Hello everyone. This is Tomohiro Nakamichi from Shibecha Town. Welcome to "Shibecha Biyori," the series where I share the charms of Shibecha from my perspective. This is the sixth installment.

As we enter March, the highest temperatures have climbed above freezing, and we're starting to feel the stirrings of spring, little by little. True spring is still a ways off, but the lengthening daylight and warmer air seem to warm the heart as well.

This time, I'd like to introduce Masato Obama, who is also active in Shibecha Town as a Community-Revitalization Cooperator.

Mr. Obama moved to Shibecha Town four years ago from the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. Formerly associated with the Mutsugoro Animal Kingdom, he is a professional in all things related to living creatures, with many years of experience as a trail riding guide at a riding club in Tateyama City, Chiba. He is well-versed not only in horses but in a wide variety of animals, and lives a life in harmony with nature in the rich natural environment of Shibecha.
Among horses, Mr. Obama focuses on a breed called the "Hokkaido Native Horse" (Hokkaido Washu) and is involved in its conservation. Unlike the horses typically found at riding clubs, the Hokkaido Washu is smaller in stature with a stout, stocky build, and is affectionately known by the nickname "Dosanko."

Having survived the harsh nature of Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Washu is said to be more difficult to train than Western breeds, and at present, they are often raised for meat.

"At this rate, I fear the Hokkaido Washu breed might disappear in the future."

Mr. Obama feels a sense of crisis about the future of one of Japan's few native horse breeds.

"There are few people who can handle the Hokkaido Washu, but from my experience training various horses, I'm confident they can be excellent riding horses. In fact, their smaller size is a better fit for Japanese riders, and they have a very smooth gait with little rocking, which I think are significant advantages for riding."

Mr. Obama believes that if the potential of the Hokkaido Washu as a riding horse were more widely recognized, it could greatly contribute to the primary goal of preserving the breed.

Sen (front) and Kizuna (back), two Hokkaido Native Horses. They have a sturdy build and low stature.

Mr. Obama also incorporates his own unique training methods based on his experience, in addition to existing training theories.

"The Hokkaido Washu is particularly sensitive, so if you create a trauma even once, it takes an enormous amount of time and effort to fix. It's crucial to build the relationship slowly and carefully to avoid creating any trauma."

He says he is spending a lot of time on building a bond with Sen, who is still a relative newcomer to the Obama family, as a preliminary step before training.

"Even just being in the same space together for a little while when I'm cleaning up their manure, or sharing time without direct communication, helps to build a relationship of trust bit by bit. The time spent outside of formal training is actually very important."

Mr. Obama explained with a look full of affection.

Mr. Obama gradually building a relationship with Sen. Young Sen is full of curiosity, and his future growth is exciting to watch.

This time, I was able to observe the training of not only Sen but also the other horse, Kizuna. He is at the stage where, after several steps, he is just about ready to be ridden.



He guides the horse forward with pressure from behind, prompting the direction of rotation with his left hand. Some people use a whip, but Mr. Obama uses his intent and voice to apply pressure.



This is simulated riding training, where he holds the reins from behind and directs the horse's movement. Once they reach this stage, the next step is to get on top.



By intentionally mounting in a rougher manner, he helps the horse get used to the sensation of being mounted. Also, since some horses dislike the feeling of being looked down upon from a high place if someone sits up straight away, he gets them used to being mounted in this posture.
"If it's just about getting on a horse, walking around, and looking at the scenery, you miss the real joy of horseback riding. Riding is communication, so you need to communicate with the horse to figure out how to befriend them and connect with them. Horses are living beings, so they have things they like and dislike. I believe it's only when you establish mutual understanding that you can discover the true charm of a horse."

At many modern riding clubs, the horses used for riding are often safe, docile, and gentle, no matter who rides them. But from another perspective, this might mean that both the horse and the rider have closed off their hearts. Furthermore, simply carrying people along the same course like a machine doesn't deepen the understanding of the creature that is the horse. Based on his own past experiences at riding clubs, Mr. Obama now wants to create a space in Shibecha where people can enjoy "authentic horseback riding."

Mr. Obama says, "I want people to understand the charm of horses and then discover the joy of connecting with them on their own."

Shibecha's vast land, little snowfall, and cool summers provide the perfect environmental conditions for horses. The town also has a history of being involved in the breeding and production of military horses as an Army Remount Department. From these perspectives, Mr. Obama believes there is a profound significance in raising Hokkaido Native Horses in Shibecha.

Living with animals in the midst of nature, while dreaming of the future for the Hokkaido Native Horse.
I look forward to following Mr. Obama's activities in the future.


You can also watch a video about Mr. Obama in the "Shibecha Jinbutsuden" (Chronicles of Shibecha's People) series on YouTube. I hope you'll watch it to learn more about his activities and passion. Please look forward to the next installment.