Nestled at the foot of the lush Mount Daisen lies the Daisen Riding Center. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing their horseback riding trek! Imagine riding through pristine nature with the majestic Mount Daisen as your backdrop. Let me share this incredible adventure with you!
Contents:
1. Arrival and First Impressions
2. Available Courses
3. Getting Started
4. The Ride Begins
5. Post-Ride Reflections
6. Travel Tips
7. Conclusion
1. Arrival and First Impressions
Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a spacious property featuring impressive stables, a charming center house, and the sight of several horses with riders. The clear sky, lush nature, and tranquility far removed from urban hustle create a welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
2. Available Courses
For this visit, I chose the “Stroll Course,” which offers a 1km (about 20 minutes) trek.
| Sample Course Options | Fee (¥) | Age Group | Details |
| ■Entrance Fee | 500 | 3 years and up | Includes horse treats |
| ■Pony Ride | 1,500 | 3-5 years | 200ｍ/about 5 min |
| ■Led Horse Ride | 1,500 | 3 years and up | 200ｍ/about 5 min |
| ■Short Stroll | 3,000 | Elementary to Adult | 500ｍ/about 10 min |
| ■Stroll Course | 4,500 | Elementary to Adult | 1kｍ/about 20 min |
| ■Long Stroll | 6,000 | Elementary to Adult | 1.5kｍ/about 30 min |
3. Getting Started
As I entered, I was greeted by ponies and sheep. While waiting for my turn, I enjoyed a relaxing time feeding and interacting with the animals. Although feed is provided after the ride, I learned that I could purchase additional feed to give before my ride for an extra fee. (The image shows a large portion for 500 yen)
I was able to feed the magnificent horses waiting in the stables. It took a bit of courage as their enthusiasm was quite intense. I was truly overwhelmed by their power!
4. The Ride Begins
Finally, it was time to mount the horse. When my turn came, I had no time to mentally prepare – I was suddenly on horseback, my heart racing! I was surprised to see even children riding with unexpected ease.
Once I was on the horse, it felt higher than I had imagined, almost frighteningly so. But the horse’s gentle, slow pace made for a very pleasant experience. My horse was nicknamed “Suka-chan,” apparently known for being a glutton and fond of taking detours!
Here’s the horsemanship I was taught:
– To move forward: Gently kick the horse’s sides with your feet.
– To stop: Pull the reins firmly.
– To slow down: Pull the reins slowly.
– To turn: Pull the reins in the direction you want to go.
After practicing horsemanship and circling the enclosure once, it was time to head for the mountains! By this point, my anxiety had vanished, replaced by sheer excitement.
Throughout the journey, the instructor called out to me and sometimes led the horse, which made me feel at ease. Riding through the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees was an incredibly luxurious and pleasant experience.
Occasionally, we’d stop for the horse’s “bathroom breaks” or the horse would suddenly change direction, tempted by some grass. These moments added a unique flavor to the experience, making it even more interesting!
We rode up and down gentle mountain paths, and finally even traveled on public roads! I learned that horses are treated as light vehicles and are allowed on public roads. On this day, there were many cars in the opposite lane, which added an extra thrill to the experience. Throughout the journey, the instructor took many photos for me, ensuring I’d have plenty of memories to look back on.
5. Post-Ride Reflections
20 minutes passed in a flash, and it was time to dismount. Although I was initially intimidated by the height, I quickly got used to it. I found myself captivated by the soothing rocking motion and the pleasant feel of the horse’s coat, feeling thoroughly relaxed. Through this time with the horse, I was able to reconnect with nature and rediscover the joy of trying new things.
At the end, I received some feed and gave it to the horse I had ridden, filled with gratitude. My feelings when feeding the horse were completely different from the experience before!
6. Travel Tips
1. The Daisen Riding Center has been seeing an increase in international visitors. Basic English and gestures are sufficient for communication, so don’t hesitate to try the horseback riding trek even if you’re not fluent in Japanese. It’s worth the trip not only for those touring the San’in region but even for those coming from as far as Hiroshima or Osaka.
2. Look out for the cute horseshoe-shaped faucets at the hand-washing stations. Similar items are available in their shop, making for perfect souvenirs to remember your experience.
3. The staff and instructors at Daisen Riding Center are extremely kind and patient. This makes it an ideal place for beginners, children, and foreign visitors to enjoy horseback riding without any worries.
7. Conclusion
My experience at the Daisen Riding Center was full of surprises and discoveries as a beginner. Thanks to the gentle and thorough guidance, I was able to enjoy horseback riding with peace of mind. The time spent with horses amidst the beautiful nature of Mount Daisen was a special experience that made me forget about everyday life. I highly recommend visiting this place if you’re interested in horseback riding or want to enjoy nature. It’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.
■ Daisen Riding Center
Address: 2459-2 Akamatsu, Daisen-cho, Saihaku-gun, Tottori Prefecture
Phone: 0859-23-8211
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (Winter: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays (Open daily during Golden Week and summer season)
URL: http://my.sanin.jp/site/page/uma/horsetrekking/
