Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 248 Hoof Day

"In other words, the herd of horses will always subconsciously imitate the behavior of the lead horse. If you guide them in this environment, training them might be easier."

At this point, Ogawa Takeshi suddenly paused, as if hesitating for a moment before continuing.

"However, we also have to consider the temperament of each horse."

Kitano nodded thoughtfully.

Prior to this, the ranch had also tried to correct Hikihama's gait.

However, the plan at the time was just a superficial approach of "repeated practice," and after trying it a few times, there was no change.

If we really have to say what we've gained, it's probably just that the members have become much more skilled at dodging kicks.

"For Hirohama, it might actually be a good thing that he's embracing the spirit of Toastmasters."

Upon hearing Kitano's self-deprecating remark, a soft chuckle rang out from the low table.

They talked a lot about taming and breeding until the weather cleared up.

Although that's what they say, it actually only lasts a few minutes.

The rain in Hokkaido never lasts very long.

The group got up from the low table piled with snacks and finally headed towards the stables.

The air was still a bit humid, but the wind that blew in after opening the door was no longer the stuffy heat of midsummer.

I walked for a while, my footsteps still damp, and managed to reach the stables before I started sweating.

Led by Dober, the ponies, hearing the commotion, curiously poked their heads out.

Zep swaggered to the corner and began preparing to mount his hooves.

Just like the trainer who visited the ranch last month, Ogawa Takeshi looked at the three new riders at the ranch's summer auction with a slightly scrutinizing gaze.

Suddenly, Kanna Ogawa pointed to one of the ponies.

"This child should be able to escape."

As she said this, she squinted and smiled like a cat.

Huixiang, who was pointed at, instinctively shrank back.

"Hey, is that me?"

Black Deer Hair Pony blinked its three-white eyes, which showed a hint of surprise.

"Hmm, his face, especially his eyes, gives people a bright and spirited feeling, and his body is also very well-proportioned. He is indeed a very outstanding quality."

Following the direction of the finger, Ogawa Takeo also spoke.

Suddenly becoming the center of attention, Huixiang seemed a little shy as it flicked its tail and turned around.

"The buttocks look pretty good too; the hindquarters should be able to provide strength."

The equine diagnosis process for Ogawa Takeshi finally came to an end here.

Whether it was Kanna Ogawa at the beginning or Takeru Ogawa later on, the evaluations were surprisingly high.

"After all, it's such a powerful horse physique—"

The conversation ended with a joke, and then the focus shifted to the next stable.

Noticing the gazes directed at it, the chestnut pony defiantly raised its head.

"What are you all looking at!"

The menacing gaze seemed to be a warning to the people in front of the fence.

"It's true, it's hard to hold a grudge—"

When he said this, Ogawa Takeshi's tone was even more relaxed than before.

"If she really was an idiot, she might have had it easier than Ata-chan back then."

Huibang nodded, looking quite pleased with himself.

It's probably misinterpreted as praise or a sign of submission.

Kitano silently worried about the future birth of Kihama's horse.

It would be terrible if I were as stupid as my mother.

"What this child said..."

Just then, Zep's voice called out to me.

"I'm all set here—"

The German waved casually, his workbench piled high with various tools. Kitano and Rachel Ho then opened the gate and led the ponies, one by one, to the hoofing area.

Instead of Dober, who was the one-year-old horse leader, Aru-chan walked at the front of the procession as a demonstration.

Considering that "if it were Do-chan, it might have the opposite effect," they ultimately chose Aru-chan, who has a gentler temperament.

Five ponies lined up, somewhat nervously welcoming their first hoof-wearing ceremony.

When white smoke rose from the soles of the hooves, even the most composed Huiwan was startled.

Huibang was so frightened that he took several steps back, his face showing a complete "What is this?" expression.

"See? It's very easy."

Zepp stood up and patted Aru-chan's head, and Chestnut Horse responded with a relaxed snort.

The ponies, who had been a little flustered, gradually calmed down.

Realizing they would experience the same thing, they quickly started whispering like the female high school students in the training camp.

At this moment, Teruhime quietly took half a step back, trying to hide his body in the herd of horses.

Those who noticed this couldn't help but smile.

"Then you can go first, Teruhime."

Zep smiled and waved the tools in his hand at the deer-haired pony.

Under the guidance of the hoof trimmer, Asayama led Teruhime to a corner against the wall.

"That's right, this is the spot. Remember to press it firmly later."

While instructing Rachel Ho to hold down the slightly struggling deer-mane pony, the hoof trimmer looked down to observe the movements of her hands.

When dealing with yearlings or one-year-olds, whether for treatment or hoof trimming, proper restraint is essential.

It's not simply about restraining someone by pulling a rope in the center of the stable; it's about using the walls and arms to create a "surface" of support in the corners.

When trimming the forelegs, young foals often try to back away and break free, so they should be restrained with their hindquarters facing the corner wall of the stable.

Conversely, when trimming the hind hooves, because the foal tends to move forward and break free, it is necessary to restrain it by turning its head towards a corner.

In either case, the mare should be positioned as close as possible to the foal's direct line of sight.

At Mejiro Ranch, the one who plays this role is—

"Thank you for your hard work, Boss."

While comforting the deer-haired pony, Zepp looked up at the figure in front of him and said.

Having dodged another tentative bite from Dober, Kitano waved his hand somewhat awkwardly.

It means "It's okay".

Next, the hoof trimmer applied a small piece of tape to the upper lip of the deer-haired pony.

The previously restless Huiwan immediately stuck out his tongue and focused on dealing with the foreign object in his mouth.

Not long after, white smoke rose from the bottom of the hoof again.

The ponies watching all took another step back.

"It's done."

Tear off the now-wet tape, Zepp patted the neck of the pony in front of him.

At this moment, Huiwan belatedly grunted a few times.

"Okay, it's nothing serious."

Dober snorted and gave him a comforting, gentle look.

Then--

He turned his head and focused on dealing with Kitano again.

Thanks to the demonstrations by Aru and Dober, the ponies' first hoof-mounting went relatively smoothly.

Huibang, whom I thought would be the most difficult to deal with, was surprisingly well-behaved and finished the task because he was focused on dealing with the tape on his mouth.

At this moment, Ogawa Takeshi, who had been observing Koma's temperament, spoke up—

"That kid who looks like the Spring and Autumn Equinox might become a derby horse."

Kitano could only respond with a somewhat subtle smile.

That's weird.

(End of this chapter)