Hokkaido Horse Racing Story

"When it comes to horse training, Dad is much better than them!"

Ogawa Sheng looked a little unconvinced. After a pause, he continued, "However, judging solely by their pedigree, the foals produced by their ranch are indeed better than ours."

At the end, there was a hint of unwillingness in the boy's tone.

"That's it."

Kitano nodded and didn't say anything else, as if he was thinking about something.

"Larger ranches organize auctions of fine goods for related parties every year. If Mr. Kitano is interested, you might want to attend."

Although somewhat displeased with Kimura's blatant poaching of his own ranch's major clients, Ogawa Masaru offered serious advice: "As for the foals from the public auction and the foals from the court, they're practically no different from the foals from smaller ranches out there. There's no need to waste the money."

"Thank you, Asheng."

Kitano patted the boy's shoulder and said.

"But at least in the near future, I have no plans to buy a new horse."

Kitano was telling the truth.

If I exchange all the amulets I have for cash, I'll probably have about 20 million yen.

If you put all your energy into your horse ownership career, you might be able to accomplish a lot of tasks in one go.

But he didn't intend to do that.

In addition to the items that can only be purchased in the mall, there are other considerations.

The longer he became a horse owner, the more he felt the difficulty of maintaining this identity.

Just as the old man who left a message in the "X" comment section that day said, no matter what the matter is, it will involve a considerable amount of energy.

Increasing the number of racehorses owned simply because one has more money is not a responsible act for either the parties involved or the racehorses themselves.

"Ah?"

As if he was a little surprised by Kitano's address, Ogawa Masaru looked up at him in surprise.

But soon, the boy scratched his head and said, "It doesn't matter. After all, Mr. Kitano has helped us a lot."

"Asheng is the one who taught me a lot from the beginning. Pegasus has also been taken care of by you all this time."

Even though the other person was a boy nearly ten years younger than him, Kitano did not look down on him.

He sincerely felt that it was remarkable that the other person could master so much knowledge about horses at such a young age.

"If you don't mind, it's okay to call me by my name in the future."

He said this in an earnest tone.

Ogawa Masaru's care for Medaipei goes beyond the level of duty or responsibility.

Even Kitano, as an outsider, could easily sense the boy's genuine love for horses.

It is not due to system tasks or the so-called social calculations.

I just simply hope to become partners with each other.

"That's unreasonable! If Dad hears this, he'll definitely teach me a lesson!"

Ogawa Masaru waved his hands exaggeratedly.

"How about just calling by last name?"

Kitano asked with a smile.

"It still won't work! But Mr. Kitano, if you have any questions about horse racing in the future, just come to me."

"If it doesn't work, I can always ask Dad for help, haha!"

Ogawa Katsu also laughed, and the two walked out of the somewhat stuffy arena side by side.

Chapter 20 Aru-chan's Return Consultation

The day after the game, Kitano got up a little earlier than usual.

It's not out of resentment about failure or depression.

I had an appointment for a medical consultation in the morning, that was all.

Like Nishiken, Takamura's ranch is slightly closer to the Urakawa River.

Driving through Minohawa Bridge, there is lush greenery on both sides.

Approaching the intersection, Kitano slowly slowed down the car.

Beneath the red torii gate stood the silhouette of an old woman.

"Grandma Takamura?"

He stopped the car and shouted out the window uncertainly.

"Ah! It's Mr. Kitano—"

Grandma Gaocun covered her mouth embarrassedly as she walked across the ditch by the roadside.

"I'm so sorry, I thought you would come later."

"It's okay, please get in the car."

Kitano unbuckled his seat belt and opened the passenger door for Grandma Takamura.

Without any help, the old woman easily climbed onto the pickup truck, which seemed a bit difficult for her.

"Are you here to pray for Aru-chan?"

Kitano asked on the way.

"Yes, I know that Ba Yi Jian Ming doesn't care about these things. I'm really sorry to make you laugh at me."

In the rearview mirror, the silhouette of the red torii gate is getting farther and farther away.

Minowa Shrine enshrines Shikin-shin, also known as Yagishiki Kanekami, a deity in charge of knowledge and learning.

