"Considering track applicability, the horseshoes used by Uma Musume actually vary greatly. Generally speaking, the most common type of horseshoe is a long crescent shape formed by a circular arc at the front and large circular arcs on both sides. If you look closely—it also greatly resembles the character 'Ω' (Omega)."
"This is the most common type of horseshoe, a versatile horseshoe that can adapt to all races. If you're really unsure which one to use, this all-purpose horseshoe is generally used more often in an Uma Musume's debut race."
As Kiryuuin spoke, he handed the horseshoe he had removed from the earlier running shoe to Kazuo, explaining as he used the actual item as a teaching aid.
Kazuo, who had pulled up a stool and sat to the side, took the horseshoe he offered.
Although it was heavily worn, this type of horseshoe felt solid and heavy in his hand.
"According to race specifications and the Uma Musume's physique, some races will also involve weighting measures for Uma Musume, and such situations will also be handled by us. Adding weight to the horseshoe is one such measure."
As he spoke, he took out pre-prepared weighted iron plates from a box nearby.
"We usually place these in a fixed interlayer, between the horseshoe and the sole, and the material chosen is generally lead sheets."
Kiryuuin said, exposing the sole end to the light.
"We choose to fix the horseshoe at the forefoot end, because in terms of force and running posture, this position bears the most weight, and it's also used more during sprints. Of course, for balance, we also make certain adjustments at the heel."
"I see. So, does the horseshoe change when subdivided for various races?"
Kazuo listened carefully to the explanation, while also raising his own question.
"When subdivided, there are naturally many changes, as I said. This type of horseshoe is the most common, with a round, flat surface. But many Uma Musume will make personalized choices based on the races they run and their running style, which is what we call specialized accessories."
As Kiryuuin spoke, he bent down and took out another type of horseshoe from a box.
This shape was much more unusual, narrow and pointed with a flattened front, and it also had many small holes. Compared to the other Ω horseshoe in Kiryuuin's hand, it looked much stranger.
"Is this… for short distances?"
Kazuo recalled what Aoi had told him earlier, asking with some uncertainty.
Kiryuuin looked up at him, then nodded and said:
"Hmm, but not entirely correct. To be precise, this is a horseshoe used for grass track races, a specialized accessory with extremely high demands for sprinting and strong grip. The patterns on the horseshoe are made by specialized industrial cutting. This one is fixed to the upper, lightweight, non-slip, and has strong pushing power."
Kiryuuin said, then placed it aside again.
"That being said, in short-distance races, Uma Musume generally use this model. However, because of its strong grip, many Uma Musume, when sprinting, exert too much force, causing the turf to be torn up and flung away. For this, the Association has protested to our chamber of commerce many times. Well, in high-level, high-intensity races, after one race, the entire track often becomes pitted and uneven. Even with artificial turf, its maintenance cost is relatively expensive."
Despite this, Kiryuuin still maintained a poker face, giving off an air of 'say what you will, I'm not listening, and maintaining the track has nothing to do with me'.
Clearly, even with the frequent suggestions from the Chamber of Commerce, he had no intention of listening.
"Aside from that type, another fairly typical one is this, a horseshoe specifically designed for dirt track races."
He pulled out a piece from the drawer that was even more exaggerated than the previous Omega style; its curved shape had a greater arc, covered a wide area, and its surface featured fine, subtly undulating wave patterns. Its curved part also lacked the protrusions seen in the previous two models, and it had curved grooves on both sides.
"Dirt track races, which we also call sand track races, certainly have lower maintenance costs for the track. After each race, a roller only needs to drive around the track once to smooth it out. However, this type of race heavily relies on the athlete's adaptability and these accessories."
"The one I'm holding now, you see, the inner end is actually conical. This is because it can fix both sides, and the different heights of the inner edge are for good traction. On dirt and sloped tracks, this design will perform very well. Additionally, this type will be forged from a more special material. While the upper material will relatively choose hard leather, the horseshoe itself will be relatively light and convenient."
Saying this, Kiryuuin handed both types of horseshoes to Kazuo.
Holding one in each hand, the horseshoes of the same specification and size had different weights in Kazuo's hands. Especially the one for dirt races, which was extremely light, clearly made from metals of different densities.
"Because sand track races are more prone to wear than grass tracks, different metals are selected and made through special smelting methods. This is the wisdom of our predecessors."
Kiryuuin took the horseshoe from Kazuo and placed it on the table. Although he was young, he was already a skilled craftsman.
He was initially thought to be a man of few words, but when he started discussing professional knowledge, he didn't stop for a moment.
Kiryuuin continued to explain while busy adjusting.
"Of course, in reality, the types of horseshoes used in races are far more complex than you imagine. I can name over twenty types right now. Not to mention the specialized horseshoes that might be temporarily changed due to weather and seasonal variations."
"For example, rainy days, snowy ground, sloped races like the Arima Kinen, or even mountain races, and road races."
Although on the surface, an Uma Musume merely runs on a track, in reality, from training, running style, race distance, specifications, race system, and even accessories, there are many angles to consider.
The intricacies involved are far, far more than what ordinary people realize.
At least today, Kazuo clearly understood this point.
"Good equipment can suit an athlete's running style, better fit the competition, and have a multiplying effect on the race schedule. Of course, many athletes even specially customize their racing shoes, which is like the winning uniform worn in graded races—sacred and essential."
At this point, Kiryuuin still looked at Kazuo with his deadpan eyes: "If I start talking about this topic, I'll get very verbose. How about it, can you keep up?"
Kazuo, with an excited expression, nodded and said, "Kiryu-senpai explains things exceptionally well! How do I put it, it feels like a new world has opened up!"
"Haaah... I told you to call me Manager Kiryu-in!"
Though he looked resigned, Kiryuuin actually already understood why this kid could become Ahua's student.
Since it was an old classmate's request, perhaps he should put in a bit more effort?
"Alright, then I'll continue to break down other types for you and discuss their pros and cons on the track. Also, these next few days, you need to learn the basic maintenance skills, understand?"
"Yes!"
Although he didn't deliberately show it, the expressionless Kiryuuin was actually very happy right now.
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