Many people may have the impression that ‘horseback riding seems expensive…’. In this article, we will explain the costs involved in starting and continuing horseback riding. Knowing the expenses in advance will help you compare and choose a riding club when making your decision.
Points and Cautions When Looking for a Horseback Riding Club
When browsing the websites of horseback riding clubs to find one, you will see various fees listed. First, let’s look at ‘riding fee’ and ‘membership fee,’ which are common charges at many clubs.
Riding Fees
The first necessary expense when riding a horse is the riding fee. Most clubs offer about 45-minute lessons, counted as ‘one session,’ and this fee covers each session. The cost varies quite significantly among clubs, typically ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 yen.
This fee may include horse rental and instruction, or these may be charged separately. Even if the riding fee is low, the membership fee may be high. Therefore, just comparing riding fees alone at several clubs is not advisable.
It’s best to confirm the total cost for a month’s lessons, including riding fees, when you visit a club. Later in this article, we will also introduce beginner course examples for reference.
Membership and Annual Fees
Since caring for horses involves many costs, most clubs operate on a membership system. You might be encouraged to join after visiting or taking trial lessons, so be sure to check the membership and annual fees when visiting.
The initial membership fee is typically around 100,000 to 200,000 yen, which can seem quite high. While not recommended to choose a club solely based on cost, you can look for clubs offering discount campaigns on membership fees or non-membership clubs to reduce the initial burden.
The annual fee usually ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 yen. While not cheap, spread over a month, it amounts to about 10,000 to 20,000 yen. Compared to other hobbies, these fees are not excessively high.
Some clubs offer weekday, weekend, junior, or senior memberships with different activity times and age restrictions. These memberships often have lower entry and annual fees than full membership, so if suited to your pace or age, consider enrolling as a member of such a category.
Visit and Check Equipment and Facilities!
Starting horseback riding also involves costs for equipment besides lessons. Here, we introduce basic gear, but when you visit a club, confirm the necessary equipment directly.
Essential Equipment for Beginners and Price Range
First, essential gear for beginners includes a helmet, boots, and jodhpurs. Typical prices are helmet from 5,000 to 50,000 yen, boots from 8,000 to 40,000 yen, and jodhpurs from 9,000 to 60,000 yen.
Many also buy gloves to prevent blisters, and some clubs recommend protective gear for safety. Gloves cost from 2,500 to 10,000 yen, and protectors range from about 20,000 to 60,000 yen.
To assemble these three items, you need at least around 20,000 yen. If you add more items, it can go over 40,000 yen. Many beginners feel the initial expenses are high, especially during the first month when paying the membership fee. Next, we will introduce ways to reduce this burden.
Utilize Rental and Member Discounts!
Many clubs offer gear rentals. When visiting, ask about rental availability and prices. Usually, it costs around 1,000 yen per session, but some clubs offer free rentals for members.
If you plan to rent gear initially, gradually buying what you need later can lessen the initial cost. You can consider whether buying equipment after renting is cheaper by calculating the rental expense versus purchase costs.
For budget-friendly options, look for set packages for beginners and consider secondhand items on flea markets or online resale apps. When buying used, pay attention to size and condition.
Some clubs offer discounts on equestrian gear purchases as member benefits. Check this before joining, as replacing worn-out gear is common.
Sample Courses and Costs for Horseback Riding Beginners
Now, considering the above, let’s look at example courses for beginners and their costs. For instance, if the monthly membership fee is 15,000 yen, riding fee is 2,200 yen per session on weekends, and gear rental costs 1,000 yen per session, riding once on a weekend would total around 40,600 yen per month.
Calculation:
- Monthly fee: 15,000 yen
- Riding fee: 2 sessions per week × 4 weeks × 2,200 yen = 17,600 yen
- Rental: 2 sessions per week × 4 weeks × 1,000 yen = 8,000 yen
If weekday riding costs 1,600 yen per session, the total drops to 35,800 yen. If you prefer to ride only once a week on weekends, it will be 31,800 yen. Costs vary greatly depending on frequency and days of riding.
While this example assumes affordable clubs, keep in mind that additional costs may include sports insurance (a few hundred yen) per session, horse rental or instruction fees, nomination fees for specific horses or instructors, and discounts for long-term attendance. Always confirm these details when visiting the clubs you’re interested in.
Items Needed to Join a Horseback Riding Club
Membership Application Forms and Consent Forms
Once these checks are completed, you can proceed with membership application. For many riding clubs, the main procedures are filling out an application form and paying the membership fee. Usually, no complicated procedures are involved.
However, you may need to prepare inkan (signature stamp) and ID for submission. If you plan to join on the same day as your visit, confirm these requirements beforehand for a smooth process. In addition, you might need to submit a family consent form or provide emergency contact information.
Joining Sports Insurance
As mentioned earlier, clubs may require joining sports insurance upon registration. If not recommended by the club, it’s advisable to secure personal insurance independently.
Typically, insurance is paid along with the riding fee for each session or as a monthly premium when paying the monthly fee. Insurance coverage varies, so if uncertain, consult with the club before deciding.
Summary
The expenses for horseback riding may be somewhat higher than other hobbies. However, much of this cost supports the horses’ well-being and your safety. Adjusting your lesson frequency and plans can help alleviate the financial burden. Carefully check each riding club’s fee system and enjoy horseback riding without overexertion!