"And it's you and Mr. Shimura who actually did the hard work. I'm really getting old and confused."

Grandma Gaocun patted her forehead, her face looking a little haggard.

"There's no such thing. Both Mr. Shimura and I were just doing our part."

Mr. Shimura was an experienced hoof trimmer, and Kitano had met him briefly a few times at Nishiken.

He is also responsible for correcting Aru-chan's injured hoof.

After arriving at the ranch, Grandma Takamura led Kitano to the stable.

The stable at the very end had thicker bedding than normal.

As if hearing the noise, the chestnut horse lying on the ground slowly stood up.

Aru-chan looked at the visitor in front of her somewhat listlessly.

"please!"

Grandma Gaocun bowed deeply, then stepped back a distance and looked at him nervously.

Kitano walked straight to Aru-chan and put down the bag in his hand.

In its normal standing posture, the chestnut horse's front legs lean slightly forward, and its hind legs extend forward to the position below the abdominal cavity, maintaining a posture as if stretching the body.

This is a typical laminitis stance.

He stretched out his fingers and touched the two front hooves.

Although a slight warmth could still be felt, the pulsation in the extremities had become quite subtle.

Kitano breathed a sigh of relief.

"It should have entered the subacute stage."

He turned and explained to Grandma Gaocun.

If the pulsation of the extremities is no longer obvious 48 hours after the end of treatment, it means that laminitis may have shifted from the acute stage to the subacute stage.

During this stage, the damaged tissue in the horse's hoof slowly heals itself, so it can also be considered the repair period of laminitis.

The disease has passed the most dangerous period.

"But just to be on the safe side, let's go to Mr. Arakawa for an X-ray."

Putting down the hoof inspector, Kitano said.

"Okay, okay!"

Grandma Gaocun nodded repeatedly in response.

Mr. Arakawa is the branch leader of the Japanese High School Branch of the Veterinary Medical Association and has many years of research on equine diseases.

Aru-chan's reaction to the pressure on the hoof tip was not as sensitive as last time. He just struggled a little and then didn't resist much.

However, this simple test cannot guarantee the complete accuracy of the results. Whether laminitis has really changed depends on the condition of hoof bone displacement.

However, judging from the current situation, at least Aru-chan's condition has improved.

"If the X-ray results are confirmed, the rest will be easy."

After putting away his tools, Kitano clapped his hands and stood up.

Mr. Shimura was very timely and professional in trimming the diseased hoof, which was of great help to the recovery.

"Grandma Gaocun, do you remember what I told you?"

Kitano asked after prescribing medicine for Aru-chan.

"Of course I remember. I have a very good memory."

Grandma Gaocun counted carefully on her fingers, "Diet low in sugar and high in fiber, take supplements on time, and apply ice three times, twenty minutes each time. Look, I remember it all!"

"That's right, even if the condition seems to be improving, you still have to keep doing it. Of course, there's no need to apply ice every day."

"Also, if the hoof bone displacement does stop, you can take your dog out for a proper walk occasionally."

Kitano said as he patted Aru-chan's head.

The duration of the subacute phase of laminitis varies greatly among individuals.

For a lucky few, it will be just a 72-hour bout of pain in their lives.

But for some unfortunate horses, the threat of laminitis may be a lifelong one.

Even if it enters the subacute stage, we should not let our guard down.

"Thank you so much."

Grandma Gaocun bowed again, her eyes slightly red.

Aru-chan rubbed the old woman's face gently with his huge head, making a humming sound.

"Look, Aru-chan is also thanking you."

Grandma Takamura said as she gently patted the chestnut horse's cheek.

"Well, goodbye, both of you."

"I hope you get well soon, Aru-chan.

Kitano bent down and waved goodbye to Aru-chan.

"Same to you, Grandma Takamura."

He went on to say.

After returning to the car, Kitano opened the system panel.

Health Management: B+ → A-

During the inspection, the ability was improved.

However, given the situation at the time, Kitano didn't have much energy to pay attention.

After a quick check, he turned off the panel and continued to inspect the horse's hooves.

[Improve personal abilities ten times: 10/10 (Completed)]

[Reward: Silver Amulet × 1]