【Part 17】About Horses: Intermediate Level

Horses have long been associated with humanity, serving in numerous roles such as transportation, agricultural work, and military use. In Japan particularly, they were crucial combat assets for samurai throughout the Warring States period. Today, they are utilized in various fields including horse racing, festivals, tourism, and riding.

In the Soma region, horses hold a special significance, deeply intertwined with the enduring traditional event, the Soma Nomaoi. This article explores the characteristics and ecology of horses while providing a detailed explanation of their connection to the Soma Nomaoi.

1. Basic Characteristics of Horses

Horses are mammals belonging to the Equidae family within the order Artiodactyla, possessing the following characteristics:

🔹 Physical Characteristics

Height: Average 140–180 cm (varies by breed)

Weight: 350–600 kg (light breeds) to 1,000 kg (heavy breeds)

Vision: Wide field of vision, particularly sensitive to surrounding movement

Leg Strength: Highly developed muscles enabling speeds of 50–60 km/h

Hooves: Hard, durable claw-like structures providing strong ground-pounding force

🔹 Horse Behavior & Traits

Herd animals that follow the leader's (boss's) direction

Highly intelligent, capable of communicating with humans

Prone to startling easily; dislike sudden movements or loud noises

Herbivores consuming large quantities of grass or hay daily

2. Horses and Japanese History

🔹 Horse Culture in Ancient to Medieval Times

Horses are believed to have been introduced to Japan around 1,500 years ago (Kofun period), initially used for transportation and warfare.

During the Heian period, the practice of utilizing horses for samurai training and ceremonial purposes emerged, leading to the development of military mounted tactics.

🔹 Horses and Warriors in the Warring States Period

The Warring States period saw the emergence of mounted warriors, making horses a crucial force in battle. Particular emphasis was placed on:

- Horseback spear techniques (bajō sōjutsu)

- Horseback archery (umayumi)

- Rapid movement on the battlefield

This led to the development of specialized combat techniques using horses.

3. The Relationship Between Soma Nomaoi and Horses

🔹 Origins of the Nomai and the Importance of Horses

The Soma Nomai originally began as military training for samurai to hone their mounted combat skills on the battlefield. It started as a practice for combat, where horses released into the wild were treated as enemies and captured.

Even today, horses remain the protagonists of the Soma Nomai, and the sight of mounted warriors riding them has become a symbol of the festival.

🔹 The Role of Horses in Soma Nomaoi

Horses play vital roles in the following scenes of Soma Nomaoi:

Departure Ceremony (Shutsujinshiki)

Armored horsemen march, recreating the atmosphere of the Warring States period.

Armored Horse Race (Katchū Keiba)

Horsemen compete in speed races while wearing full armor.

Battle for the Sacred Flag

A heroic contest where riders vie for a flag while mounted.

Nomakake

A sacred ritual where wild horses are offered to the shrine.

🔹 Where Do the Nomai Horses Come From?

Horses used in the Soma Nomai are gathered from the Soma region and riding clubs nationwide.

Local horses: Horses raised on farms in the Soma region

Former racehorses: Retired racehorses also participate in the Nomai

Horses loaned from outside: Provided by horse owners and riding clubs nationwide for the festival

4. Interaction with Horses and Preservation

Various activities are held in the Soma region to deepen the relationship with horses.

🔹 Opportunities to interact with horses

Nomaoi practice sessions and experiential events

Horse care and riding experiences at riding clubs

Horse culture education in local schools

🔹 Inheriting Horse Culture and the Future

In recent years, the number of households raising horses has decreased, making securing new participants crucial for the Nomaoi's survival.

Cultivating a younger generation skilled in horse handling

Increasing participants and supporters from outside the region

Public relations activities to convey the appeal of the Nomaoi.