Horses (uma) are animals that have long been closely connected with humankind, playing vital roles in many aspects of life such as transportation, farming, and military use. In Japan in particular, they served as an essential force for samurai throughout the Sengoku period, and today they are widely utilized in horse racing, festivals, tourism, and horseback riding.
In the Soma region, horses hold a special place and are deeply connected to the traditional event “Soma Nomaoi,” which continues to this day. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and behaviors of horses while delving into their close relationship with the Soma Nomaoi festival.
1. Basic Characteristics of Horses
The horse is a mammal belonging to the family Equidae of the order Perissodactyla, and it possesses the following characteristics.
🔹 Physical Characteristics of Horses
- Height: Average 140-180cm (varies by breed)
- Weight: 350-600kg (light horses) - 1,000kg (heavy horses)
- Field of vision: Wide field of vision, particularly sensitive to surrounding movements
- Leg strength: Highly developed muscles allow them to run at speeds of 50-60km/h
- Hoofs: Hard, strong, claw-like structures provide powerful ground support
🔹 Behavior and Habits of Horses
- They live in groups and follow the instructions of a leader (boss).
- They are highly intelligent and can communicate with humans.
- They are easily startled and dislike sudden movements and loud noises.
- They are herbivores and eat large amounts of grass and hay per day.
2. Horses and Japanese History
🔹 Horse Culture from Ancient to Medieval Japan
It is believed that horses were introduced to Japan about 1,500 years ago, during the Kofun period, and were initially used as a means of transportation and in warfare.
During the Heian period, the custom of using horses as part of samurai training and ceremonial practices emerged, leading to the development of military horseback tactics.
🔹 Horses and Samurai in the Sengoku Period
During the Sengoku period, mounted warriors emerged, and horses became an essential military force in battle. In particular,
- Jousting
- Horseback archery
- Speedy movement on the battlefield became important, and horse-based fighting techniques developed.
3. The Relationship Between the Soma Nomaoi and Horses
🔹 The Origins of the Soma Nomaoi and the Importance of Horses
Soma Nomaoi originally began as a form of military training for samurai to hone their horseback combat skills. It started as a practice in which horses released into the wild were treated as the enemy, and capturing them served as training for battle.
Even today, horses take center stage in the Soma Nomaoi festival, and the sight of armored horsemen galloping on their steeds stands as a powerful symbol of the celebration.
🔹 The Role of Horses in the Soma Nomaoi Festival
In the Soma Nomaoi festival, horses play an active role in scenes such as the following.
- Departure ceremony
- A parade of armored warriors on horseback recreates the atmosphere of the Sengoku period
- Armored Horse Racing
- A race in which mounted warriors compete for speed while wearing armor
- Battle for the Divine Flag
- A heroic horseback race to capture a flag
- Nomagake
- A sacred ceremony to offer wild horses to the shrine
🔹 Where Do the Horses of the Soma Nomaoi Come From?
The horses used in the Soma Nomaoi festival are gathered from the Soma region as well as from equestrian clubs across Japan.
- Local horses: Horses raised on ranches in the Soma region
- Former racehorses: Former racehorses often perform well in the Nomaoi
- Loaned horses: Horses provided for the festival by horse owners and riding clubs across the country
4. Bonding with Horses and Cultural Heritage
In the Soma region, various activities are carried out to deepen the bond between people and horses.
🔹 Opportunities to Interact with Horses
- Nomaoi practice and experience events
- Horse care and riding experiences at a riding club
- Horse culture education at local schools
🔹 The Inheritance and Future of Horse Culture
In recent years, the number of households that keep horses has declined, making it increasingly important to attract new participants to ensure the continued tradition of the Soma Nomaoi festival.
- Developing the next generation of horse-handlers
- Increasing participants and supporters from outside the region
- Public relations activities to promote the appeal of Nomaoi
Through these efforts, ongoing work continues to carry the spirit of the Soma Nomaoi and its horse culture into the future.
Summary
Horses have walked alongside humans since ancient times, and in the Sōma region, they have long been cherished as special beings through the tradition of the Nomaoi festival.
- Horses are fast, intelligent, and powerful animals, and were used by samurai in military training and battles.
- The Soma Nomaoi festival continues to this day, with horses playing a central role.
- Local people are preserving their relationship with horses and passing on their culture to the next generation.
By learning more deeply about the Soma Nomaoi, we can once again appreciate the remarkable nature of horses. Let’s each do what we can to stay involved and help carry the bond between humans and horses into the future!
