Safety Measures

To Enjoy Your First Steppe Riding Experience with Peace of Mind

Horses are animals with individual personalities that react to their physical condition on any given day as well as their surrounding environment. Furthermore, on the Mongolian steppe, weather conditions such as wind, rain, temperature, and ground surfaces can change in a short period of time.

For these reasons, the risks associated with horseback riding cannot be completely eliminated.

At Horse Camp Mongolia, rather than falsely claiming zero risk, we prioritize preventing accidents as much as possible through pre-ride checks, basic instruction, proper equipment, and the judgment of our staff.

While respecting our guests’ eagerness to try new things, we ensure no one is pushed beyond their limits. That is our fundamental policy regarding safety.

  Horses are free-roaming on the steppe

At Horse Camp Mongolia, our horses are not kept in small paddocks all day just for riding.

When not being ridden, they are left free-roaming on the Mongolian steppe alongside other horses. This is a keeping method close to the natural lifestyle of Mongolian horses, allowing them to graze and live within a herd.

At the same time, horses are not machines. They are not necessarily in the exact same condition every day, and their physical state and mood vary day by day.

Before using any horse for riding, our staff inspects their gait, body and leg conditions, the presence of any injuries, hoof condition, and calm demeanor. Any horse displaying unusual behavior or judged unfit for riding will not be used that day.

  We select horses according to each guest

Horses each have their own traits—some are gentle, some walk briskly, and others prefer following the horses around them.

We determine which horse you will ride each day by checking factors such as your age, physical build, riding experience, and level of nervousness.

Even if you request a specific horse, we may assign a different one for safety reasons. Additionally, even for the same guest, we may change the horse depending on how things look during the lesson.

  We do not depart for the steppe immediately

At Horse Camp Mongolia, we do not have guests mount a horse and head out into the steppe immediately upon arrival.

Before riding, we cover and verify the following details step-by-step:

• Precautions when approaching a horse
• Actions to avoid around horses
• Safety gear such as helmets
• Explanations of Western saddles and reins
• Safe mounting and dismounting procedures
• Getting accustomed to being on horseback while led by hand
• How to move the horse forward
• How to stop the horse
• How to turn right and left
• Staff signals and trail rules

At first, a staff member will lead the horse by hand to give you time to get used to the movement, height, and sway of the horse.

Afterward, you will practice the basic operations of “forward, stop, right, and left” on your own. We will proceed to riding out on the open steppe only after the instructor determines that you are ready.

  Safety Gear Usage

During horseback riding, you are required to wear the following safety gear as a general rule:

• Riding helmet
• Body protector
• Chaps

Staff will check and lend you gear that fits your physical build.

Please bring your own work gloves or non-slip gloves. Participation is not permitted in attire unsuitable for horseback riding, such as skirts, sandals, or high-heeled shoes.

  Pre-Ride Equipment Inspection

Before riding, we inspect the condition of the saddle, girth, stirrups, and reins.

We check the status of the girth and stirrups not only immediately after saddling, but also during the ride as needed. If you feel any discomfort or looseness, please notify staff immediately.

Please do not unfasten tack or adjust lengths on your own judgment.

  We move in a single-file line on the steppe

On the steppe, riders generally move in a single-file line in the order determined by the staff.

Keep a proper distance from the horse ahead of you, and do not overtake suddenly or spread out wide to the side. If horses get too close to each other, it can lead to behaviors such as kicking, biting, or sudden changes in direction.

Even experienced riders may not trot or canter without the instructor’s permission.

The instructor determines the speed based not only on your skill level, but also on the condition of the horses, the line as a whole, the terrain, and the weather.

  We guide in small groups

The maximum tour capacity is 5 participants.

When there are 3 or more participants, an assistant staff member will generally accompany the group. During the ride, rather than focusing on a single guest, we move forward while monitoring factors such as the distance between horses, the single-file line, surrounding terrain, and weather changes.

If there is a large difference in experience within the group, the speed and route will be adjusted to accommodate beginners.

  We check weather and steppe conditions

In the Mongolian steppe, even on clear days, wind can suddenly strengthen or rain can fall.

Additionally, after rain, the ground can become slippery, and holes or rocks hidden in the grass may become difficult to see.

In cases such as the following, we will modify departure times, riding duration, routes, or speed:

• When there is a risk of strong winds or thunderstorms
• When the ground is slippery
• When visibility is poor
• When there are concerns about the condition of the horses or guests
• When the instructor deems that safe execution is difficult

Prioritizing safety, riding activities may be shortened or canceled.

  We do not force fast riding

For beginner guests, we prioritize making sure you can safely handle the horse at a walk first.

Even if you feel like “I came all the way to Mongolia, so I want to gallop fast,” we do not perform trots or canters if basic operations are not yet sufficient or if the conditions of the day are unsuitable.

We will never force a horse to run just to take photos or videos. Photography will be conducted by selecting a location where it is safe to come to a complete stop.

 Rules We Ask Guests to Follow

Safe horseback riding requires not only staff management, but also your cooperation.

• Please follow the instructions and signals of the staff.
• Do not approach closely behind a horse suddenly.
• Do not run or shout near the horses.
• Do not leave the single-file line on your own judgment while riding.
• If you feel unwell, or experience pain, fear, or anxiety, please inform us without holding back.
• Riding after consuming alcohol is not permitted.
• If behavior deemed dangerous by staff continues, riding activities may be suspended.

It is nothing to be ashamed of to say “I’m a little scared” or “I want to practice once more.” Please feel free to let the staff know without hesitation.。

  Participation Requirements and Overseas Travel Insurance

Participation requirements for horseback riding tours are generally a height of 130 cm or taller, or 8 years of age or older.

However, even if age and height requirements are met, we will assess physical build, health condition, and the ability to understand and follow staff instructions. If safe participation is determined to be difficult, horseback riding may be declined.

Additionally, upon joining the tour, please present proof of overseas travel insurance on paper or on a smartphone screen. Please verify on your own prior to departure whether accidents and injuries during horseback riding are included in the coverage.

  The Instructor Makes the Final Judgment

The condition of the horses, weather, ground, and guests varies every time.

Even if an activity was planned, if the instructor determines that it cannot be executed safely, we will perform horse changes, route modifications, speed restrictions, or shortening or cancellation of riding duration.