CONTRIBUTED BY DASHA GARIEPY
Okay, okay, so we didn't actually gallop. And I'm not a gourmet. But I just couldn't title a post "Mihara Horse Club revisited" that sounds much too business-like. And you know me, I'm all about the FUN! Even though there is a prior post on this place, I had to check it out simply because I love horses. What a surprise to find they actually have more horses than ponies. Like breakfast, Mihara Horse Club isn't just for kids anymore. Think about it, this could be YOU:
Adults can sign up for trail rides, beach rides, lessons, or special clinics, like jumping. And thanks to three fabulous Americans working there arrangements are all a breeze. Each of these ladies is very friendly and welcoming.
Jenipher and Julie eagerly shared their love of horses with me. They provided tons of encouragement!
This is Samantha Straub, who graciously spent two hours imparting equestrian knowledge to me and my daughter:
This week my daughter Heather and I had our initial English Riding lesson. (FYI, the jumping picture above is not either one of us! We're novices at this stage, so our lesson didn't include jumping.) First we met and groomed our horses, then saddled them, led them to the arena, and climbed on to begin learning the fundamentals for riding English style.
Here's Heather walking Sly:
Above is Mokoto, the horse I rode. I've always been fascinated with riding English style - it's so elegant and refined. Thanks to the piles of regency romances I devoured as a young girl, my imagination was going a thousand miles a minute. As I was prepping this horse to ride, I was not Dasha Gariepy, slightly-chubby middle-aged mom. I was the Duchess of Erstwater, Lady Dasha Hetherington-Smythe, mounting up for the hunt.
Unfortunately my fantasy came crashing down the moment Mokoto started to trot. The proper thing to do when one's horse trots is to "post" - a very smooth and rhythmic up and down motion of the rider in the saddle. What I did was much more of a teeth-jarring butt-whacking jangle. Picture riding a jackhammer and you'll have a perfect visual! I give Sam great credit for not laughing out loud at me.
I also appreciate her patiently working with me: she taught me how to post! Though I wasn't able to maintain the right rhythm for very long (posting requires an incredible amount of leg strength), there were several times during the lesson when I felt it "click" - when everything fell into place and I was smoothly moving with the horse and not against his stride.
The instructors will make sure you're comfortable no matter what your riding level. It doesn't matter if you are a complete novice, or an advanced rider, there is something at Mihama Horse Club for you. Personally, I can't wait for my next lesson! I can almost hear the call to the hunt... 
I’ve been meaning to go here. Thanks for this post! Being English, I did learn riding English style, I went for lessons in London every 2 weeks and rode out in the country when my family went on holiday. I even went on a horse rideing holiday one year (like sleepaway camp, just horses). My wall was COVERED with postcards, drawing, etc of horses. I just LOVE the smell of horses, everything! Although you won’t find me thinking of hunting, I was actually a hunt saboteur for some time! Rebel that I am! Happy horsey new year!
This is one of the things I’m most excited about doing when we get to Okinawa! Do they offer Western lessons or just English? I’ve grown up riding western but I’m all up for learning something new!
THis is just one more reason Okinawa is so much better than Tokyo. In Tokyo this type of stuff would cost 30,000 yen for 15 minutes or something crazy like that
Yes, the price is great, lessons are only thirty bucks, and since ours were back-to-back and we helped each other groom and prep, that gave us two hours of hands-on time with the horses.
Melissa, only English riding is done on the horses. But if you’re anything like me you’re already looking into hip riding gear!
Hi All!
Samantha here. I got to spend a rewarding two hours with Dasha and her daughter! It is always great to have new faces around.. especially 2 that were so happy to be at the barn! I encourage everyone that is interested to email us (miharahorse@yahoo.com), check out our website (www.miharahorseclub.com) or call (622-8411) We are currently planning a 3 day camp, and our show (April) so there is time to get into shape with riding and join our fun! Happy New Year to you All!
Finally went here. My daughter had a lesson today with Jenn and had a fab time, she got to tack the pony up and clean his hooves just like a real life Bella Sara game. Our son had a pony ride, which he loved too. Jen is great and it was lovely to smell horses! We will def. be going back!
Loved the article Sis. Sounds like you and Heather a grand time.
try rounding up a bunch of cattle(wild as deer)from a tree covered mountain in 10 below zero weather, then tell me how much fun
riding is.
