When horse riding ceased to be just for samurai

Did you know that until April 1871 only samurai were allowed to ride horses? Apparently, horseback was considered a military skill in ancient Japan. Classified alongside swordsmanship, archery, spears and other combat arts, so commoners such as merchants and farmers were strictly forbidden from riding.

When the Meiji government replaced the Edo Shogunate, these restrictions were abolished. From April 19th,1871, ordinary citizens were legally permitted to ride horses for the first time. It also symbolized the broader dismantling of the rigid class system.

Thus, April 19th annually is known as Horse-Riding Permission Day 乗馬許可記念日 Jōba kyoka kinenbi in Japan.