Hi there!!
We just came back from a horse riding school in Chiba. We have seen a few other places, but they usually insist on taking lots of lessons before they let you ride the horses by yourself. At the place we went to today, we could just get straight on the horses! They are all ex race horses. I got to ride a horse called Bonanza. Here is a photo of her from her racing days:
Bonana won quite a few races, then retired to Hokkaido where she was a breeder. After that she was sold to a local riding school. However, the owner of the riding school had some health problems and couldn’t take care of Bonanza properly. She was rescued by a horse racing fan who had tracked her down. She was in poor shape, but was nursed back to health. Now she is 14 years old, and lives in Chiba. It was so good to be able to ride her today. It was my first time on a horse again in many years. Plus, I have put on a bit of weight during the summer holidays so I thought I might be too heavy for her!! Anyway, here is a video of me riding her:
Hana got to ride a 25 year old ex race horse. He was very slow, but just right for her. We thought it was funny that his name was Maki!
Then it was Maki’s turn. I just led her around a few times. The two Makis!
We are so glad we have found this place. We are going to go back as often as we can!
