Growing into a Man

The scent of summer gradually faded from the wind.

The smell of sun-scorched grass was gone, and the sensation of sunlight baking their skin was no longer as pronounced as it had been in the past few months.

Hokkaido's brief autumn had arrived.

Like the vast majority of ranches in Hokkaido, Mejiro Farm was now focusing all its attention on the yearlings.

The weaning period had ended a few days ago, and the farm had begun preparing Moon Radiance for twenty-four-hour turnout.

Though it was a harsh trial for the young black colt who had just been separated from his mother, without it, he would never build the physique needed to become a true racehorse.

Of course, they would not simply turn him loose all day with no care at all.

Even with the farm short-handed, they had prepared a portable miniature camera for Moon Radiance, building on the tracking system already assigned to turned-out horses so they could monitor him.

Before the yearling's twenty-four-hour turnout could begin, the farm facilities had to be put in order first.

Besides the usual seasonal inspection of hazardous areas, repairs to the fencing around the waterways and the expansion of the windbreak shelters also had to be sped up.

Next came an examination of his hooves.

At noon that day, after confirming that Moon Radiance and Mejiro Traveler were getting along reasonably well, they led the young black colt back to the South Barn.

"Easy now. How about lifting your hoof?"

While soothing Moon Radiance with his voice, Zepp tried to lift the dark bay's forehoof.

The farm's horses had their hooves trimmed regularly, but this time, they needed to focus on the quality of Moon Radiance's hooves and any signs of cracking.

The young black colt looked reluctant and huffed, but he