also: うまばのおとど · ばばどの
noun
building for viewing horse-related events (archaic)
Archaic term for a structure used to observe horse racing, horseback archery, and similar equestrian events, especially one used by the emperor within the greater palace grounds. Compare 武徳殿.
See also: 武徳殿
馬場殿は、平安京の大内裏にあった建物の一つである。
The Umaba-dono was one of the buildings in the Greater Imperial Palace of Heian-kyō.
古記録によると、馬場殿で競馬が行われた。
According to old records, horse races were held at the Umaba-dono.
武徳殿 was a hall for martial arts demonstrations and ceremonies, while 馬場殿 was specifically for equestrian events.
Compound of 馬場 (umaba, 'horse-riding ground') + 殿 (dono, 'hall, palace'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term refers to a specific palace building in Heian-period Kyoto.