Horseback riding, an exhilarating blend of athleticism and harmony with nature, has long been a coveted pastime and a distant dream for many due to the high costs involved with maintaining a horse’s care. In Korea, a 40-minute lesson at a government facility can cost as much as 60,000 Korean Won (KRW). Fortunately, for Korea University (KU) students, it does not have to be this expensive. A hidden gem on campus, the university’s equestrian club Horseback, provides a unique opportunity to students, letting them experience the world of horse riding without breaking the bank.  

Horse riding, whether as a sport or as a hobby, provides a holistic approach to well-being. Beyond promoting physical exercise, equestrianism offers a special connection with animals, boosting emotional well-being through trust and empathy. At KU Horseback, students get to experience every aspect of horseback riding, including but not limited to equine rehabilitation. With currently 51 members, the club eagerly awaits even more participants, hoping to build an even bigger and more united community. With the purpose of getting to know more about KU Horseback, The Granite Tower (GT) interviewed Lee Hongkyu (‘21, Engineering), Jin Minyoung (‘23, Public Administration), and Raisa Shemetun (‘21, International Studies) , from the club’s management team.

When asked about the inspiration behind the creation of KU Horseback, Lee shared with the magazine the story of the club’s founding member. As a young student, the creator of KU’s first equestrian club felt a barrier in terms of accessibility to the sport due to its costs. This inspired in him the wish to expand the riding community, and share the allure of horseback riding. Since its inception, the club has maintained this spirit and kept an open membership policy to allow students to experience the joys of horseback riding, even if they do not pursue the sport professionally.

GT: Could you describe the primary activities and events that the club offers to its members?

Raisa: The club’s primary activity is giving riding lessons, but we also organize a variety of other events that go beyond the official university events, such as Ko-Yon Games and Ipsilenti. We host parties, exchange gatherings, and other social events.

For instance, like most student clubs, we have orientation sessions, end-of-semester parties, and mid-semester gatherings. Furthermore, every semester, we arrange exchange gatherings with horseback riding clubs from Seoul National University and Yonsei University. These events serve as a platform to meet people with similar interests, as well as to promote friendly competition and cooperation.

Besides that, one of our most popular activities is trail riding, akin to an outing but with horseback riding involved. Members embark on trips outside of Seoul, typically for one night and two days. During these trips, they enjoy horseback riding, share meals, play games, and spend quality time together in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

GT: In what ways does KU Horseback support and encourage riders of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced riders?

Lee: The majority of individuals who join the club are beginners, and many have never ridden a horse before. That is why our primary focus is on providing valuable support and resources for beginners.

Upon joining, newcomers receive safety training, and during their initial ride, a club operator is present to assist them with wearing the necessary equipment and getting comfortable on the horse. We have designated riding ranges where beginner lessons are conducted. Additionally, we provide intermediate lessons for those who have gained some experience.

Unfortunately, we do not yet offer advanced courses, such as obstacle riding. Advanced riders typically have established training relationships elsewhere, and they often continue their lessons at those specific facilities.

GT: What are the club’s goals for the upcoming year or semester, and how do you plan to achieve them? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon that members can look forward to?  

Jin: First, we’re considering adding an extra outing during the upcoming semester. We’ve noticed a significant increase in activity and participation from our members, so we’re thinking about organizing an overseas trip before the midterm or final exams. Many newcomers expressed a strong desire to travel abroad during their interviews, and this aligns with their dreams.

Another goal we have for the club is to reach out to more students and raise awareness about our activities. One of our current ideas is to host a one-day pub, where everyone can get to know our current members and understand what the club is all about. This would involve themed events and games to make the experience enjoyable and memorable.

GT: How does KU Horseback foster a sense of camaraderie and support among its members?

Jin: To understand how we build camaraderie and support among our members, let me briefly explain our system. When new members join our club, they are required to participate in 10 activities during the semester, three of which are not just about riding but also include gatherings like drinking parties. During these three gatherings, we create opportunities for members to become friends.

Additionally, starting from this semester, we’ve introduced regular monthly meetings. Even if members didn’t become friends during the initial three gatherings, these meetings provide more chances to engage in interesting conversations and enjoy socializing.

In many cases, however, friendships often begin on our first ride. It’s a great way for people to get to know each other. When we go to the horseback riding range, we encourage members to form teams of three and ride together. This approach fosters closeness among the members.

With a rich array of activities catering to riders of all levels, KU Horseback not only offers the joys of horse riding but also fosters well-being and friendships. Its commitment to accessibility and vision for growth promises to further enrich the equestrian experience for students on campus. To those interested in joining the club, the upcoming recruitment period will take place in February of next year. Notices regarding the application process can be found on boards across campus, in Koreapas, and through their Instagram page (@ku_horseback).