In the city of Kashiwara, Osaka Prefecture, something special is happening—a place where ancient Japanese equestrian traditions are being lovingly preserved for future generations. Masashi Yokoyama, 71, has created a unique horse park that's breathing new life into the conservation of Dosanko horses, a cherished Japanese breed that deserves celebration and protection.

The Dosanko horses, originally from Hokkaido, represent the largest population among Japan's eight native horse varieties. These remarkable animals are known for their compact size, incredible toughness, and gentle disposition—qualities that have endeared them to Japanese culture for centuries. While their numbers have decreased over the decades due to agricultural modernization, dedicated individuals like Yokoyama are ensuring these magnificent creatures thrive.

Yokoyama's journey to becoming a guardian of these horses began four decades ago when he was riding in France and learned about the vulnerability of Japanese horse breeds. This revelation sparked a passion that would eventually lead him to open his park in October 2022, creating a haven where both horses and humans could flourish together.

What makes this park truly special is how it reimagines the human-horse connection for modern times. Visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese history by donning traditional costumes—including authentic armor—before riding the horses, creating an unforgettable experience that bridges past and present. The park regularly hosts events celebrating the Sengoku period, allowing guests to step back in time to Japan's Warring States era while forming bonds with these gentle animals.

The park currently cares for six Dosanko horses and one retired racehorse, all of whom visitors can brush, feed, and ride. This hands-on approach makes equestrian activities accessible to everyone, breaking down barriers that traditionally made horse riding exclusive to club members. Yokoyama's vision is refreshingly inclusive—he wants people to visit multiple times and develop lasting relationships with the horses, not just have a single fleeting encounter.

Beyond providing joyful experiences for visitors, the park serves a crucial role as a breeding and distribution hub. Yokoyama purchases horses from Hokkaido and works to place them in environments where they can thrive, such as riding clubs that offer horseback riding programs for children. His approach is holistic and thoughtful—he understands that simply breeding horses isn't enough. The key is creating meaningful ways for them to be part of modern life.

"In Japan, there are many clubs where people cannot ride a horse without officially joining," Yokoyama explains, highlighting how his park offers something different—a welcoming space for everyone to experience the joy of horseback riding.

Yokoyama's dedication reminds us that preservation isn't just about maintaining numbers; it's about keeping living traditions alive and relevant. By combining cultural education, accessible recreation, and strategic breeding efforts, this Osaka horse park is writing a hopeful new chapter for Dosanko horses. It's a beautiful example of how one person's passion can create ripples of positive change, ensuring these noble animals continue to enrich Japanese culture for generations to come.