Sissy, When we lived in Mississippi for that 18 months our Dad introduced me to a woman that had stables. Her name was Nancy. She is the one who taught ME how to ride English AND side saddle, breaking horses, cleaning stalls, Jumping and just about anything else you can do with a horse. Back then I had plenty of that leg muscle you talked about. These day’s I couldn’t even get UP on a horse (I don’t intend to try)
One of my daughter’s best friends family owns a riding facility. She took lessons with them one summer and was a natural. When they moved her up to a horse, the two of them didn’t get along as well as she and the pony she had started on. He was partially blind and cranky. She lost the drive for it. Oh well. She still loves being over at their house around all the horses. Her friend is going to Germany for the summer to work at the school where her Dad learned. What a great experience for a 16 year old!
What is the age range for riding lessons? I have a 3 1/2 year old who thinks he’s a cowboy. LOVE”S horses!!!
Emily, I have no idea!
Best to ask the American instructors that work out there. They are very quick to answer their email: miharahorse@yahoo.com
We are thinking of coming to Oki for work and are investigating the possibility of bringing one of our horses. Does anyone know of any boarding stables on the island?
Mihara is the only stable (there might be one other one, but it’s Japanese-speaking only) and they do not board horses, they only provide lessons. I’m not sure what the farrier & vet services are here either, considering the lack of horses on island.
I just wanted to point out that the picture in this post shows a couple very unsafe things. First is that the girl is not wearing a helmet – regardless of how good of a rider you are, you always wear a helmet, especially when jumping. Also, there should always be a pole on the ground at the base of the jump because it is difficult for the horse to see exactly where the groundline is – you’re asking for an accident setting up a jump like that. Two HUGE safety issues in that photo.
There are actually at least two other stables on island. Mihara is just the main English speaking one, and has easy access.
As for bringing your own horse, I don’t think that would be a possibility. Best bet would be to acquire one once you get here. I’ve had a few friends that had horses while they were here.
Do any of the other stables speak English and provide jumping lessons? I’d love to check them out if they do!
Can I get better directions coming from Foster? I know to go 330 which turns into 75 and go past the Courtney gate but then what??? Is it right off 75? left or right? We are going this weekend with a group and I haven’t been able to reach the instructor for a few days to get directions from her.
Alicia, it is about 2km after you pass Courtney. It will be on your left, just before Hwy75 ends.
Thank you Paul!
I went up there today to make sure I had it right before I passed info to a bunch of moms. It’s approx 3 km past Courtney’s gate 1, which is the one on the right. And it will be on your left hand side.
They are in need of instructors, badly, as 3 just PCS’d in May. If you have solid horse background, go to their website and call them for an interview. I myself would gladly take the job, but I am now a full time stay at home mommy, and my son isn’t school age yet.
I was wondering if there is anywhere on Okinawa to board your own horse? We are PCS’ing in August and I am checking into bringing my horse. Any suggestions as to places to board, ride and any shipping requirements and costs, info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I’ve had friends that boarded at Mihara, and another stable in Yomitan. There is a third place North of Nago, but not practical for you since most likely you would live down South. None of the stables are very good at all IMO. I’d advise you to either sell the horse or have someone tend it for you until you return if you truly love him/her.
Hi Nancy,
I am one of the instructors at Mihara. I highly encourage not to bring a horse out here, not sure that it would even be possible. There is no hay on the island and I know the owners of Mihara have to ship it in from Australia. There are also no equine vets only cow vets that have had very little time around large animals and most of the time are not sure what to do. Also there are no farriers on island.
We have been working very hard at Mihara for the past two years at making it more comfortable for the horses. The Japanese do things much differently.
We do provide lessons and put on two horse shows a year, please feel free to come by when you arrive on island. Our e-mail address is Miharahorse@yahoo.com
Best of luck on your move to okinawa!
Thanks Madie, I recieved the same info from Eve at Mihara. Sounds like it’s best to leave my mare in the care of a very trusted friend back here in the states for our 3 year tour. I’m going to free lease her out and will get her back when we return. I’m sure going to miss her and riding though!! We have 5 young children, 4 of which ride well already. We’ll certainly check out your stable after we arrive this summer, thanks for all the info and we look forward to meeting you!
Nancy