Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

Shocked, Ogawa Jō sat down in a pile of sawdust.

Although he was very angry at Murata Farm as the producer when he first took over, he even felt that the other party had no idea about domestication.

After actually taking over, Xu Hezhang more or less understood the difficulties faced by the production ranch.

Given Ocean Fleet2024's overly timid nature, the advancement of any training project will become extremely difficult.

"How about trying to establish a reward system, Dad?"

While tidying up the stable, Ogawa Kanna suggested.

"A reward mechanism? That's something we can give a try."

Xuhe Zhang nodded, and suddenly a cloud of sawdust fell from above his head.

"A Sheng——"

After a while, Ogawa Katsu, who was busy cleaning the stable, poked his head out.

After seeing Ogawa Jō's somewhat disheveled appearance, he forced himself to suppress his laughter.

"What, Dad?"

He asked in a somewhat strange tone.

"Speak to me!"

Xuhe Zhang glared at him first, then asked, "Does this child usually have any favorite food?"

He pointed at Ocean Fleet2024, who was secretly glancing at him from the corner.

"Probably not. He's a good kid on our ranch who isn't picky about food!"

Ogawa Masaru answered with a proud look on his face.

Although its appetite is not that big, Ocean Fleet2024 basically accepts all the feeds given to it.

"That would be difficult to handle."

The method of establishing a reward mechanism through food temptation does not seem to work.

"Hey, Kan'na, how did Dad end up like this?"

Ogawa Sheng lowered his voice and asked curiously.

Although he had encountered difficult situations before, this was the first time he saw his father in such a mess when it came to taming, which was his best skill.

"Please add the suffix "Sister" after Kannai!"

Ogawa Kana hit her brother hard on the head.

However, I still quickly explained the reason for the matter.

Although I didn't expect this idiot to come up with any solution.

"That's right."

Ogawa Sheng gritted his teeth and touched his forehead, which was still aching slightly.

"How about we try to get Megumi Hirano to help it train?"

He suggested, raising his hand cautiously.

Chapter 39 The First Step of Taming

"Let Medaihiram come to help?"

Ogawa Kana repeated it again with some hesitation.

"Are you stupid!"

The girl knocked her brother on the head.

"That guy Pegasus will only lead Oh-chan astray!"

Although he was able to complete the training content well, he couldn't imagine what it would be like to be assisted by Pegasus.

Definitely, it would be a rather strange development—

"Pegasus will assist in the training?"

On the contrary, it was Ogawa Jō who seemed to be really considering this proposal.

It is natural that there is a reason why Ogawa Sheng proposed such an idea.

While out grazing with Mu Baima, he noticed Ocean Fleet2024's seemingly insignificant actions.

In addition to the feeling of fear, he also showed a gesture of submission to Medaima, the leader.

This shows that Ocean Fleet 2024 will be influenced by Toastmasters at least to some extent.

Thoroughbreds are highly social animals that assess the safety of their surroundings by observing the behavior of their companions.

If the leading horse remains calm in the face of a particular stimulus, the other horses in the herd will consciously imitate him, and the time required to adapt will be shorter.

In addition, the presence of a leading horse can provide psychological support to timid horses and reduce their nervousness.

Young horses are more likely to relax when they are around familiar and trusted "role models".

but--

Even Ogawa Jo has little confidence that Medairo Bokuma can fulfill the role of a "role model".

The fact that it usually scares other horses is enough to give him a headache.

It may be difficult to expect it to play a positive role in training.

“You should try it.”

After considering it, he nodded and said.

Although the method of having the lead horse assist in training the timid ones in the herd has not been tried, it is theoretically in line with the natural habits of horses.

Although in assisted training, the negative feedback from the leading horse may also be transmitted to the training foals as a negative example.

However, there is no other better way.

"Well done, Sheng."

After receiving the affirmation from his father, the boy, who was originally feeling a little guilty, looked at his sister proudly.

"whispering sound--"

Ogawa Kanna deliberately turned her head away.

After the grazing was over, Ogawa Katsu led Mudaihira and Ocean Fleet2024 into a slightly larger stable.

After completing the intimidation of Ocean Fleet 2024 as usual, Mudashi Baima, covered in mud, took up residence in the center of the stable.

The chestnut horse was forced to curl up in the corner.

Xuhe Zhang rubbed his head with a headache.

There were some bad scenes at the beginning.

However, you still have to give it a try.

Taking out the electric crab, Ocean Fleet2024 immediately showed an attitude of facing a powerful enemy.

In contrast, Mudai Hirama just took a few brief glances before turning his head away.

He didn't seem to care at all.

Turning on the toy, Ogawa Jō placed it at Medaru's feet.

Then he took the two of them out of the stable.

In normal desensitization training, guidance from the trainer is necessary.

Even when things are not going well, the trainer will sometimes personally take on the role of "lead horse" to provide assistance to the horse being trained.

But Ocean Fleet2024 is a special case.

It is really too timid.

The white horse tilted its ears slightly forward and easily suppressed the electric toy running around on the ground with one hoof.

Then, release the hoof again.

After the crab crawls a distance, it steps on it again.

It looks like they're just starting to play.

In the corner, Ocean Fleet2024 carefully turned one ear.

After a while, the chestnut horse raised its front hooves slightly and alternately, and slowly moved to a closer position.

The neck muscles remain tense.

Then, he began to move his head up and down frequently.

Outside the stable, three people saw this scene through the observation window.

“It seems to be really effective!”

Ogawa Katsu lightly waved his fist.

"It's still early, let's keep watching."

Patting the boy's shoulder, Ogawa Jō spoke in a low voice.

Desensitization contact only completes the first stage.

Next, there is an even more important step.

The nose of Ocean Fleet2024 was slowly approaching the electric crab.

Then, it rubbed lightly like a dragonfly touching the water.

"Success!"

Now, even Xuhe Zhang's face showed a relaxed expression.

Horses typically use their lips or nose to touch the object, using this "marking" behavior to indicate acceptance of the stimulus.

At least, Ocean Fleet2024 has successfully overcome its fear of the animatronics in front of it.

"Then we have to pursue the victory."

Xuhezhang turned around and ordered, "Asheng, go get the soft-bristled brush!"

Horses tend to learn more efficiently when they are in a state of curiosity.

But for thoroughbreds, their attention window is much shorter, typically lasting 2-3 minutes before they shift their focus.

"Understood, Dad!"

Ogawa Sheng hurried to the tool room.

After a while, the boy came back with the soft-bristled brush that Xuhe Zhang had requested.

Xuhe Zhang plans to carry out touch desensitization, which is also a basic training program.

Generally speaking, this is the kind of training that should be done when a horse is building trust with its rider.

The one-year-and-five-month-old Ocean Fleet2024 has much more to offer than just this.

Taking the soft-bristle brush, Xuhe Zhang approached the chestnut-haired horse cautiously.

It seems like he immediately becomes alert.

It seems that we have to resort to the same old tricks again.

He sighed and shifted his target to Mudaiheima.

Feeling the soft-bristled brush stroking across his neck with just the right amount of force, Mudaiba let out a satisfied sigh.

This was repeated for a while before slowly turning the focus back to Ocean Fleet2024.

The chestnut horse's muscles tensed up instantly.

However, his attitude has softened a lot compared to the beginning.

With the gentlest force possible, Ogawa Jō brushed the short neck of Ocean Fleet2024 with the brush in his hand.

You can clearly feel the chestnut horse's body trembling.