AnimalZone: From Racetrack to Riding Club, Season 12, Episode 4

In the heart of Japan, where sushi and sumo might usually steal the spotlight, we’re galloping into a world where retired racehorses are the real stars. Meet Mr. Sumio Nishizaki, the equine whisperer of Okayama Riding Club, who’s made it his mission to give these speed demons a second career—because after the racetrack, there’s a whole lot more to life than just winning ribbons!

Horse racing might be wildly popular in Japan, but what happens when those horses retire? Enter Mr. Nishizaki, who decided that these thoroughbreds deserve a new lease on life. From horse therapy to traditional ceremonies and even schools for horse riding, he’s turning these former racers into versatile all-stars.

Thanks Horse Project, his labor of love, is not just about retraining—it's about giving these horses a future. With a community-driven support system (and a nifty little tax donation trick), this NPO is ensuring that these horses don’t just fade into the sunset.

And speaking of sunsets, ever heard of Deep Impact? Not the movie, but the legendary racehorse whose offspring was set to be a stud but flopped faster than a wet noodle. Now, he is getting a second chance at Okayama, where Mr. Nishizaki is teaching him to take it easy—because sometimes, it’s not about the speed but the journey.

But wait, there’s more! Hiroyuki Mochida, a disciple of the legendary Monty Roberts, is on board with his peaceful horsemanship techniques. He’s proving that you don’t need a whip to train a horse—just a whole lot of patience and maybe a carrot or two.

Join us for an episode that’s part heartwarming, part inspiring, and all about the joy of second chances—because in this corner of Japan, every horse gets to trot off into the sunset with a smile.