Early in the morning on my second day in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, I headed by car to the Asagiri Plateau in Fujinomiya.
Even though Shizuoka is known for its warm climate, the air was crisp and cold at the base of snow-capped Mount Fuji, with a thin layer of snow on the ground.
Mount Fuji is always in the background in Fujinomiya
There, I visited the Equine-Holic riding club, which is attached to Heartland Asagiri, a vast facility that also includes a campground and a ranch. Apparently, Asagiri Plateau's cool climate all year round, its vast plains large enough for grazing, the spring waters of Mt. Fuji, and the clean air all surrounded by nature make it the perfect environment for horses.
All the horses at this riding club are retired racehorses. Apparently, most horses that retire after their short racing careers are disposed of as livestock feed or processed for processing. Owner Honda Reo explains his reason for opening the club: "I want to give as many thoroughbreds as possible a new opportunity to shine." Thoroughbreds such as Myxinzan and Oscar Rich, who once competed in the JRA, are now spending their remaining years in peace surrounded by abundant nature.
A beautiful coat, as you'd expect from a thoroughbred
The riding menu ranges from a visitor plan where you'll be taught how to mount the horse, how to hold the reins, and how to signal when to turn and stop, and experience horseback riding by walking and even running a little, to plans tailored to the rider's level so that even advanced riders can enjoy it, and you can learn one-on-one with an instructor certified by the National Horse Riding Club Promotion Association.
The horse I rode was named Linen Missile
After waiting for the frozen track to thaw, I got on, albeit with some trepidation. It seemed the horse was adjusting its walking pace to match my pace. Gazing up at the magnificent Mount Fuji and imagining the scenery ahead as we gallop briskly across this plateau, my travels were fulfilled.
Horse Riding Club EQUINE-HOLIC
230 Nebara, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Inside Heartland Asagiri
080-6906-0171
http://equine-holic.com/
Closed on Mondays
Reservations required
Even though Shizuoka is known for its warm climate, the air was crisp and cold at the base of snow-capped Mount Fuji, with a thin layer of snow on the ground.
Mount Fuji is always in the background in Fujinomiya
There, I visited the Equine-Holic riding club, which is attached to Heartland Asagiri, a vast facility that also includes a campground and a ranch. Apparently, Asagiri Plateau's cool climate all year round, its vast plains large enough for grazing, the spring waters of Mt. Fuji, and the clean air all surrounded by nature make it the perfect environment for horses.
All the horses at this riding club are retired racehorses. Apparently, most horses that retire after their short racing careers are disposed of as livestock feed or processed for processing. Owner Honda Reo explains his reason for opening the club: "I want to give as many thoroughbreds as possible a new opportunity to shine." Thoroughbreds such as Myxinzan and Oscar Rich, who once competed in the JRA, are now spending their remaining years in peace surrounded by abundant nature.
A beautiful coat, as you'd expect from a thoroughbred
The riding menu ranges from a visitor plan where you'll be taught how to mount the horse, how to hold the reins, and how to signal when to turn and stop, and experience horseback riding by walking and even running a little, to plans tailored to the rider's level so that even advanced riders can enjoy it, and you can learn one-on-one with an instructor certified by the National Horse Riding Club Promotion Association.
The horse I rode was named Linen Missile
After waiting for the frozen track to thaw, I got on, albeit with some trepidation. It seemed the horse was adjusting its walking pace to match my pace. Gazing up at the magnificent Mount Fuji and imagining the scenery ahead as we gallop briskly across this plateau, my travels were fulfilled.
Horse Riding Club EQUINE-HOLIC
230 Nebara, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Inside Heartland Asagiri
080-6906-0171
http://equine-holic.com/
Closed on Mondays
Reservations required
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