After lunch, they took a short rest before the five of them headed to the equestrian center, not far from the golf course.
In the afternoon, many wealthy people were horseback riding, and even members of the royal family could be seen.
Before reaching the equestrian center, they saw people riding horses through the forest from the road.
"Can we ride out here?" Dubian Che asked curiously.
"Of course," Mrs. Kiyono said. "In the past in Karuizawa, horses were the mode of transport for the nobility and the wealthy."
"I see," Dubian Che's interest was piqued.
After arriving in Karuizawa and knowing he would ride horses, he had picked up some knowledge about horseback riding.
There were specialty equestrian skills, like riding within an arena to train the bond between horse and rider, displaying various skills such as barrel racing and the like.
Then there was field riding, allowing the horse to gallop freely.
Gallop across the vast grasslands didn't necessarily require high skills; a temporary sign-up for an equestrian class would suffice.
Dubian Che wasn't interested in competitive riding, so he wasn't too excited about going to the equestrian center at first and just considered it as an opportunity to broaden his horizons.
Now knowing that they could ride outside, his spirits were somewhat lifted.
Upon arriving at the equestrian center, they changed into uniforms, put on riding boots, donned helmets, and took up horse whips that felt good in hand.
The four of them, dashing and exuding nobility, and Dubian Che, who looked stunningly handsome and equally aristocratic, drew several looks.
The four women watched him intently, and Dubian Che similarly sized them up; it was a mutual admiration.
"Mr. Dubian," Mrs. Kiyono said, "this horse is your birthday gift, specially transported from Tokyo."
Dubian Che looked at the white horse before him.
Its glossy hide shone like satin, rippling like water with the horse's movements.
It stood as tall as an adult from hoof to back; the staff handling it reached just up to the horse's back.
The horse, surrounded by a crowd, appeared uneasy, occasionally raising its front hooves as though it could trample over a person's crown—frightening to onlookers.
Seeing it, one might almost immediately think of the phrase "a towering steed."
"It's of Shire horse and Akhal-Teke descent," Mrs. Kiyono introduced.
The Shire horse is known for its large size, great strength, and stamina; capable of pulling loads up to 5 tons.
The so-called Akhal-Teke, with long limbs, thin skin, fine hair, light-footed gait, powerful strength, quick speed, and strong endurance—all these advantages were naturally those of a Ferghana horse.
"The horse has been trained in circling and such, but hasn't been ridden, so it retains its wild nature. Please take care, young master," the staff member leading the horse cautioned.
"Can you conquer your horse, Mr. Dubian?" Mrs. Jiutiao asked with a hint of excitement.
"Be careful," Kiyono Lin frowned prettily, "It's a tall horse; don't fall and get killed."
"Your way of showing concern is, as always, quite unique," he said and then approached the horse.
As he moved closer, the horse grew more restless, constantly turning its head, and the staff had to work hard to hold the reins.
When Dubian Che approached and attempted to take the reins from the staff's hand, the horse suddenly reared up.
The height at which its hooves were raised indeed seemed capable of reaching the crown of an adult's head.
"Careful!" Jiutiao Meijie, aware of Dubian Che's capabilities, couldn't help but speak.
"That scared me," Dubian Che laughed.
The more he looked at the horse, the more he felt its remarkable nature.
Having no interest in racecars and only liking bumper cars, he suddenly found himself intrigued by the horse.
"Mr. Dubian, let me find you a well-trained horse first. Learn to ride properly before dealing with this one," Mrs. Kiyono suggested.
"No need," Dubian Che rejected the offer.
He reached out to touch the horse's neck, but the horse violently raised its front hoofs again.
Dubian Che simply reached out and caught one, greeting it with a handshake. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by n0velfire.net
"Impressive, quite heavy," he said and carefully let go, looking worried he might damage the horse.
The staff member gaped in shock, pointing at the horse, then at Dubian Che, and then looking at the ladies, but ultimately said nothing.
900 kilograms—although it was just the horse lifting its front hooves...
Never mind, it's better not to know too much about the world of the wealthy. Superpower users, genetic warriors—it's all just something from the movies.
Mrs. Jiutiao wrapped her arm around her daughter's waist: "My daughter, are you alright?"
Jiutiao Meijie disdainfully pushed her hand away and told Dubian Che, "If you can tame it, do it quickly."
"Command received," Dubian Che said.
"Darling, be good. (Command)"
The horse sneezed and then affectionately nuzzled Dubian Che's cheek with its head.