【Participant Voices】A Journey Through Nanbu Horse Culture and Trail Riding

Recently, feedback from participants in the "Journey Through Nanbu Horse Culture and Trail Riding" tour was received.

 Find out more about FRC’s activities below.

Center: Author (Fukushima)

At Shichinohe-Towada Station in Aomori, five participants gathered. We were greeted by a refreshing, slightly cool breeze — a stark contrast to the summer heat of the Kanto region — and by Ayuko Kamimura, a female mounted archer and head of Towada Riding Club. Ms. Kamimura had performed a demonstration of mounted archery (yabusame) at the prestigious Aachen Equestrian Festival in Germany in 2021.

She pointed out the beautiful curve of the Nanbu horse depicted on the station’s wall, and we began our journey while admiring it.

About the Tour

Due to the pandemic, it had been nearly two years since the last FRC travel invitation arrived. This tour promised not only trail riding but also an exploration of the history and culture of the Nanbu horse — a breed renowned in Japanese history since the Yamato court era.

When I first received the invitation, I was thrilled, especially since I had recently become interested in Japanese native breeds. However, I hesitated: Though I had started riding because I admired trail riding and had even joined FRC's tours to New Zealand and France, I still considered myself a perpetual beginner. Moreover, due to age-related concerns, a long pandemic break, and responsibilities caring for elderly parents, I couldn’t afford an injury.

I consulted Mr. Tanaka from FRC: "Could I skip the trail ride if necessary?" He kindly reassured me: the "New Nanbu Horse" is small and gentle, and the beach terrain is soft — "even if you fall, it's no big deal." You don't have to gallop unless you want to, he added. Thus, I joined the tour.

Exploring the Nanbu Horse Heritage

Guided by Ms. Kamimura, we visited:

• The historic Morioka Stud Farm (Registered Tangible Cultural Property)

• The Shotokukan Museum (housing horse-related artifacts)

• Towada Riding Club (where "New Nanbu Horses" are nurtured)

• The beautiful Koma Kaido (Horse Street) with its sculptures and landmarks

• The former Army Remount Depot

• The cherry-lined avenue where the Sakura Yabusame event is held annually

Ms. Kamimura even joined us for dinner, where we savored local delicacies like Bara-yaki (grilled beef and onions), pork tongue, and salmon ruibe (frozen sashimi). Over delicious food, we shared dreams of future overseas riding tours — a heartwarming FRC tradition.

Trail Riding Along the Pacific Coast

The next morning, under a clear blue sky, we met up with the Towada Riding Club horse trailer and headed to Hyakushoku Beach. Seedlings newly planted in the rice paddies shimmered in the breeze along the way.

At the beach, the horses — descendants of the now-extinct pure Nanbu horses — disembarked gracefully. They were small, gentle, and charming, perfectly suited to a calm trail ride.

Riding along the seashore, with the sound of small waves and the vast sky above, I forgot all my previous worries. I enjoyed a relaxing walk and trot, while some members even galloped along the beach. Everyone enjoyed the experience at their own pace.

Next time, I would love to see these horses perform in a yabusame demonstration.

In the end, I was glad I decided to join this FRC journey once again!

Akiko Fukushima, Tokyo

Other Participant Voices:MU, Saitama Prefecture

 "It was my first time riding a Japanese native horse. The 'New Nanbu Horse' was small enough that I could easily mount using the stirrups — it really reduced my fear.

 I enjoyed cantering along the sandy beach with my partner horse, Sindory.

 Learning about Towada's rich horse culture, tasting the local 'Bara-yaki' cuisine, and savoring fresh sushi at Hachinohe’s seafood market are unforgettable memories.

 Next time, I’d love to try yabusame too!

 Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible."

"New Nanbu Horses are compact and easy to ride (photo by MU)"

"At a sushi restaurant in 'Hasshoku Center'"