Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 371 Growing into a Man

Chapter 371 Growing into a Man
The summer atmosphere gradually faded away in the wind.

The smell of sun-baked hay is no longer noticeable, and the feeling of sun exposure on the skin is no longer as pronounced as it was a few months ago.

The short autumn in Hokkaido.

Like most ranches in Hokkaido, Mejiro Ranch now focuses entirely on its yearling horses.

The weaning period ended a few days ago, and the ranch has begun preparations for Moonbeam's 24-hour grazing.

Although it is a tough test for the young dark horse that has just been separated from its mother, it is the only way to develop the physique to become a true racehorse.

Of course, they will not adopt the simple and crude method of free-range raising all day.

Even with limited manpower at the ranch, in addition to the existing positioning system provided for the grazing horses, a portable miniature camera was prepared for Yuehuang for observation.

Before the 24-hour grazing of the yearlings begins, the pasture facilities must first be prepared.

In addition to the usual danger zone inspections conducted during this season, the repair of the fencing around the irrigation canal and the expansion of the windbreak canopy must also be expedited.

Next, the soles of the hooves are inspected.

At noon that day, after confirming that Yuehuang and Meguro Traveler were getting along well, he led the young black horse back to the South House.

"Sweetie, how about you lift your leg up?"

While comforting Yuehuang with words, Zepu tried to lift the front hooves of the Green Deer Horse.

Although the ranch's horses are regularly trimmed, this time the focus should be on checking the hoof quality and cracked hooves of the Moonbeam.

The young black horse seemed reluctant to grunt, but still obediently placed its front hooves on the German's knees.

Looking at it from the side, the hoof still seems to have a slightly soft feel.

The deputy farm manager tapped the sole of the front hoof with his knuckles, making a soft clicking sound.

"Good, keep it up."

The hoof wall has very clear patterns, and no cracks can be seen with the naked eye.

"It looks like it's going smoothly."

"It looks like that, but it's better to take a closer look."

After giving that reply, Zep turned around and patted Yuehuang's neck.

"Check the other side too."

After the German released his grip, the young black horse immediately retracted its hooves, its movement seemingly carrying a hint of temper.

However, the examination was still completed smoothly.

He opened the paper door to the lounge and sat down casually at the low table.

"Over at Moonlit Terrace, 24-hour herding can begin now—"

The members sitting around the table breathed a sigh of relief.

"Great."

"We've finally reached this point."

Everyone clapped their hands lightly as a simple celebration.

The joyful atmosphere lasted only a short time.

The preparations for the yearling's winter, the care of pregnant mares, facility repairs, the expansion of the northern grazing area, and the race arrangements for the horses owned—

"Speaking of which, isn't Eli-chan going to be running in the Asahi Cup this year?"

Rachel Ho, who was scrolling through her phone, suddenly asked this question.

"How is the ranch's profit situation this year?"

Instead of giving an answer immediately, he turned to look at Ravid on the other side of the low table.

Although they seemed a little confused, the Indians quickly gave their answer.

"Even excluding the transfer fees for the ownership of Yuehuang, the gashapon machines, claw machines, and merchandise sales we've partnered with Oi Racecourse, as well as the gashapon machines we recently installed at Monbetsu Racecourse and in the town, have provided a considerable amount of income. Merchandise sold independently on the ranch's official website, however, has a rather limited profit margin due to its import from overseas and lower pricing." "But overall, we still maintain a surplus sufficient to pass the central horse owner's review."

Major expenses such as land purchases, branch farm construction, and tax declarations for large agricultural machinery of dubious origin were actually borne by Mejiro Trading Co., Ltd., rather than the ranch corporation. Even the expenses for the Australian auction that the members had been worried about were much lower than expected.

—Not to mention that the other horse purchased was registered under the name of an overseas breeder company.

"The surplus after the horse owner's review process, right?"

The result was satisfactory, but it also meant that it would be difficult for the ranch to make any major moves for at least the rest of the year.

"Let's talk about the next competition after I get back from the United States."

Nodding and saying, "We'll have to see how Niigata's two-year-old goes," Rachel Ho continued scrolling through her phone.

Of course, this isn't the only reason.

While distracted by something, he typed on the keyboard and started editing the text for the official ranch account's post.

"After weaning, Mu-chan suddenly became depressed, but Dober was more lively than last month. Today she rolled around in the mud to her heart's content."

"Thank you for your hard work. Starting in October, we'll shave Dober's coat and put on his winter coat."

He stopped what he was doing and nodded over the personal computer screen at Asayama.

"Please spare me the idea of dressing Sister Duobo in a horse coat—"

Asayama raised his hands in surrender, a somewhat helpless expression on his face.

The topic then naturally turned to the shortage of manpower on the ranch.

"All the new JBBA graduates have already confirmed their employment!"

Kikuchi lazily raised one hand and said.

"Would it be better if it were foreigners? I also saw it on Monday."

After saying that, Asayama cautiously added this sentence.

"That's true, but I've been chatting in language school groups for days, and not a single person seems genuinely interested in joining—"

Rachel Ho put down her phone in a huff, and sighed as well.

"It's a similar situation here."

His fingers, which were resting on the keyboard, stopped again, and he took over the conversation by saying this.

Over the past few months, I've inquired about the whereabouts of many staff members who left or retired from JRA and NAR, but even the few who are willing to stay in the horse racing industry tend to seek re-employment in retirement ranches or in the welfare of retired horses.

Even if the feed is upgraded to a higher grade, it is still impossible to find anyone willing to come to the production ranch.

"What about Mr. Ravid?"

Kikuchi removed her head from Rachel Ho's shoulder and turned to ask.

Upon hearing this, Ravid paused slightly before speaking.

"Speaking of manpower, my son back in my hometown will be sixteen next year."

He spoke hesitantly, and Zep, who was drinking coffee, almost choked.

"Hey! Ravidsang has children?"

"And she's already sixteen years old—"

Everyone in the lounge was stunned and looked at the ranch manager, who had an unusual expression on his face.

"After all, I'm Indian."

After a while, Ravid offered a further explanation, seemingly in defense.

According to the information on his employment record, Ravid is currently thirty-two years old.