As enjoyable as it is reading social media updates from the real-life racehorses that inspired Umamusume: Pretty Derby, there is something reassuring about hearing the news straight from the horse’s mouth. The Haru Urara Association, in partnership with the Matha Farm in Onjuku, Chiba, Japan (where Haru Urara resides), keeps an online diary of the retired racehorse’s activities, sharing their insights on the horse’s personality and daily life at the farm. Interestingly enough, the diary features comments that are “spoken” by Haru Urara herself, and they sound as if the writer and shares a strong individual bond with the horse. This makes the updates feel more “personal” to the reader, as opposed to regular social media updates.
Infamous for never winning a race in her six-year career, Haru Urara has become a symbol of tenacity and perseverance for those who know her story. She has been enjoying retirement at the Matha Farm since 2013, where she happily grazes and frolics with the other horse residents. Life as a retired racehorse comes with all sorts of shenanigans, so the Haru Urara Association, in partnership with Matha Farm staff, have taken it upon themselves to create an online persona that reflects Haru Urara’s daily activities.
After checking out Haru Urara’s interesting profile page (she hates injections), you can read up on some of her daily activities. The writer doesn’t update their Haru Urara diary often, but what they do write down is definitely worth a read.
One of their everyday entries reveals that Haru Urara loves sleeping on rainy days. She rests her head on the chain at the entrance of her stall, where other horses can watch over her. When it comes to mealtimes, however, Haru Urara lights up and devours her hay in no time.
Haru Urara isn’t immune to mood swings, either. A July 30 entry reveals that she was grumpy on account of tree fellers visiting the ranch. Unable to reach the unwanted visitors, Haru Urara took out her frustration on her fellow horses and rolled around in the dirt.
The most recent entry has Haru Urara thanking Umamusume fans for the fresh supply of ryegrass that started coming in to Matha Farm. What she doesn’t know is that several more kilos are set to come as the result of her growing popularity.
You can comment on the Haru Urara diary posts, which can be seen by other fans worldwide. Aside from the diary, a gallery featuring photos of her racing days can also be found on the Haru Urara Association webpage.
Related articles:
Umamusume: Pretty Derby player grows so fond of horses they decide to co-own a real racehorse
