Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

Holding the leash in hand, he glanced at the display screen on the wall.

Almost at the same time, the pony blinked and raised his head.

"Three hundred and eighty-two kilograms...that's a two-kilogram increase, Starship."

Gently rubbing the back of the horse's neck, the man smiled and pulled the tablet from his arm.

It is said that the old Mejiro Ranch used to set a naming theme consisting of two Chinese characters for the foals every year.

This tradition continues at the new Mejiro Ranch.

Even though there was only one pony, everyone at the ranch still held a naming discussion with great interest.

This year's theme is [Star].

Thus, this golden ship-born colt purchased by President Kitano at an auction was given this name:

Starship

Because it uses the on-phonetic form, many people, including President Kitano, will unconsciously pronounce "teacher" in reverse.

Especially for Asayama, who was born in Hidaka, it was not easy to pronounce the name of the starship accurately.

This can be considered as one of the few worries he has had since joining Mejiro Ranch.

After just a few seconds of waiting, the real-time weight data was uploaded to the ranch's database.

Watching the display screen on the wall light up and go out, Xingchuan took a half step back and revealed the "Golden Eye" inherited from his grandfather.

Do not--

It should be the "Eye of Didos".

This is the only way to find traces of the paternal lineage on the top student's starship.

"It's time to go back."

Pulling the leash slightly, Asayama spoke in a gentle tone.

Starship shook its ears and took trembling steps.

Then, Qianshan, who was walking in front, suddenly stopped.

"Oh, I forgot again."

Scratching his head awkwardly, the man turned around and picked up the tablet he had casually placed on the table.

He is not a newcomer who knows nothing about the horse racing industry.

When I was studying at Beihai University, I had experience in a horse riding club, and this opportunity gave me an interest in horse racing.

Knowing he would get a beating, he confessed his thoughts to his father, a retired lumberjack.

"Ah, that's harder than chopping down trees, right?"

"But I'm glad you like it."

The taciturn father unexpectedly supported Asayama's choice of career.

Thanks to him, I was finally able to focus on job hunting before graduation.

As for the reason for choosing Mejiro Ranch, it is actually very simple.

Faced with such salary and benefits that far exceed those of its peers, only a few people can remain unmoved.

However, after successfully joining the company, Asayama discovered that everything here was not what he had expected.

Whether it was the riding club or the knowledge learned during internship, it all became outdated second-hand goods at Mejiro Ranch.

Except for the name which still continues the tradition, everything here is completely different from the old-style ranch.

They collect and analyze data through a system they built themselves.

Although it looks quite simple, the horse's grazing records, training schedule, heart rate, lactate level, and even the real-time temperature and humidity in the stable will be monitored through this system.

As for the magnificent facilities in the ranch, it was inevitable to be a little surprising at the beginning.

But I adapted to it quickly.

"Good morning, Lavid-senpai."

On the way back to the corridor, Asayama greeted the Indian man who was walking towards him.

The starship also stopped and lowered its head towards the white figure in front of its sight.

"Good morning, Asayama."

Lavid, who was also holding the leash, nodded slightly, and Mubai Ma behind him snorted with pride.

"It's quite a conspicuous bag."

It seems that the vlog about Medou Hakuba is quite popular on the official account of the ranch.

Perhaps, it also has a star-like consciousness.

Thinking of this, Asayama continued to take steps forward.

After untying the leash in the stable, Xingchuan shook his tail and lay down on the bedding with a relaxed look on his face.

"Thank you for your hard work. Keep up the good work in tomorrow's training."

Asayama said as he gathered the leash.

The deer-haired pony twitched its ears lazily and soon fell asleep.

Walking out of the stable, Qianshan closed the trap door carefully.

After arranging the leash and protective gear in the tool room, he stretched himself lazily and headed towards the building outside the stable that served as the activity center.

I heard laughter coming from inside the room at the entrance.

"It's really lively."

After opening the door curtain, I saw two people sitting on the tatami floor.

The long low table in the middle of the room was piled with drinks, snacks and other things.

"You've worked hard, would you like something to drink?"

Putting the "U-Shun" magazine in his hand upside down on the table, Kitano stood up and asked.

"No, I can do it myself."

Asayama said this and lowered his head.

After taking out a can of Coke from the mini-refrigerator, Asayama sat down at the low table, holding "Number," also a horse racing magazine, in one hand.

This is another new regulation at Shin-Mejiro Ranch.

Half an hour of study or relaxation time is included in working hours.

Anything related to horse racing, whether it's a magazine, a comic, or even a game.

Of course, even Zep wouldn't play games in such an occasion.

"The new hoof trimmers are already being used in Baden."

Adjusting his rimless glasses, the German muttered as he stared at the screen of his personal computer.

“Is there any difference from the old model?”

Kitano asked without looking up from flipping through a magazine.

"It's slightly wider to provide a better angle, and it seems to feel pretty good in the hand."

Zep was gesturing and dancing with his hands.

"That's it-"

Nodding in understanding, Kitano then asked, "Can I buy it in Japan?"

"Don't bother too much, Dad will send it over soon."

As he said this, Zep waved his hand casually.

"That's it-"

Kitano and Asayama both showed somewhat subtle expressions.

The Schmidts seem to occasionally send each other some odd things.

Perhaps this is the cultural gap.

Not long after, Lavid, wearing new clothes, also walked into the activity center.

"That Pegasus guy has made quite a fuss again."

As he spoke, the Indian had a somewhat amusing and helpless expression on his face.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Kitano let out an equally helpless sigh.

"No, the underwater walking training itself went smoothly."

"real."

Seeing the somewhat disbelieving expressions of several people, Lavid repeated and emphasized.

Not long after my ears quieted down a little, the sound of footsteps could be heard outside the entrance.

Then, another figure staggered in.

“It’s so hot!”

Rachel Ho sat cross-legged in front of the low table, fanning herself with her hands.

The room suddenly became lively.

"As for Xunzhi, it will be time to install the saddle in a few months."

Lavid said as he paddled the tablet.

Then, he looked up and looked around as if he had thought of something.

"Rachel-san, can you ride a horse?"

He asked the girl across from the low table in a somewhat subtle tone.

"Ha, not yet."

Rachel Ho lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly.

"That would be a bit tricky."

Except for Rachel Ho, the rest of the people at the ranch have physiques that are not conducive to riding.

While the other two were still confused, Kitano and Lavid looked at each other and sighed.

"When it comes to the last person, try adding a size requirement."

Thanks to Silver Hair Yaksha for the 1500 starting coins reward

Thank you for your support

Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★

Chapter 155: Mejiro's Banquet

It was quite spacious and there were many people related to Mejiro Ranch sitting inside.

Ranch representatives, horse owners, trainers, riders... everyone sat in a loose circle.

Although, in reality, there are only a few people.

Six gas stoves were beeping on three low tables placed together.

There was an iron pot on the stove, and the sauce had already been cooking in it.

This can be considered the ranch’s first big banquet - although it’s just Sukiyaki.

"Hey, Wada, over here!"

At the side of the low table, Norihiro Yokoyama greeted cheerfully.

The old rider's forehead was shiny and his hair had become a little mottled, but his voice was still full of confidence.