As we've entered July, it seems that all the horse riding clubs have switched to summer time lessons.
In this heat, riding during the day poses a significant risk of heatstroke for both horses and humans.
When riding, one can get so absorbed that they don't notice how they feel until they dismount, and then it's common to start feeling unwell. So, seniors like myself always ensure to hydrate adequately before and after riding.
Ideally, it would be best to ride at 6 a.m., when the air is still fresh and crisp. But if I were to ride at 6 a.m., I wonder what time the instructors must get to the stables to start running the horses.
For the duration of the summer, I've decided to schedule my rides for 5 p.m. By this time, the heat will have slightly subsided.
This is a time when the horses and I can enjoy a ride without any undue stress.
I don't particularly enjoy riding at night, under the lights, after this time.
Horses, like me, don't seem to have particularly good vision, and some can be very skittish, reacting excessively to the slightest things. After all, horses are naturally timid creatures!
When it comes to summer riding, I always think it would be nice to ride somewhere cooler, but I've always missed the opportunity.
This time, however, I've decided to try riding for the first time in Yatsugatake.
I chose a course leading to one of the Yatsugatake Southern Highland Springs, the "Onna-tori Spring".
In the highlands, I can escape the daily hustle and bustle, spending time with the horses.
Even though it's still a week away, I'm already excited.
I feel like a child again, looking forward to a school trip.
I can hardly wait for the day to come.