Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

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 cautiously turned one ear. After a while, the chestnut horse slowly moved closer, its front hooves lifting slightly in alternating motions.

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.

There was no rush to expand to sensitive areas such as the abdomen or limbs, but the touch was limited to Ocean Fleet2024's neck.

"Good boy, good boy."

On the other side, Ogawa Katsu kept trying to calm the chestnut-haired horse with words and gentle pats on the shoulders.

Until Ocean Fleet2024 relaxed, Ogawa Jō kept repeating the same action.

"It's really difficult—"

Lead Ocean Fleet 2024 back to the stable and close the gate.

Both physically and mentally, you can feel obvious fatigue.

Judging from today's progress, even the most basic training content will probably take more than four months.

"But, at last there is a way."

They should be able to do more than Murata Ranch.

　I caught a cold after getting caught in the rain this afternoon, so I only have one update today.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)