A cowboy town in Hokkaido sounds odd. That twist is exactly why this ride works: you start in a simulated Old West village and then move out onto rural trails with hotel pickup and a Mustang Town riding lesson. I also like that you get proper coaching from a guide called the Sheriff, so even first-timers can feel in control. The main drawback to plan for is timing: the morning start can mean cold or wet weather, and the ride length options decide how far afield you go.

What makes the experience feel practical is the structure. You’re not dropped in the saddle and left to guess. You get a short safety briefing, plus help with mounting, reins, turns, and stopping, with explanations in simple English. After that, the pace stays relaxed as you pass orchards, hills, and forest views, with that distinctive 8-peak mountain in the distance.

One more consideration: the trail experience can be more guided and within a designated route than full-on wilderness wandering. If you’re expecting a long, wild trek with zero boundaries, temper that expectation.

Key things to know before you ride

• Old West warm-up first: You begin at Mustang Town, a simulated cowboy village with stables and wooden “town” buildings.
• Coaching from the Sheriff: Expect a safety lesson covering mounting, rein handling, turning, and stopping, explained in simple English.
• Slow, scenic mountain trails: You’ll ride through orchards and forested areas with views toward a famous 8-peak mountain.
• Small group size: The activity caps at 8 travelers, which usually makes instruction easier to manage.
• Dress code matters: Long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes are required; shorts, skirts, sandals, and high heels are not allowed.
• Options change the feel: You’ll choose a shorter or longer riding portion, which affects how much trail time you get.

Entering Mustang Town: the lesson before the trail

The day starts like a movie set, but it’s not just for show. You’re driven from Sapporo to the ride starting point, and you arrive early enough to start the experience in the morning light. Then comes Mustang Town, a simulated Old West village where the horse part begins with a real lesson, not a guess-and-go.

This is one of the best values of the tour design. The lesson time means you’re more likely to enjoy the ride instead of spending the whole time worrying about what your hands are doing or how to slow down. You’ll meet your instructor-guide (the Sheriff) and get guided practice that makes the rest of the outing feel calmer.

If you’re nervous, focus on this: the approach is hands-on and stepwise. They cover how to mount, how to hold the reins, and how to turn and stop. That “make it simple” style matters, because the guide’s explanations are in simple English, and you’re riding with real-time feedback.

The Sheriff’s safety talk: how control actually works on horseback

Once you meet the Sheriff, the tone shifts from cowboy-fun to practical training. The goal is not to make you look good; it’s to help you stay comfortable and safe.

Here’s what to expect in the safety briefing:

• Mounting tips so you don’t feel awkward getting into position
• Basic rein handling so your horse responds the way it should
• Turning and stopping cues you can actually use while riding

If you’ve ridden before, you can request advanced tips. That’s a nice touch for experienced riders who don’t want to feel like they’re sitting through a beginner-only script.

You should also plan for a supervised pace. Staff walk nearby and provide extra support as needed, especially during the initial riding period. In other words, you’re not out there alone with a horse and your imagination.

And yes, horses are living animals. The tour is operated with a strong safety mindset, but the information is honest: unexpected falls are always a possibility. That’s why the clothing rules and the instruction matter.

On the saddle: orchards, forest, and that 8-peak view

After the lesson, you head into the countryside trails near Sapporo. Depending on the option you select, your riding portion is either shorter or longer, and the total experience time stretches accordingly (roughly 3 hours 30 minutes total).

This is where the countryside does its job:

• You’ll ride past fruit orchards and grassy hillsides
• You’ll see forested sections and soft mountain scenery
• You may spot the area’s distinctive 8-peak mountain in the distance

The ride is described as gentle and leisurely, led by your instructor. That’s important if you want the outing to feel like a break from sightseeing crowds. Instead of sprinting between photo stops, you get steady time in nature with a slow rhythm.

One note I’d keep in mind: the ride can be on a designated route rather than endless, boundary-free wilderness. If you want to feel like you’re truly far from roads and back at the edge of nowhere, this may feel more like a curated trail experience. You’ll still get the scenery and horse time, just not an untamed-for-hours feeling.

Also, cold matters. One rider described a chilly, wet morning and still had fun, but the weather can affect comfort a lot on horseback. Dress for the morning, not just the midday.

How the 40-minute drive shapes your timing

A big part of the “3.5 hours” is the taxi transfer. Pickup is offered from your hotel in Sapporo. You’ll head to the stables area and arrive after about a 40-minute drive, which sets up your early start.

