If you love animals, you might have wondered about horseback riding at least once. However, riding is often perceived as a refined sport and tends to be somewhat expensive as a hobby, so it’s not always easy to start immediately after becoming interested.
Once you decide to learn, you will need to prepare membership fees and equipment, which can make quitting challenging. Therefore, participating in a trial ride first is a good way to see if you can continue riding in the long term.
In this article, we introduce what you can do during a trial ride, how to find places that offer such experiences, and tips to find nearby clubs or farms easily.
What You Can Do During a Horseback Riding Trial
What image comes to mind when you hear ‘trial horseback riding’? There are three main types: ‘pony riding,’ ‘horse riding,’ and ‘trekking (outdoor riding)’.
Knowing what each entails ensures you choose an experience that aligns with your expectations. In this section, we’ll introduce what you can do in ‘pony riding,’ ‘horse riding,’ and ‘trekking’ so you can prepare accordingly.
Pony Riding
Pony riding is the most accessible trial experience suitable for both children and adults. You don’t need to instruct the horse yourself; staff will hold the reins and guide the horse while you sit on the saddle and hold the handles.
Most venues are zoos, farms, or city events, where you can simply register on-site and enjoy the experience. No special items are required, and the session typically lasts around 10 minutes, making it a very easy and fun way to interact with horses.
This experience is ideal for those who want to ‘touch a horse’ or ‘feel the height of a horse’ but have never ridden before.
Horseback Riding Experience
Unlike pony riding, this involves holding the reins yourself and giving commands while riding. Instructors are always present to teach you how to give proper directions and assist if your rhythm with the horse isn’t quite right, ensuring a safe and confident experience even for first-timers.
The activity takes place at riding clubs or farms with riding arenas, where you can practice basic commands like starting and stopping. Some places also let you experience the speed of the horse, such as trot or canter, which offers a sense of adventure and a chance to learn about equestrian sports.
Riding time can range from 1 to 3 hours, including safety briefing, helmet, and protective gear. Prior reservation is usually required, but duration varies depending on the facility.
Trekking (Outdoor Riding)
Trekking allows you to enjoy leisurely rides through nature, including forests, seas, and rivers—far beyond the indoor riding arenas. Beginners practice basic skills in the arena before heading outside, ensuring a safe and relaxing experience.
More than just a sport, trekking is about enjoying nature with horses and experiencing extraordinary views from the horse’s vantage point. Many travelers choose trekking as part of their trip, especially in scenic regions, where they can ride in the sea, snow, or other seasonal environments.
The experience lasts from 1 to 3 hours and requires reservations. Some courses even span multiple days, providing endless opportunities for new adventures.
Where to Find Horseback Riding Experiences
Many people interested in horseback riding are unsure where to experience it. Information about where to try riding can often be found on farms or riding club websites.
Some travel plans include horseback riding as activities, so checking travel brochures can be helpful. However, navigating multiple websites or collecting brochures can be cumbersome.
Our website, ‘JMelma’, aggregates and provides detailed information about horseback riding locations across the country. By simply selecting your region on the map, you can view available facilities and experiences.
In addition to facility information, you can easily check details such as whether they offer beginner rides, equipment rentals, and transport services. Our site also features articles addressing common questions for first-time riders, helping you prepare for a safe and enjoyable experience. Be sure to make use of it.
Search for riding clubs on JMelma
Check if Children Can Participate
Parents may want their children to participate in horseback riding during family outings or for long-lasting memories. However, because horses are large animals, some parents may worry about whether young children can experience riding.
The answer is: children can participate in horseback riding activities. However, the conditions vary depending on the type of experience, so it’s important to confirm beforehand.
For pony riding, staff handle the horse’s commands, so even young children can participate. Many places accept children from around age 3, often with the condition that they ride with a parent.
Similarly, age restrictions may apply for horseback riding experiences, and some trekking courses are not suitable for children. Always check the details before booking.
Equipment is Provided
While horses are generally gentle and calm, they are living creatures, so unpredictable things can happen. It’s important to wear safety gear such as helmets and protective vests, even during trial rides.
For clothing, casual and comfortable attire is sufficient, typically long pants and easy-to-move clothes. However, it can be a burden to bring your own equipment like helmets and protectors, so many riding experiences offer these as rentals to ensure safety and convenience.
Summary
Horseback riding may seem intimidating at first glance, but trial rides are a great way to easily connect with horses. It can be a memorable experience for children and a special escape for adults, providing relaxation and a break from everyday stress.
For those considering taking riding lessons or learning about horses, a trial ride provides an opportunity to see if it’s the right path. Prepare by researching and enjoying a fun, fulfilling experience.