Horse Riding Club

---

The sounds of a stable are universal. Horses whinnying, chickens fussing, children coaxing ponies into obedience and impatient demands for food, especially carrots. Every night after school, and on weekends, Umabu (horse club) members spend two hours learning all aspects of horse care. From age six, they master everything from saddling stroppy ponies, to mucking out the stalls. After taking apart and then reassembling a bridle, students achieve one of many proficiency awards, with the most senior students being competent in many things equine. Club members host family fun days and give pony rides to their parents. Senior riders compete against Ryukyu University Agricultural students in the recently reestablished M'Maharashi (old Okinawan horse racing event). After a hectic day at work, a peaceful hour with the seven ponies, three horses, Umabu staff and assorted students, is heaven.

---

Photos

Returning to the stables
plenty of company for just 10 horses.

Good horsemanship
is based on proper character development.

In leading a horse
we borrow freedom.

Care, and not fine stables
makes a good horse. Ryo freshening up the bedding.

Shrimp
the naughty and much loved spotted pony.

Umabu Crew
Kurata san, Erina & Shohei

Spring and summer
are riding on a piebald pony - Louisey.

The history of humanity
is carried on the back of a horse. M'maharashi, reintroducing Okinawan traditional horse races.

Oh! for a horse with wings...
Snow White showing her pace in the M'Maharashi.

Riding is life,
the rest is mere details. A stroll around the grounds.

A short horse
is soon curried.