We want to create a place where retired riding horses can spend their peaceful retirement.
Revitalizing the traditional equestrian culture that is declining in Shibecha Town, Hokkaido.
Preserving the beautiful natural environment that makes horseback riding irreplaceable.
The ‘Eastern Hokkaido Horse Town Project’ was born from the desire of horse lovers to achieve these goals.
We hope more people will learn about this project in Shibecha Town.
We would be grateful for your support and encouragement.
What is the Eastern Hokkaido Horse Town Project
● A public-private partnership initiative aiming to develop the region centered around horse culture and the natural environment.
● Providing unique experiences with horses that cannot be found elsewhere, aiming to attract horse enthusiasts from across Japan and foster regional support.
● Aiming for the sustainable continuation of equestrian-related businesses and regional revitalization.
● Aiming to become a second hometown for both people and horses, driven by this shared passion.
For more details, please visit the Official Website of the Eastern Hokkaido Horse Town Project.
Shibecha Town: A Town Where Horse Culture Breathes
Shibecha Town, the main hub of the ‘Eastern Hokkaido Horse Town Project,’ is located in eastern Hokkaido.
The name ‘Shibecha’ is derived from the Ainu word ‘Shipecche’ (meaning ‘large riverbank’).
Actually… about half of the area of Kushiro Wetlands is in Shibecha Town
Surprisingly… it is larger than half of Tokyo’s area
And it has a history of thriving as one of Japan’s leading horse breeding areas.
When it comes to horses, the renowned racing horses of Hidaka are often mentioned, but Shibecha is famous for its ‘riding horses.’
In 1916, the Kawakami branch of the Military Horse Supply Division was established, producing strong horses capable of enduring the harsh northern cold until the end of WWII.
We are working to create a town where horses and people can live together, utilizing that riding horse culture and the rich natural environment.
Creating a Final Home for Retired Riding Horses
This project promotes the development of a system and comfortable environment where retired riding horses from across the country can peacefully spend their twilight years in the rich natural surroundings of Shibecha Town.
Shibecha Town supports the牧場 that accepts retired horses using hometown tax donations, aiming to reduce the burden on riding clubs entrusted with retired horses.
For more information, please visit the Official Website of the Eastern Hokkaido Horse Town Project.
‘A Wonderful Environment for Horses’ — Kushiro Central Farm
Kushiro Central Farm is a core facility for the ‘Retired Riding Horse Care Project,’ responsible for raising and nurturing retired riding horses.
– An area covering 540,000 tsubo!
– 14 paddocks
– 25 stable stalls
– Houses approximately 70 riding horses at all times
The expansive grasslands with gentle slopes, along with the stream connecting to the Moarekinai River inside the farm, create an environment with minimal stress for horses to thrive.
Gently sloping grasslands
Clean and well-maintained stables
A stream flowing within the farm grounds
Support the Project
The Eastern Hokkaido Horse Town Project is still in its early stages, and everyone involved is working hard without a clear map.
Your encouragement and support would be much appreciated in helping this project grow!
Please show your support by clicking the ‘Like!’ button for the project’s Facebook page. Additionally, sharing this page with others would be very helpful.
The project is running a crowdfunding campaign through hometown tax donations.
All funds received will be dedicated to equestrian-related initiatives.
If you’re interested in participating, please visit the Furusato Nozei crowdfunding site for Shibecha Town.