Korea Racing Authority Launches Online Application for Healing Horseback Riding Program... Riding Lessons Supported for 3,600 Citizens

Applications open until April 13 for the general public,
April 14-22 for firefighters, coast guard officers, and other public interest groups
Lessons begin in May after lottery selection,
Korea Racing Authority covers at least 40% of total lesson fees

Korea Racing Authority (Chairman Jung Gi-hwan) is recruiting participants for the Healing Horseback Riding Support Program online.

Healing horse riding lesson scene at Korea Racing Authority. Provided by Korea Racing Authority

'Healing Horseback Riding' is a therapeutic horseback riding program designed to heal psychological wounds and promote balanced physical development through emotional interaction with horses. Related studies have confirmed that Healing Horseback Riding can reduce symptoms of depression and alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Healing Horseback Riding Support Program by Korea Racing Authority is divided into two categories: the General Public (2,100 people) and Public Interest (1,500 people). The General Public category is open to any adult between the ages of 19 and 65 as of the application date, and the application period runs until April 13.

For the Public Interest category, which targets firefighters, coast guard officers, and livestock quarantine officers, the application period is from April 14 to 22. Applications for both categories must be submitted through the 'Horsepia' website, the horse industry information portal, and participants will be selected by an automated lottery, with results announced on April 23. Actual lessons can begin in May.

Washing a horse during a healing horseback riding lesson at Korea Racing Authority. Photo by Korea Racing Authority

The total lesson fee ranges from 300,000 to 500,000 KRW, depending on the horseback riding facility, with Korea Racing Authority covering at least 40% of the total cost. The program consists of 10 sessions, each lasting about 60 minutes, and includes non-riding activities such as horse grooming and leading, as well as beginner-level riding activities from walking to trotting. The schedule can be adjusted through consultation between the facility and the participant.

The Healing Horseback Riding Support Program is conducted only at 'Green Horseback Riding Zones,' which are excellent private horseback riding facilities designated by Korea Racing Authority. As these facilities have been verified for safety and service quality, participants can enjoy horseback riding with peace of mind.

Jung Gi-hwan, Chairman of Korea Racing Authority, stated, "We will continue to expand Korea Racing Authority's unique social contribution activities and contribute to the popularization of horseback riding and the creation of a sound leisure culture," adding, "We hope that the Healing Horseback Riding Support Program will help relieve some of the psychological and physical stress of the public."

Detailed information about the Healing Horseback Riding Support Program can be found in the announcements section of the Korea Racing Authority Horsepia website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.