Boyd’s Post Card from Japan: Final Day in Tokyo

The final day of the Japanese trip ended today at the legendary Tokyo racetrack. We had a big day of talks, lessons and demonstrations.

The day started with an hour and half talk about working with retired racehorses. We had a great group of about 85 auditors listening to my stories. My Japanese translator Kosi, whom I have become good mates with, did a superb job of getting my talk across to the audience.

After that, I was taken on a great tour of the Tokyo racetrack, where the stands can comfortably hold 150,000 spectators. Is is an amazing sight, with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop.

After lunch we worked three retired race horses in the ring. I gave the riders three different lessons on how I work with the young Thoroughbreds.

After that, we were back to the class room to wrap it up with questions and answers and a few photos.

I am just boarding the flight to Los Angeles for the US Eventing Association Annual Convention and am thinking back to a wonderful few days in Japan. A big thanks must go to Godolphin, the Japan Racing Association and the National Riding Club Association of Japan. My translator Kosi and the main organizer Yasuko did a fantastic job. They are a couple of the nicest people I have ever met.

I think we had a couple of great days working with the Japanese riders. I sincerely hope they got good information out of the clinic.

Off to the USEA convention!

Boyd