Ride with the Horses: Summer Camp Horseback Riding Experience at Taichung Houli Horse Farm

▲ The Taichung City Government and the Taichung City Youth Corps Committee of the China Youth Corps are hosting the “Horse Racing Frenzy – Galloping Houli” summer camp at Houli Horse Farm, with registration now open. (Photo / Provided by Taichung City Government)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Equestrian activities have traditionally been an aristocratic sport, and even in modern times, few members of the general public have had the opportunity to participate. To promote domestic equestrian sports and encourage healthy leisure activities among young people, the Taichung City Government and the Taichung City Youth Corps Committee of the China Youth Corps are hosting the “Horse Racing Frenzy – Galloping Houli” summer camp.

Established in 1952, the Houli Horse Farm in Taichung was originally used as a breeding ground for military horses and as a training base for cavalry. It is the birthplace of equestrian sports in Taiwan, and during the 1960s and 1970s, the China Youth Corps also organized the “Houli Mounted Archery Camp.” To promote domestic equestrian sports, cultivate healthy leisure activities for youth, and revive the glory of Houli Horse Farm, the Taichung City Government Tourism Bureau and the Taichung City Youth Corps Committee of the China Youth Corps are jointly organizing the “Horse Racing Frenzy – Galloping Houli” summer camp equestrian event.

The event’s co-organizer, the Taichung City Equestrian Committee, has specially hired national-level coaches to guide participants. Students will first learn about the basic behavior of horses, followed by foundational riding training including mounting and dismounting, and instruction on basic riding postures. Instruction gradually advances to develop students’ riding skills, and once they gain a basic understanding, they are allowed to ride freely and enjoy the experience.

The “Horse Racing Frenzy – Galloping Houli” summer camp will be held over two sessions on July 16–17 and August 13–14, 2013 (two days and one night each), targeting students in junior high school and above nationwide. The cost per participant is NT$2,600. Registration is open from now until July 10, 2013. For more information, please visit the official website of the Taichung City Tourism Bureau.