Continuing with horseback riding, some enthusiasts may consider acquiring licenses or aiming to participate in competitions. The licenses and competitions are organized by various organizations involved in equestrian activities, each with different levels of difficulty and content based on their organizers.
So, what are the main organizations involved in horseback riding in Japan? In this article, we introduce the five major organizations related to equestrian activities in Japan.
Japan Equestrian Federation (JEF)
Among the organizations involved in equestrian activities in Japan, the oldest and largest is the Japan Equestrian Federation. Here, we provide an overview of the JEF.
What is the Japan Equestrian Federation?
The Japan Equestrian Federation (JEF) was established in May 1946 to promote equestrian sports. It is also known as “Nihon Bajitsu Ren” and is the successor to the Japan Riding Club founded in 1922.
It is affiliated with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and the Asian Equestrian Federation, engaging in both domestic and international activities. Its office is located inside the Horse Industry and Livestock Hall in Chuo Ward, Tokyo.
Main Activities
Its main activities include organizing national competitions such as「All Japan Equestrian Championships」and officiating many other events. It also dispatches riders and staff to international competitions like the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Equestrian Championships, supporting athlete development and international participation.
Furthermore, it certifies qualifications such as “Rider Qualification” and “Judge Qualification,” registers participating horses at authorized events, and manages various other related operations.
Japan Amateur Equestrian Federation
The Japan Amateur Equestrian Federation is an organization formed in Showa 43 (1968), based mainly on employees from corporations and government agencies. It aims to promote equestrian activities and increase awareness of horsemanship among working adults. Its office is located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo.
Main Activities
Its activities include organizing and co-hosting competitions such as the “All Japan Business Circuits Disabled Equestrian Championship” and “All Japan Equestrian Championship for Working Adults.” It also holds riding and judging training courses, volunteer events such as experience rides and horse-drawn carriage rides for the disabled, and certifies rider skills.
All Japan Student Equestrian Federation
The All Japan Student Equestrian Federation mainly involves university-level clubs across Japan. It promotes equestrian pursuits among students and organizes major competitions like the All Japan Student Championships.
What is the All Japan Student Equestrian Federation?
This federation consists of university equestrian clubs nationwide. Student leaders, including the secretary general and executive officers, actively manage the organization to promote development and popularity of student equestrianism. Its office is located inside the Horse Industry and Livestock Hall in Chuo Ward, Tokyo.
Main Activities
It hosts student-participated competitions such as the All Japan Student Equestrian Championships, Women’s Championships, and other national title events, supporting student involvement and development in the sport.
Japan Equestrian Clubs Promotion Association
The Japan Equestrian Clubs Promotion Association is known for its efforts to promote equestrian activities across various clubs and organizations. It supports development and networking among different clubs and promotes equestrianism at the amateur level.
Main Activities
It organizes events for clubs, provides certifications, and promotes informative exchanges among clubs.
Summary
Many organizations are involved in equestrian activities in Japan, working to promote and develop the sport. Their activities ensure that riders can enjoy lessons and competitions safely and securely.
These organizations are responsible for licensing and organizing competitions, making it essential for anyone interested in obtaining licenses or participating in competitions to be familiar with them.
Researching these organizations can lead to discovering new ways to enjoy horseback riding. We encourage you to explore further online.