Updated data from last year’s publication ‘Learn Horseback Riding in Equestrian Clubs’ to provide the latest information for those interested in getting involved with horses at school. This guide introduces schools with equestrian clubs for students planning to advance to high school or university, as well as for families.
High Schools with Equestrian Clubs
What Are High School Equestrian Clubs Like?
High schools with equestrian clubs tend to be schools with strong agricultural programs, religious-affiliated schools (Buddhist or Christian), and integrated high schools. For those interested in animal-related careers, vocational schools with equestrian clubs are also an option.
Major competitions for high school equestrian clubs include the Inter-High School Championships and national equestrian tournaments. Because schools with equestrian clubs are rare, students attending these schools often have experience, and activities tend to be competitive-oriented.
However, many high school equestrian clubs welcome beginners! If you’re interested, research online or visit to learn about their activities.
List of High Schools with Equestrian Clubs
Hokkaido (6 schools)
- Hokkaido Urakawa High School
- Hokkaido Obihiro Agricultural High School
- Sapporo Kosei High School
- Sapporo Ryukoku Gakuen High School
- Shizunai Agricultural High School, Hokkaido
- Shizunai High School, Hokkaido
Tohoku (7 schools)
- Michinoku Agricultural High School, Aomori
- Mizusawa Agricultural High School, Iwate
- Soma Agricultural High School, Fukushima
- Fukushima Commercial High School
- Fukushima Meisei High School
- Iwase Agricultural High School, Fukushima
- Higashi-Hachijo High School, Fukushima
Kanto (21 schools)
学ぶための乗馬クラブ
Talking about enrolling in school’s equestrian club versus learning at a horseback riding club, what are the differences?
Compared to riding clubs, school equestrian clubs tend to have lower membership fees. However, this is thanks to students taking care of the horses or earning money through event volunteering, which then contributes to club expenses.
If you find the extra time commitment challenging, riding clubs are recommended. Conversely, if you want to actively participate in care or event organization, joining an equestrian club is a cost-effective way to also get involved in the behind-the-scenes of competitions.
Also, high school and university equestrian clubs may require participation in competitions to secure practice time. If you prefer to enjoy riding at your own pace without competing, consider schools with equestrian circles or riding clubs outside of school.
Summary
Joining high school or university equestrian clubs allows you to practice riding on campus, even as a beginner. You can also learn about stable management and competitions at a lower cost than riding clubs. If you’re interested, start by researching schools with equestrian programs!