NHK World Journeys in Japan, Daniela Shiga: Living with Horses Hidaka 日高振興局 Partial
Living with Horses - Hidaka: With One of the Top Racehorse, Race Course, Dinner in the Guesthouse
The Hidaka area on the southwestern coast of Hokkaido is famous for its racehorses. This is where many of the most famous Japanese racehorses were born, raised and trained. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Daniela Shiga travels to Hidaka to see the way people live alongside horses. Even though she has loved horses and riding all her life, this is the first experience for her to see and touch a racehorse close-up. She visits a large ranch where the racehorses are allowed to wander freely. Owner Shigeyuki Okada says this is the secret to raising horses that are strong and healthy. Next Daniela gets to look behind the scenes at a stable. She meets a talented young jockey who works hard every day to improve his understanding of the horses he rides, and build up a relationship with them. She also enjoys the warm hospitality offered at a local guesthouse. Through her journey, she gets to see the important role that horses play in the lives of people in this area.
Ranch visits If you want to visit a horse ranch in Hidaka, you have to reserve in advance. To make a reservation (and for more details), please contact the Furusato Racehorse Information desk.
Monbetsu Race Course The racing season is from April through the end of November. Races are held 3 times a week, in the afternoon and evening.
Horoshiri Horseback Club (Horse trekking) You can enjoy horseback riding with the former race horse. Advance reservations required.
Guesthouse A family-like inn where a horse is seen from a window.
Hospice for horses A facility where former racehorses spends the rest of their lives.
DANIELA: When the director asked me that it would be a program on horses I could not believe my luck. Being with horses was my lifelong passion which I kept alive even in Japan. However, I did not know how a horse becomes a racing horse. So it was a great opportunity.
The owner of the ranch showed me that if you feed them good grass and give them lots of open space, the horse becomes strong and it becomes an amazing athlete! I believe it is same for us. We need to be in tune with nature.
Overall I was moved by the amazing relationship between the race horses and the people involved. I've seen quite a few moving scenes that will grab your heart and lift your spirits while watching this program.
[Official] LOVE HOKKAIDO #69 (digest)
Watch, Get Involved, and Be Moved in Hidaka Town Monbetsu
A Journey with Horses from the Famous Horse Breeding region “Monbetsu District of Hidaka Town” Monbetsu District is located in the southwest area of the Hidaka region in Hokkaido. There the MCs ride gentle-hearted horses at O-K Ranch. They even get the chance to trek along the ocean beach, what freedom! A lot of new experiences at the Monbetsu Racecourse track: buying a horse betting ticket for the first time, trying “Bucket Genghis Khan” for the first time, both very entertaining! Then the MCs jump at the chance to try and make sweets at a local confectionary shop, but they are puzzled to create this unique treat called “Ramen Pudding”… is it Ramen, or is it pudding??