conditions might lead to cancellations or route changes.
As horseback riding involves animals, there is a risk of falls and injury. It is also quite physically demanding, serving as aerobic exercise. If you have health concerns, consult your doctor beforehand to ensure safety.
This activity takes place outdoors, so measures against heatstroke, insects, and pollen are recommended.
Summary
We introduced beginner-friendly horseback riding and trail tours. For those interested but hesitant about joining riding clubs, these experiences provide an accessible way to enjoy horseback riding.
Trail riding allows you to relax and unwind with nature while bonding with horses. Riding from a high vantage point offers breathtaking views and lasting memories.
We hope this information helps you enjoy a wonderful experience. Thank you for reading!