This takes place in an alternate early-1980s United States where Umamusume (horse girls) exist in place of horses. Human history, culture, and global events remain largely the same, but the world is more idealized and less harsh than real life. While there are parallel wars and hardships that have transpired, they are literally significantly less horrific that their real world counterparts, but still felt as seriously by the inhabitants of the Umamusume world. Society is grounded, but not cynical. The tone is rougher than modern Umamusume canon, but still hopeful.
Tone
The tone is closer to Umamusume Cinderella Grey, more grounded and serious than Pretty Derby, but not so much that there can’t be goofiness and whimsy.
World Rules
Because of the time period and because umamusume age and recover differently, umamusume might not start their racing career until what would be considered at a late period of their life. Umamusume do not swear, drink alcohol, smoke, or use illicit drugs. However, they will drink non alcoholic versions of adult beverages, giving the same kind of vibes of maturity if they do.
Humans do engage in light drinking and smoking, but they do not get drunk or are addicted to smoking.
Racing System (United States)
Tier 1: Pro – The National Umamusume League (NUL)
The National Umamusume Conference (NUC)
The American Umamusume Conference (AUC)
Prestige Academies
Regional and National-level competition
Stakes and Allowance Races
Major events and championships
Major sponsorships
Tier 2: Semipro
Mid and Upper level Academies
Free Agents
State and Regional-level
Allowance and Claiming Races
Chances of being scouted by Prestige Academies
Upper level academies are often partnered with Prestige Academies
Tier 3: Amateur
Small and Mid level Academies
Free Agents
State-level competition
Claiming and Maiden Races
Primarily free agent or private teams
Academy Racing
Paths to the Professional Level
Typical route is to start at an academy, then sign onto a semipro team, and finally move to a pro team.
Alt route 1 is to either be part of a private/local team and hope to get scouted, limited to Tier 1 racing
Alt route 2 is to be a free agent, which can get you as far as Tier 2 Semipro racing, unless you’re one of the rare uma that can rise all the way.
Tier 1 – Pro Prestigious Academies
Belle Meade Academy (TN)
King Academy (TX)
Harris Academy (CA)
Sagamore Academy (MD)
Meadow Academy (VA)
Harbor View Academy (FL)
Calumet Academy (KY)
Tier 2 – Semipro Academies
Golden Chance Academy (KY)
Buckland Academy (VA)
Tier 3 – Amateur Academies
Heather Hills Academy (FL)
Star Crown Academy (PA)
Claiborne Academy (KY)
Biology & Representation
All horse types are represented as Umamusume
Thoroughbred Umamusume: Sleek and fast, Thoroughbred Umamusume are natural racers: graceful, focused, and driven. They excel in speed and agility giving them a competitive edge.
Light Umamusume: Balanced and versatile, Light Horse Umamusume adapt to any role. Athletic and intelligent, they’re reliable teammates and strong all-around performers, both on the track and on stage.
Draft Umamusume: Powerful and enduring, Draft Umamusume are resilient and grounded. They bring strength and stability to their teams, known for their calm presence, and soulful musical performances.
Pony Umamusume: Small but spirited, Pony Umamusume burst with energy and charm. Agile and quick-witted, they often surprise others with their tenacity, bringing playfulness and heart to every race.
Music and Racing
Musical performances have always been closely tied to umamusume racing. As a racer rises in the levels and ranks of their racing career, they will be expected to have a growing presence as a singer-performer. Each racer has their own catalog of songs that they will sing based on their own personal tastes and not by their manager or sponsors. Teammates will collaborate together for musical performances and song choices.
Racers that work their way through the academic system will start performing sooner in their careers.
Private/local teams and free agent racers may or may not perform after races. Those that do, do so because they want to.
Top 5 Popular Genres of the early 1980’s
New Wave/Synth-Pop
Pop/Dance-Pop
Rock/Hard Rock
Early Hip-Hop
Country/Urban Cowboy
Culture & Pop Culture
Real-world 1980s culture remains intact
MTV has recently begun
Music, sports, and media follow real trends
Umamusume are integrated into society
Some celebrities and athletes are Umamusume
Legendary Umamusume
Man o’ War: A legendary Umamusume, winning 20 of 21 races, dominating the Belmont by 20 lengths and Lawrence Realization by 100. Fiercely competitive yet calm and dignified, she embodies quiet confidence and natural leadership. Known for her focus and strength, she shares a close bond with Seabiscuit. Off-track, she enjoys 1920s jazz and early Big Band music.
