What You Can Do with Horse Riding License Class 4
Horse riding license class 4 is a certification recognized by the Japan Equestrian Federation. By the time you obtain this license, you will understand rotational movements such as lunge and half-lunge, can perform light trot, turn directions at a trot, and initiate and maintain canter — fundamental riding skills. It also includes a written exam to deepen your knowledge of horse color, horse body parts, tack, commands, and horse movements.
Benefits and Success Rate of License Class 4
While License Class 4 is a bit more difficult than Class 5, it offers multiple advantages. You can learn advanced skills such as canter, demonstrate your riding ability objectively, access exclusive courses such as horse trekking, build confidence, and potentially participate in more challenging rides. It can also be acquired through short-term courses, and the pass rate is generally high if you take lessons seriously.
Exam Overview (Written and Practical Tests)
The license exam consists of a written test and a practical riding test, requiring study and practice. The written test includes questions on horse coat colors, body parts, tack, commands, and basic movements. The practical test involves group riding exercises, maneuvers such as lunging, half-lunging, directional changes, and maintaining gait, as well as demonstrating control and proper posture. Preparation, consistent lessons, and familiarity with your horse are highly recommended to succeed.
Written Exam
The written exam covers horse coat colors (such as chestnut, black, gray), horse body parts, tack, commands, and horse movements. Some terminology may be unfamiliar and difficult to read, but the scope is limited. Memorization is effective, and aiming for full marks can motivate you during preparation.
Practical Exam
The practical exam involves a group of 5 to 10 riders working under instructor commands, performing maneuvers such as circle riding, turns, and gait control, including canter initiation and maintenance. Key evaluation points include posture, rein and leg aids, and control of speed. It’s recommended to practice with familiar horses before the exam to improve confidence and performance.
Study Tips for the Written Exam
Horse coat colors, body parts, tack, and unfamiliar terminology are included in the scope. Memorization can be very effective, and aiming for full marks can boost motivation.
Practice Tips for the Practical Exam
Compared to License Class 5, the maneuvers become more complex, requiring more practice. The number of rides needed varies depending on personal progress, typically ranging from around 40 to over 100 rides. Practicing with familiar horses before the exam is highly recommended. On the day of the test, using a horse that you’re comfortable with can boost confidence.
Cost and Duration for Obtaining License Class 4
There are two main ways to obtain the license: via short-term courses without joining a riding club, or by becoming a member of a riding club and practicing regularly. The duration and costs vary for each method. For example, a 8-day intensive course in the Kanto region costs about 171,100 yen, including training, materials, and exam fees. Joining a club involves initial membership fees, monthly or yearly fees, riding and instruction costs, and additional equipment expenses, which can sum up to several tens of thousands of yen.
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