The horses, jockeys, grooms and trainers that are involved in Ban-Ei racing all live in a "village" that is located right next to the racetrack. There are also lots of dogs around. This little guy was particularly friendly:
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At a given time in the early afternoon, all the horses in any one stable are brought outside so that it can be cleaned thoroughly. This is a good opporunity for glamour shots, such as this one of "Super Clinton" who is the 6th winningest horse of the moment. Guess who he is named after?
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We spent some time watching the team of farriers at work. There is one woman among them. They are kept very busy!
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Wherever you go, there are giant piles of carrots to give the horses as treats!
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The horses wear colourful harnesses when they race:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp8zlDWHLVxF1Xp6jaPr3iN3_crV-hqMt87EThAHScQHhIDou9OAdz0iDCg_JKFZoEnSQq-rav37Bzd15WiUoe0KjToVOsAgSAaXxZA1mYbxCMzAzzW9upYDz3EmbBDADgxAxf6CT2OyS/s400/DSC09342.JPG)
This handsome guy, called TENKA, went on to win his next race!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVzEI38NM2hz7e4dX5nL-uMWruXYjOKQl6XNQ_yejUGpDB_OtRgLAeb-7_21cXmnT_pZGAmLQ_6gt9Yohlk0gPuRbeTl_whdwyVkfbUuUMt6niG_sU8XLS8-cPYBde663vrAk_pQjVqbL/s400/DSC09338.JPG)
PS: I just wanted to say that, for some reason, this connection will not let me post comments on certain blogs. It is very frustrating and I do apologise, but it is totally beyond my control. So, if I looks as though I hgaven't been visiting you, it's just because I can't comment!