Enjoying Horse Riding

Have you ever felt that «being afraid of falling off» is unsettling during horse riding, especially as your skills progress from leading and walking to trotting, cantering, and jumping? This article explains key points to help you conquer that fear. Let’s consider the causes of falling from a few perspectives: environment, horse temperament, and rider’s … Read more

As you progress in learning horseback riding, you’ll purchase various riding equipment suitable for your skill level, including spurs. However, honestly, you can control the horse’s leg aids without spurs. Moreover, because spurs are tools that can accelerate the horse’s movement and are somewhat advanced for beginners, some may hesitate to use them. After riding … Read more

Certifying Organizations for Horse Riding Licenses Japan Equestrian Federation The Japan Equestrian Federation offers the Riding Skills Certification Test, which verifies a rider’s technical ability. There are generally Grades 1 to 5. While British riding is dominant in Japan, the Federation also offers Western riding skill certifications, which is a unique feature. National Horse Riding … Read more

Many people see the impressive sight of thoroughbreds in competition, as they are highly popular in the racing world. They are not only loved by jockey fans but also by horse enthusiasts. Among various horse breeds, thoroughbreds are often regarded as having the best physique. If you are learning horseback riding, you might want to … Read more

Horseback riding isn’t just about lessons at riding clubs or pony rides at farms. Horse trekking, where you enjoy nature while riding, offers a beautiful scenery experience and a chance to connect with horses, providing a soul-refreshing journey. Within Japan, many horse trekking courses are available across various regions, including forests and seaside trails. However, … Read more

Many people may think that training a horse is ‘difficult,’ but horse training isn’t solely the job of professionals. In this article, we explain useful tips and techniques on how to train horses and discipline them effectively. Clarify the Dominance Relationship Is Training Relevant for Beginners? When training horses, it’s important that the horse understands … Read more

Many people want to build a trusting relationship and become friendly with horses. However, some may not know how to achieve this. Riding lessons alone often take a long time to develop trust. Therefore, a recommended method is to get close by grooming your horse. Here, I will introduce the grooming techniques that deepen your … Read more

When taking lessons at a riding club, it varies from person to person whether you ride different horses each time or reserve a favorite horse for lessons. Of course, communicating with various horses can be enjoyable, and learning how to handle different quirks and behaviors is part of the experience. However, owning a horse of … Read more

What Are Rider Qualifications? In the Japan Equestrian Federation, the certification indicating sufficient riding skills and knowledge, known as ‘Rider Qualifications,’ is awarded. The levels are broadly divided into A to C grades. Additionally, there are endurance-only grades A to C, and arena-only B grade. The Federation’s sanctioned competitions require participants to have at least … Read more

Horseback Riding and Covid-19 Precautions The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been spreading widely, and it’s been quite some time since we started living with it. Since the outbreak, schools have been closed, emergency declarations issued, travel restricted, and social gatherings limited. Even seasonal visits to family and friends have shifted to remote communication, making it … Read more