Horseback riding has long been considered a hobby exclusively enjoyed by the wealthier classes. Many people would never imagine that they would have the chance to raise, train and ride horses, or to create an industry based around it.

Recently, however, the range of industries related to horses has taken center stage. Haman-gun County in Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province) has been focusing its energy on developing the equestrian, racehorse breeding and animal husbandry industries, covering the animal's entire life, from foals and breeding through to their industrial use. It is considered to be a new engine of growth for the local economy and, somewhat anachronously what with the history of horseback riding, an industry of the future.

Earlier this month, Haman was given the go-ahead by the Korea Racing Authority to develop an official ranch on which to breed racehorses. The Haman racehorses are being promoted under the brand name Aragaya horses. The highlight of the facility is the Haman Racing Horse Resort & Training Center. It's the first facility of its kind in Korea and it makes it possible for the horses to rest and get trained in the same place.



Located in Bongsu-ro, Gaya-eup, in Haman-gun County, the training center covers about 300,000 square meters and has facilities for about 140 horses, including barns, shower facilities, indoor and outdoor race tracks, grazing fields and automatic walking machines for training. It was designed so that the horses could take a good rest in a comfortable atmosphere and to relieve their stress. The center also offers remedial exercise programs to help them develop muscular strength. All of this is run parallel with a diet management system. Besides proper meals, the horses are given two kilograms of healthy green barley every day as a daily snack. The barley is grown in a laboratory at the center. The barley is rich in vitamins and digestive enzymes and is believed to help raise the horse's racing ability.



Chief Instructor Seo Sang-yong at the Haman Racing Horse Resort & Training Center said, "The horse breeding industry has great growth potential. The scope of the industry can cover racing, horseback riding, tourism, health management and even nurturing & feeding the animals."

"Also, dealing with every matter related to raising horses includes waste removal. This is a good educational opportunity for kids. The establishment of a horse school that offers comprehensive lessons would lead to great economic development," Seo emphasized.




The Haman Racing Horse Resort & Training Center is currently building a horseback riding facility. It started in 2012, and already has completed an indoor and an outdoor race track, as well as a trail for tourists. Construction will be finalized later this year. With the opening of the racing tracks and trails, the general public will be given the chance to experience horseback riding first-hand.

Haman is prepared to welcome tourists looking for a broader range of tourist activities.

By Lee Seung-ah
Photos: Wi Tack-whan, Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
slee27@korea.kr