It’s the Year of the Horse! Introducing the ÐßÐßÊÓƵ Equestrian Club, boasting an impressive 77 years of history as one of the oldest clubs at ÐßÐßÊÓƵ.
Historically, equestrian arts have been held in high regard, tied to nobility and is usually seen as a status symbol in many occasions. Japan is no exception when it comes to equestrian arts, one of the pinnacles of martial arts is horseback archery, demanding both the rider and the horse to work in harmony and unison for the objective of not only accurate shot placement but also elegant bodily form.
Today, the ÐßÐßÊÓƵ Equestrian Club gives everyone an equal chance to explore the world of equestrian arts and interact with horses.
The members of the club conducts a variety of drills on horseback, guided by senior members and graduates of the club. The drills mostly concern precise riding in designated patterns. To prepare for competitions, members also perform the most challenging activity of hurdling, during which the rider is required to cue the horse with perfect timing to achieve the most elegant and precise hurdle.
The equestrian club offers training and drills towards multiple different levels of proficiency, the requirements are strict and the discipline is highly demanding. With four training sessions each week, participants would need strong determination to keep up with consistent training.
Bonding and taking care of the horses is a key part in the club’s activities. Without thorough understanding of each other, and ultimately trust in each other, the rider and the horse will not be able to cooperate smoothly.
To ensure the safety and comfort of the horse, warm water is provided to the horses right after training, not only for drinking but also for cooling down their skin. Club members take turns in caring for the horses even on non-training days.