Then you’re on the ground at Mustang Town for the briefing and initial setup. After that, the ride itself takes either 40 minutes or 1 hour, depending on your selected duration. When you finish, you ride back by taxi to your hotel.

So how does it feel in real life?

• You’ll spend the early part of the day commuting plus getting oriented.
• The riding time is the highlight, but it’s not a full afternoon horseback marathon.
• If you’re choosing between durations, pick the longer one if you want more trail time and fewer “only a bit more” feelings at the end.

The transportation is a real perk. You don’t have to figure out buses, trains, or last-mile directions from Sapporo. Taxi drivers don’t speak English, but they know your destination, so communication is handled for you.

Price and value: what $187.11 buys you here

At about $187.11 per person, this isn’t a cheap impulse outing. The real question is value: does it deliver what you’re paying for?

Here’s what you’re getting for the money:

• Round-trip taxi fare with hotel pickup and drop-off
• A structured riding lesson from the Sheriff, including safety coaching
• Well-trained horses and a guided ride through rural scenery
• A small maximum group size (up to 8 travelers)

That combination is why the price can feel fair. You’re paying for transportation convenience plus guided instruction plus horse access. If you tried to do this independently, you’d likely spend time solving logistics while still paying something comparable for stable access and a coach.

Also consider who the price is best for:

• Couples or friends who want an activity that’s different from typical city tours
• Visitors who want guided countryside time without language stress
• First-timers who benefit most from lesson structure

If you only want a short taste of riding, the cost-per-minute might feel high. In that case, look closely at the shorter duration option and decide whether it matches what you want from the experience.

What to wear and bring (so the ride stays comfortable)

The dress code is strict, and it matters because you’ll be handling a saddle and moving your body in close contact with the horse and tack.

Required items:

• Long pants
• Long sleeve top
• Closed-toe shoes (sneakers recommended)

Not allowed:

• Skirts
• Shorts
• High heels
• Sandals

A few practical add-ons:

• Sunscreen and bug repellent are recommended
• Bring layers for a morning start; even in mild seasons, horseback time can feel colder than you expect

There’s also a maximum weight limit of 80 kg. Plan for that upfront so you don’t waste time.

Who this horseback ride is best for

This tour is built for a range of experience levels, and it explicitly works for people who are new to horseback riding. “Most travelers can participate” is the right signal here—especially because the Sheriff focuses on basic control skills.

It’s also friendly to kids who meet the riding requirement: children must be at least 7 years old and able to hold the reins.

You’ll likely love this experience if you:

• Want a countryside break near Sapporo without complicated logistics
• Prefer gentle guided riding over intense stunts
• Like scenic time with a structured activity rather than a long, unplanned trek

You might want to reconsider if you:

• Want a long, wild, off-route wilderness ride
• Hate early mornings and don’t dress for possible cold or rain
• Don’t want to follow strict clothing rules for safety

Should you book this horseback ride?

Book it if you want an easy, guided countryside horse experience with real instruction and hotel pickup. The value is strongest for first-timers or anyone who wants the day to run smoothly: you get Mustang Town orientation, the Sheriff’s safety coaching, and a scenic ride past orchards and through forested areas, all with a small group.

Skip or think twice if your top priority is being deep in the wilderness for hours with lots of freedom. This ride can be scenic and enjoyable, but it may be more controlled and route-based than you’re imagining. Also, plan for a morning start and dress for weather; cold and wet can change the comfort level fast.

If you’re flexible, pay attention to the duration option. Choosing the longer riding portion is the simplest way to make sure the experience feels substantial, not just “a quick horseback moment.”

FAQ

How long is the experience?

The total experience time is listed as about 3 hours 30 minutes. The riding portion is offered in two options, either about 40 minutes or about 1 hour, depending on what you choose.

Where does the tour start and how do I get there?

You can get hotel pickup by taxi in Sapporo. There’s a drive of about 40 minutes to the ride starting point, and you return by taxi after the ride.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the horseback riding experience with an instructor-guide, a riding lesson and safety briefing, and round-trip taxi service with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour is designed for all experience levels, and the guide provides a safety lesson for mounting, reins, turning, and stopping. If you have experience, you can request advanced tips.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 7 and above can participate if they can hold the reins of the horse.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, a long sleeve top, and closed-toe shoes (sneakers recommended). Shorts, skirts, high heels, and sandals are not allowed.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight limit is 80 kg.

How many people are in the group?

The tour/activity has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What language will the instructor use?

The instructor-guide explains what to do in simple English. Taxi drivers do not speak English, but they know your destination.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered the option of an alternative date or a full refund.