Despite initial reservations about Umamusume: Pretty Derby, my immersion in the world of anime horse girls has grown considerably. Each character is based on actual racehorses, with their individual traits intricately woven into the game. Although many of these steeds have passed away, some, like Haru Urara, who never won a race in her 113 attempts, and Gold Ship, known for his quirky behaviors, continue to influence the narrative.

The game’s popularity is surging, with the Steam version recently hitting around 50,000 concurrent players. As a result, there’s been a notable increase in interest in real racehorses, but it appears that many fans lack the proper etiquette around these sensitive animals. Consequently, Cygames has launched a page detailing appropriate stable conduct.

“It is thanks to the cooperation of racehorse owners and their respective stables that we’re able to share their stories in Umamusume: Pretty Derby.” - Cygames

The company has had to address instances of fans disregarding stable rules and trespassing, potentially jeopardizing their relationships with horse owners. They stress the importance of visiting these environments respectfully, especially since horses are highly sensitive creatures who can become stressed by unfamiliar situations.

Furthermore, the guidelines emphasize how crucial it is to maintain an understanding of stable operations, including how sensitive horses are to changes in their environment. This advice primarily pertains to Japanese stables, but it likely applies universally. As fans discover this whimsical connection to real sports, it’s crucial that they respect the spaces where these magnificent animals are cared for.