Japan, April 2025

Stephen pictured alongside Almond Eye and her foal by Equinox.

It was a privilege to make a return trip to Northern Farm. This time I was based solely at their stud in Hokkaido with the primary focus being foals.

I spent four days working alongside around ten members of their farrier team and what struck me the most was the scale of the stud and how efficiently the farrier team and management work together. The quality and diversity of the broodmare band is something to behold; there was an abundance of Group and Grade One mares and no shortage of Classic winners.

This visit was a terrific opportunity to discuss how various factors including climate, feeding and breeding influence the conformational development of the foal. We exchanged ideas and shared techniques on trimming protocols and the use of various materials used for extensions and shoeing options.

As always the hospitality was outstanding and highlights included see a few of my old friends, including Equinox, Do Deuce and Shahryar who are now Stallions at Shadai Stallion Station. In addition I had the honour of being shown Wind In Her Hair, the dam of Deep Impact and at thirty-four the oldest known Thoroughbred in Japan. A truly memorable trip.