Hokkai Ranch.
Neigh-
Neigh-
"Only the Young Master would dare play like that now."
"It's mostly because the Young Master and Divine Might are so close."
Koichi was leading Epiphaneia around in circles in the paddock.
He certainly couldn't outrun Epiphaneia, so he might as well lead him around in circles instead.
And Epiphaneia was having plenty of fun.
After all, he hadn't seen Koichi in months.
"Be careful. Don't fall."
Koichi wasn't having an easy time either. Walking back and forth through the snow took effort.
After playing for a while, he was tired.
Head tossing, hind legs kicking.
Epiphaneia, meanwhile, was having a wonderful time.
He kicked up plenty of snow. When he saw Koichi sit down, he rolled on the ground too.
A roll to the left, then a roll to the right.
Since he was wearing a sweater, the snow didn't stick to his body.
As for his love of rolling around, that was simply a horse's nature.
Whoosh-
A little snowball landed beside Epiphaneia's face.
Sitting in the snow, Koichi dusted off his hands.
Snort-
White vapor drifted into the air as Epiphaneia slowly stood up.
He had very few chances to play with Koichi, especially since he'd started training.
They had clearly spent longer playing together today than they ever had before.
"Go play on your own. I've got things to do."
After sitting a little longer, Koichi said goodbye.
He still had plenty to do, so he couldn't stay with Divine Might for too long.
It would be dark soon, and it was about time for the racehorses to end their day. The evening wind was bitterly cold.
Of course.
Before leaving, Koichi still fed Divine Might a carrot.
Epiphaneia had clearly become much more settled since moving here.
Koichi could also see