Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 316 Mating Day

"What were the results of the rectal exam?"

"The follicles are in very good condition. No, they are better than expected."

"Then let's proceed with the mating tomorrow, according to our plan."

"okay--"

The response was somewhat listless.

This conversation took place in the ranch lounge on the second day after returning to Hokkaido from Tokyo.

Although there are still many shortcomings, I have made various attempts based on the experience I accumulated during my time as a veterinarian and the guidance of acquaintances such as Mr. Oga and Mr. Kimura.

In addition, the stables for pregnant mares were also modified to some extent, following the ideas of European and American ranches learned in the paper.

Besides making the stables more spacious, the main improvement is in ventilation.

As for bedding, we switched to hay, which is less prone to dust, early on.

After the discussion about mating concluded, the next topic was another closely related one.

According to the normal cycle of ranches, the foal-breeding season begins after the temperature warms up and the snow melts.

Then comes breeding.

In the latter half of the foaling season, grass gradually begins to grow on the grazing land.

In the 21st century, even foals born at the age of one are fed feed with added compound supplements from a very early age.

But feed alone is not enough.

Therefore, managing grazing land is crucial for production ranches.

In addition to grazing areas, most large ranches also have dedicated forage planting areas to store forage for the winter when fresh grass is scarce.

On this point, both domestic organizations like the Central Radio and Television Station and those in the North, as well as European organizations like the Gumoya, Zhu Dewang, and Aga Khan, have adopted roughly the same approach.

However, in Mejiro Ranch, which lacks sufficient land, careful planning and proper arrangements are necessary.

During a visit to the Shetai stallion station a few days ago, I learned about the small ranch's coping methods from the representative of Afrikaans Ranch, Taniguchi.

Minimax.

He swiped open his phone screen and showed the search interface to the people across the low table.

"what?"

"Cambridge grass roller, this is the spring-loaded weight distribution model."

"We don't understand that either—"

"Simply put, it's a tool used to level the ground that has become loose due to horses running, thereby promoting the growth of grass roots. This model can be attached to the back of a tractor for towing!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zep and the others immediately showed an expression that said, "Well, as expected, we're going to have to spend money again."

On the contrary, Ravid, who usually holds opposing views on similar issues, was unusually quiet this time.

"Well, it's definitely time for this, since there are more horses on the ranch now."

After he spoke, the Indians unexpectedly voted in favor.

"We must seize the gaps in production to compact the land before the weather gets hot, and restore the fertility of the grazing land as much as possible."

"Given the current level of wear and tear, it would be very difficult to complete this task using only manpower."

Lavid explained in a very methodical manner.

"If necessary, additional grass seeds will need to be sown, which is also part of the grazing land renewal operation."

"That sounds complicated."

Kikuchi's face had transformed into the drowsy expression he had during math class in his school days.

"After all, it is used quite frequently, so it is not so simple to restore the soil's fertility."

"But that equipment looks expensive—"

Upon hearing this, I breathed a sigh of relief without panic.

"Because it's a joint purchase with Nishiken and Meiji, the expenses will be much easier to manage."

"specifically is?"

Rachel Ho glanced over in this direction with some unease.

"Each family, it's about 800,000 yen."

His tone unconsciously turned somewhat guilty.

"Eh! So that means it's worth about 2.5 million yen?"

"Keep a calm mind. Besides, this kind of equipment can be used for many years after you buy it."

Rachel Ho patted everyone on the shoulder from afar and cast her vote in favor once again. The meeting ended with Rachel Ho's resentful "Even so," which seemed to confirm her opinion.

February 9th, the next morning.

Everyone on the ranch got up a little earlier than usual and then began their morning work.

At 7:19, after a busy period, the weather forecaster's voice came from the television in the break room.

"Snowfall in the Sanshi and Puhe areas will stop in the afternoon. Icy roads are expected tomorrow morning. Please take note."

The commune members knelt upright in front of the low table, looking at each other in silence.

"."

"."

Before the weather forecast segment ended, Lavida finally broke the silence by speaking.

"I'll go."

The Indians' expressions were so serious they were almost heavy.

The others, however, breathed a sigh of relief.

Five minutes before the wagon arrived, Kitano, as the ranch representative, and Ravid, elected by the members, took Anna's lead rope together.

When the black deer first stepped out of the stable and left the barn, it had a relaxed expression on its face, as if to say, "Oh, so I'm going to graze now."

Upon seeing the lowered barrier on the horse-drawn wagon, Anna's demeanor instantly changed.

She could practically walk onto the horse-drawn carriage on her own, requiring almost no assistance from two people.

"What a terrifying girl. The guy who mates with her is going to suffer a lot."

Inside the carriage, the accompanying attendant looked at the still imposing horse-shaped body, even after adjustments, and sighed.

As the partition rose, the light inside the carriage gradually dimmed.

Despite having consciously reduced the amount of feed that might affect hormone levels in the days leading up to her arrival and having used the relaxation method of playing classical music on a loop in the stable, Anna still gradually became tense after boarding the horse transport wagon.

"Sweetie, Anna."

"This time it's not a competition, I'll be back soon."

"Relax~ Relax~"

By using peppermint candy and patting her head, I managed to keep my temper somewhat calm during the 30-minute drive.

Upon arrival at the Jingnei Stud Station, local staff conducted a final pre-breeding check.

“This is quite a body for a mare, Nakamura-kun. Just to be safe, go and put down a tatami mat first.”

"understand!"

"The disinfectant is ready, and the gloves are in place."

"What about tranquilizers?"

"It's all ready."

"The Golden Horn team is also ready to go."

"Then let's get started."

The strange looks I occasionally felt quickly disappeared.

As the breeding officially began, the staff unconsciously switched to the serious expressions typical of someone in a busy state.

Because it was a pairing between a newly bred mares and a stallion with a less-than-ideal temperament, in order to minimize instability, even the on-site staff consisted of only two people.

The production ranch side was naturally turned away as well.

What do you think of the synergy between Crimson Heart and Golden Horn?

In the heavy atmosphere of waiting for the mating to end, we received this message from Mr. Sugiyama.

After a brief recollection, it seems that Crimson Heart was born through divine inspiration, and its mother and father were that famous ocean liner.

On one occasion, when I visited Meiji Ranch, Mr. Sugiyama, who was overly enthusiastic, insisted on taking me to see this girl.

If Mr. Sugiyama has this idea, then let's give it a try.

After entering the information, click send.

The message was instantly marked as read, and Mr. Sugiyama immediately replied with an "OK" sticker.

After putting down my phone and waiting anxiously for a while, a staff member covered in sweat came out of the breeding warehouse.

"The seed payment is complete."

(End of this chapter)