Japan's Only High School Breeding Thoroughbreds: Life at Shizunai Agricultural High
Shizunai Agricultural High School in Hokkaido’s Hidaka region stands as Japan’s only high school dedicated to breeding and auctioning thoroughbred horses. Located in an area responsible for 80% of the nation's thoroughbred births, the school offers students a unique 'Umazuke' (horse-keeping) lifestyle. The article highlights Shunta Tsukahara, a student from Tokyo who moved away from his parents to pursue his passion for animals. Initially aiming for national equestrian competitions, Tsukahara faced stiff competition but found a new purpose through the rigorous daily care of horses, including cleaning stables and feeding. This experience fostered his independence and clarified his career goal of becoming an animal nurse. Students meticulously prepare horses like 'Kiss and Cry' for summer auctions, learning professional handling techniques to maximize bid values. The narrative explores how this specialized agricultural education helps teenagers discover self-reliance and specific vocational dreams beyond traditional academic paths, blending hard labor with deep emotional connections to the animals they raise.
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Japan's Only High School Breeding Thoroughbreds: Life at Shizunai Agricultural High
Shizunai Agricultural High School in Hokkaido’s Hidaka region stands as Japan’s only high school dedicated to breeding and auctioning thoroughbred horses. Located in an area responsible for 80% of the nation's thoroughbred births, the school offers students a unique 'Umazuke' (horse-keeping) lifestyle. The article highlights Shunta Tsukahara, a student from Tokyo who moved away from his parents to pursue his passion for animals. Initially aiming for national equestrian competitions, Tsukahara faced stiff competition but found a new purpose through the rigorous daily care of horses, including cleaning stables and feeding. This experience fostered his independence and clarified his career goal of becoming an animal nurse. Students meticulously prepare horses like 'Kiss and Cry' for summer auctions, learning professional handling techniques to maximize bid values. The narrative explores how this specialized agricultural education helps teenagers discover self-reliance and specific vocational dreams beyond traditional academic paths, blending hard labor with deep emotional connections to the animals they raise.
asahi