Engaging Visitors Through the Scent of Horse Manure: The Kiso Horse Conservation Effort

The Nagoya University Museum in Japan has developed a unique educational framework called the "Sense-Science-Significance" (S-S-S) model to enhance visitor engagement with the critically endangered Kiso horse. This initiative arose from a special exhibition focused on the skeleton of Daisan-Haruyama, the last purebred Kiso stallion, which highlighted the disconnect between visitors' recognition of the Kiso horse as a cultural resource and their personal engagement with conservation efforts. The S-S-S model employs sensory experiences, including the smell of horse manure, to foster a deeper connection between visitors and the heritage of the Kiso horse.

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The Kiso horse is one of Japan's eight surviving native horse breeds, originating from the Kiso mountain range in Gifu and Nagano prefectures. Historically, these horses were used as pack animals and in warfare until the 16th century. However, their population drastically declined due to a breeding program initiated by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Meiji era (1868–1912), which aimed to produce taller horses for military purposes. By the end of World War II, the Kiso horse population had dwindled to a mere few purebred individuals, with only 140 remaining today.

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The S-S-S model was implemented during a revised exhibition of Daisan-Haruyama's remains, where visitors experienced the smell of horse manure at different fermentation stages, listened to archival recordings of a traditional Kiso horse market, and handled models of Kiso and Thoroughbred hooves. This multi-sensory approach aimed to promote comparative and analytical thinking about the horse's biology and ecological significance. A survey of 75 visitors indicated that the S-S-S model effectively encouraged reflection on horse management, with 72 percent able to articulate their thoughts on the Kiso horse's importance.

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Since its introduction, the S-S-S model has been applied to over 30 educational events at the Nagoya University Museum, addressing various specimens and environmental challenges. Professor Ayako Umemura emphasized that the framework is designed to be adaptable, allowing educators worldwide to tailor it to their specific contexts. The goal is to enhance engagement with conservation and cultural heritage, making these topics more relevant to visitors' everyday lives.

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While the S-S-S model has received positive feedback, some critics may argue that using unconventional methods, such as the smell of manure, could deter certain visitors. However, the overall response indicates that sensory experiences can significantly enhance educational engagement.

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• “We want visitors to feel that heritage belongs to their world, not just to an exhibition case,” — Ayako Umemura, Professor, Nagoya University

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• “The framework is not intended as a prescriptive solution, but as a flexible guide that educators can adapt to their own context,” — Ayako Umemura, Professor, Nagoya University

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The innovative approach of the Nagoya University Museum serves as a potential model for museums globally, aiming to bridge the gap between cultural heritage and personal relevance through sensory engagement.

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