The Korea Racing Authority (KRA), led by President Woo Hee-jong, announced Wednesday it is accepting applications for its "2026 Second-Half Healing Equestrian Support Project," aimed at helping the public recover physically and emotionally through interaction with horses and expanding access to equestrian activities.
The healing equestrian program is designed to ease tension and stress built up in daily life through riding and bonding with horses, promoting emotional stability and vitality. The KRA operates the program for both public-interest professionals and the general public.
The KRA selected 2,613 participants in the first half of this year. For the second-half program, 500 spots are available for public-interest professionals and 800 for the general public. The public-interest category covers police officers, coast guard personnel, firefighters, educators, nurses and social workers, as well as vulnerable groups including bereaved families of suicide victims, crime victims and multicultural households.
Lesson fee subsidies vary by category. Public-interest workers receive 80 percent of lesson costs covered, vulnerable groups receive full coverage, and general public participants receive 30 percent.
Applications are submitted through Horspia, the KRA's horse industry information portal. The general public may apply Wednesday through Thursday, and public-interest applicants may apply Friday through Sunday. Results will be available from 5 p.m. Aug. 28 on the Horspia personal account page.
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