Tasmania Horse Riding Tour 2025 – Part 1

"Feedback from participants of the recently held 'Australia & Tasmania Horse Riding Tour' has been received. Please take a look at FRC’s activities."

January 19, 2025 (Sunday) – January 25, 2025 (Saturday)MN, Tokyo, Male in his 50s, Medical Professional This was my second retreat since joining FRC, and it coincided with the 30th anniversary commemorative Tasmania tour. Our destination this time was Junction Farm, managed by Marcus—a tall, actor-like figure—and Ellie, a lawyer by training, a wonderful married couple.

Under the expansive blue skies, lush green pastures spread out as far as the eye could see, and the river’s surface sparkled in the sunlight.

The air was as clear as that of a highland, and despite it being mid-summer in January, the coolness was refreshing. All the horses on the farm were barefoot, and the tack consisted only of rope halters and endurance saddles (plus front boots). In other words, they used no horseshoes or bits, and the lead rope served directly as the reins.

I had high expectations for riding horses in a country advanced in animal welfare. The horse assigned to me was a 19-year-old dark bay Anglo-Arabian mare named Gem. While she was somewhat delicate when riding in a group, her energetic and strong gait was impressive for her age.

Mounted on Gem’s back, I explored the farm’s 2,500 acres (over 200 Tokyo Domes) of land.

As someone with a relatively short riding history, I had never experienced trotting or cantering without a bit before, so it was thrilling. It provided a valuable opportunity to understand both the drawbacks and advantages of the bit, which I typically took for granted. I also gained a keen sense of how barefoot horses were highly attuned to the ground conditions during the trek.

In the rich nature of Tasmania, various animals coexist at their own pace—horses, dogs, cows, sheep, and humans. On top of that, wild wallabies, deer, kangaroos, and a wide variety of birds all play their part. Riding on horseback, we herded free-ranging cattle and sheep across vast pastures, working in cooperation with dogs. While it was more of a simulated experience, this cowboy-like adventure is undoubtedly one of the tour’s highlights.

In the grasslands near the coast, a family of kangaroos gazed steadily at our group from a distance. The animals in the wild don’t speak our language, yet their world is full of non-verbal communication.

Watching the horses, relaxed and grazing freely day and night in the beautiful natural environment, brought to mind the horses confined in narrow stalls and subjected to intensive training routines.

After the horseback trekking, we were treated to delicious local wines, beers, and whiskies. We enjoyed lively discussions about horses and local produce over drinks. Though the participants had diverse backgrounds and motivations for joining, it didn’t take long for us to bond through our shared love of horses and riding. The impromptu guidance on a riding simulator, which is also available in Ginza, proved to be quite enlightening, even in a slightly tipsy state.

Marcus and Ellie truly are a wonderful couple, and their three children seemed to be growing up strong and healthy in harmony with nature. The midsummer ranch’s night sky was filled with countless stars, creating a truly breathtaking view.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude not only to everyone at Junction Farm but also to Ms. Hanako Shirai, who served as the tour leader in place of FRC President Mr. Tanaka.

Her highly professional interpreting skills, along with her leadership, provided numerous reassuring and moving moments.

Thank you very much.