Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 240, Part Two: The Naming Ceremony

"The president has kidnapped Chunqiu Fen—"

The moment the tailgate of the horse-drawn wagon opened, Rachel Ho exclaimed in surprise, her face showing an expression of disbelief.

The other members also seemed to be startled.

Kikuchi first showed a somewhat surprised expression, then her eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled and gently extended her fingertips toward the black deer-haired pony.

"What an adorable child."

Xiao Ma tilted his head slightly, his half-exposed eye seeming to convey an emotion like, "Hey! Why are they all so overly friendly?"

However, she didn't resist the touch too much.

"This little guy's gait is quite interesting."

"Yes, all four legs are completely independent."

"I feel like he'll be a very interesting kid."

As they chatted, they arrived at the stables, where the footsteps of men and horses mingled on the floor, producing a slightly crisper sound.

Hearing the noise, heads popped out from the stables on both sides of the corridor.

The black-haired pony looked around, one eye seemingly greeting it obediently, while the other eye seemed to express a sense of shock, as if thinking, "Wow! So many horses!"

After successfully leading the foal into the prepared empty stable, Asayama loosened the leash.

"From today onwards, please take good care of me."

He bowed slightly to the pony, and Sunrise Hymn 2026 nodded in response.

Meanwhile, Kitano discussed the issue of feed with several other company members.

For digestive reasons, the feed formula for Sunrise Hymn 2026 may differ significantly from that of other ponies.

Especially the deer daifuku that was so greedy that it even ate the bedding.

Of the newly purchased ponies, only Wizard Queen 2026 has had its stable bedding changed to wood shavings.

However, it's hard to say what will happen next.

According to information provided by the production ranch, Sunrise Song seems to have a strong interest in hay as well.

"How about we prepare the feed according to the existing formula from the production farm for now?"

The suggestion was made by Ravid, and everyone, including Kitano, nodded in agreement.

"As for the direction of the adjustment, let's prioritize efforts towards high digestibility."

"Does this mean the proportion of concentrated feed will have to be gradually reduced as a protein source?"

"Try defatted soybean meal first, and start with the standard amount for the flaxseed oil portion."

"Understood. How about using rolled oats as the base for concentrated feed?"

"Unsweetened rapeseed meal seems to be better."

Rolled oats are a relatively easy-to-digest option among traditional grains, but there is still a risk of starch overload.

Rachel Ho tapped the tablet and swiped a few times, revealing the feed inventory screen.

"We don't have that stuff on our ranch anymore, boss."

Previously, Mejiro Ranch did not have any feed that was difficult to digest, so its reserves of concentrated feed were only those few types with a relatively balanced nutritional structure.

"Let's start by mixing rolled oats with soybean hulls. I'll think about the beet pulp and probiotics part more carefully."

How about feeding smaller meals more frequently?

"We can't relax our monitoring of fecal condition either."

In a flurry of conversation, the feed formula for the Sunrise Hymn was quickly finalized.

It takes only a few minutes, which is quite easy.

The next part is not so easy.

This year's ranch is named with the theme of "Radiance".

however--

When it came to a specific name, Kitano and many other naming experts were unable to make a decision for a long time.

"How is Huifeng?"

"The believer has already used it—"

"Where is the glow?"

"Ryan has used it too."

"How about Radiant Moon? It sounds like it goes well with Reed Catkins."

"It reminds me of citrus fruits, but it is indeed an interesting name."

Thus, Pavlova 2026, which Kitano bought at the Kyushu Yearling Market, was given the nickname "Kagetsu". Meanwhile, the popular idol 2026, also a swan-haired horse, was named "Kasei".

"How about Kimaru, the child who's on the verge of victory?"

Kikuchi excitedly wrote down two Chinese characters.

"It hasn't been decided yet—"

So it was a homophone.

I only realized this after the paper with Chinese characters on it was revealed.

"It's a very interesting name, I agree!"

"That's right! Please be sure to use this name—"

Rachel Ho and Zepp suddenly became excited.

I have no idea what those two guys are so excited about.

"Jin Jiji's child is hard-pressed to handle."

"It's a bit of a headache."

Despite having only been at the ranch for a few days, Miracle Journey quickly became friends with Dober.

When they returned from herding, both of them were exactly the same dirty.

It's completely unclear who led whom astray first.

"Then how about using Huibang?"

Asahi wrote down two Chinese characters with a serious expression.

"He truly has a personality as unpredictable as Kishinami's—"

Kikuchi, who was lying on the table, lazily raised his arm in agreement.

Rachel Ho and Zepp exchanged somewhat subtle glances, as if they had just realized something.

However, this name can be considered approved for now.

When it came to the final prayer for the 2026 birthday, everyone's already dwindling inspiration was completely exhausted.

"Huimiao. How about this name?"

Ravid showed the crooked Chinese characters on the paper.

"Like the name itself, it sounds a little strange."

Where is Hui-Bang?

"I can't understand those obscure characters, and the pronunciation is way too long."

At that moment, Kitano, who hadn't moved since unscrewing the pen cap, suddenly started writing.

"Since it's the child of the 'Radiant Bottle,' how about using 'Sound'?"

"Kikyo is a bit complicated to write."

"But it is indeed a good name, Kikyo."

Kikuchi covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

It took much longer than expected to finally settle on the name of the 26th generation foal from the ranch.

The other members yawned and went back to their rooms to rest, while Kitano stayed in the lounge to consider a new problem.

The auction of the yearling horse has ended, but the plans for next year and beyond are just beginning.

Thanks to the cooperation of the [Detector], the main forces of the competition and breeding were figured out from the beginning.

There are some clues about the development direction of "Kirou," the foal born in the promising swan song, and "Kihou," the foal born in the illustrious bottle.

but--

Their debut goal is the Central Grassland, where the competition is far fiercer than in the local areas.

"I'm still a little worried, as expected."

Then, I suddenly remembered that the [Advisory Group] also has the function of providing advice on taming and training.

However, after opening the panel and reading the instructions, I quickly closed it with some disappointment.

It is exactly what it sounds like, only containing suggestions for taming and planning.

As for nurturing, it seems we can only rely on ourselves after all.

With that in mind, I quickly sent the message via LINE.

[I'm also entrusting the child of Yaomanping to Mr. Xuhe.]

(End of this chapter)