Winter in Hokkaido is beautiful, if you’re a fan of snow-covered landscapes. But for Shiraimachi Ranch, established in 1970 and famous for producing top-tier racehorses, winter used to mean a major training challenge. Thick layers of snow blanketed the training tracks, and freezing temperatures made outdoor work risky, inconsistent, and at times, impossible.
For trainers aiming to prepare horses for the biggest races, the Japan Derby, the Japan Cup, and other high-stakes competitions, every day of lost training meant lost opportunity. Imagine your champion horse unable to run or sprint for weeks, just because of weather. The stakes were high, and time was precious.
Enter GGS Fabric Covered Structures, formerly known as TascoDome, a game-changing solution that has completely redefined what’s possible in horse training.
The Winter Dilemma: Why Consistency Matters
Horse racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about endurance, technique, and the perfect conditioning schedule. Before the dome, winter at Shiraimachi Ranch meant horses were stuck indoors or on icy tracks, limiting their daily exercise. Even summer posed challenges. Rain could turn tracks into mud pits, slowing training and increasing the risk of injury.
For Shiraimachi Ranch’s team, one thought loomed large: “If our horses can’t train consistently, they can’t reach their full potential.”
Consistency is everything. In elite horse racing, every day counts. One skipped session can mean the difference between a podium finish and falling short.
The GGS Dome Solution: Building a Training Arena Like No Other
The solution? At 900-meters in length, this indoor training facility is designed to withstand Japan’s harshest winters and provide year-round training conditions. The GGS Dome’s design is both functional and visionary:
- Arched roof and fabric covers lets in natural light, keeping the interior bright and energizing.
- Durable structure can handle heavy snow and strong winds without strain.
- Corrosion-resistant materials: GGS structures are built for long-term performance, supported by a 15-year pro-rated fabric warranty and robust steel framing designed for exceptional longevity.
- Slope and length mirror top racecourses like Tokyo Racecourse, giving horses real-world conditions to train for major competitions.
Construction began in December 2012. The base foundation was meticulously leveled, ceiling arches and side panels were installed, and the HDPE fabric cover is tensioned and secured using a system of endless ratchets and winches, ensuring a tight, reliable fit across the entire structure.. The result? A massive indoor track where horses can train every day, no matter the weather outside.
Why Trainers Can’t Stop Talking About GGS Fabric Covered Structure
The benefits of the fabric-covered structure goes far beyond avoiding snow and ice. Trainers at Shiraimachi Ranch quickly realized they had something extraordinary:
- Daily Consistency – Horses now train every day in a controlled environment, regardless of rain, snow, or scorching summer heat.
- Race-Ready Conditions – The final 500-meter straight mirrors Tokyo Racecourse, and the 4% incline prepares horses for the challenges of top-tier competitions.
- Injury Prevention – By eliminating icy or muddy tracks, trainers can focus on skill and stamina without worrying about accidents.
Optimized Performance – Horses build speed, endurance, and confidence faster than ever.
From Challenge to Champions: Real Results
Since installing the GGS Dome, Shiraimachi Ranch has seen remarkable improvements in horse performance. Horses trained under the dome have maintained consistent conditioning throughout the year and are entering competitions stronger, faster, and more confident.
The indoor arena doesn’t just protect against the elements; it enhances training quality. Trainers can focus on fine-tuning techniques, timing, and stamina, rather than battling the weather. The dome structure has truly leveled the playing field for this historic ranch, giving them the edge they need to produce champions.
Why GGS Fabric Covered Structures Are Changing Horse Training in Japan
GGS Domes aren’t just about infrastructure; they’re about unlocking potential. In Japan’s competitive racing scene, every advantage counts. A fabric covered structure isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for any serious trainer looking to give their horses the best possible environment for success.
Here’s why elite trainers are turning to GGS Domes:
- Uninterrupted training – Snow, rain, or heat, your horses stay on track.
- Customizable design – Domes can be tailored to your ranch’s needs and track specifications.
- Long-term durability – Built to last for decades, reducing maintenance costs.
- Competitive edge – Horses trained in controlled conditions perform better in major competitions.
In short, if you’re serious about racing, a GGS’s structures are no longer an option, it’s an advantage you can’t afford to miss.
Common FAQs About GGS Domes
Q1: How long does it take to install a GGS Dome?
A: Depending on size, installation can be completed within a few weeks. For example, Shiraimachi Ranch’s 900-meter structure was built efficiently with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Q2: Can horses train safely in the dome during extreme weather?
A: Absolutely. The structure is designed to withstand heavy snow, strong winds, and rain, keeping the environment safe and consistent.
Q3: How long do GGS Domes last?
A: With specialized corrosion-resistant materials, GGS Domes are built to last over 30 years with minimal maintenance.
Q4: Can the dome design be customized?
A: Yes! Each dome is tailored to the ranch’s size, track requirements, and training goals, ensuring maximum efficiency and utility.
Q5: Does natural light reach inside?
A: Yes. The arched roof HDPE fabric cover lets in ample natural light, keeping the interior bright and energizing for both horses and trainers.
The Takeaway: Don’t Let Weather Limit Your Potential
For Shiraimachi Ranch, winter used to be a season of obstacles. Now, thanks to GGS Domes, it’s a season of opportunity. Trainers and horses can work consistently, prepare for top competitions, and achieve peak performance every day of the year.
Don’t wait to feel the impact of lost training days. See what a GGS Dome can do for your ranch, and turn every season into a winning season.