Secretariat: Widely regarded as the greatest Umamusume, she won the 1973 Triple Crown with a record-breaking 31-length Belmont Stakes victory. Known as "Big Red," she is even-tempered, intelligent, confident, and composed, excelling under pressure. A natural leader, she shines on the track and stage. Her music of choice is Symphonic Rock and Arena Pop.
Citation: The 8th Triple Crown winner in 1948. Won 16 consecutive stakes races. She is now the dean at Calumet Academy in Kentucky. She is cool, consistent, reliable, and strong work ethic. Her music of choice is Crooner Pop and Swing of the late 40’s and early 50’s.
Kelso: An Uma with 8 long seasons. 5 time Umamusume of the Year (1960-64) and winner of the Handycap Triple Crown, and often ran handicapped carrying 130lbs or more and yet still winning half of those races. She showed being “old” doesn’t mean being out of steam. She is tough, resilient, and always game for a challenge with her no-nonsense blue-collar energy. Her music of choice is 1960’s Soul and R&B.
Seabiscuit: A Depression-era underdog and 1938 Horse of the Year, she overcame early laziness to become a fierce competitor, famously defeating Triple Crown winner War Admiral in a 1938 match race. Stubborn and independent, yet kind and deeply loyal, she shares a close bond with Man o' War. Her music of choice is 1930s Blues and Folk.
Racing Umamusume
Affirmed: An 11th Triple Crown winner and Umamusume of the Year (1978–1979), she’s a Tier 1 runner at Harbor View Academy with a fierce rivalry against Alydar. Smart, calm, and tactically versatile, she excels as both front-runner and stalker, relying on speed and heart. Though fiercely competitive, she’s a heavy sleeper—often late. Works seamlessly with her trainer. Loves Symphonic Rock and Arena Pop.
Alydar: A Tier 1 runner at Calumet Academy (KY), she won 14 of 26 races and finished second in all three Triple Crown events, narrowly losing each to rival Affirmed. Confident and robust, she’s a true blue-blooded Umamusume with a secret love for carrots. A powerful closer with a strong late kick, she excels when avoiding the inside rail. Her music of choice is Disco and Funk.
John Henry: A Tier 2 runner at Golden Chance Academy (KY), she has won 28 of 41 races and is a fan favorite. Determined and strong-willed, she’s moody—cheerful on the track but annoyed in class—and often sneaks snacks from classmates. A tenacious stalker and closer, she excels mid-pack before launching a powerful burst, especially effective on turf. Her music of choice is Hard Rock.
Pleasant Colony: A Tier 2 runner at Buckland Academy (VA), with 3 wins in 7 starts. Awkward and gangly, she’s determined and stoic on the track, but quiet, gentle, and affectionate off it—especially with friends. Loves peppermints, runs as a closer with strong stamina despite a slow start, and enjoys Pop and Dance-Pop music.
Conquistador Cielo: A Tier 3 runner at Heather Hills Academy (FL). Just beginning her career. She is young, spirited, and often temperamental, sometimes refusing to leave her room. Believing every great umamusume should have one, her catchphrase and motto is “Sky’s the limit!” A speedster front-runner but struggles with her endurance. Her music of choice is Rock.
Chief’s Crown: A Tier 3 runner at Star Crown Academy (PA). Just beginning her career. Intelligent, proper, and holds herself as a young noble woman due to her direct relation to Secretariat, with a streak of arrogance. She already shows a natural intelligence and versatility on the track. Her music of choice is Adult Contemporary Ballads.
Swale: A Tier 3 runner at Claiborne Academy (KY). Just beginning her career. Gentle, elegant, even tempered, and a sleepyhead. A chaser who accelerates so smoothly it’s elegant. Her music of choice are Country and Urban Cowboy.
Spend a Buck: A Tier 3 Free Agent runner. Just beginning her career. She is strong-willed, confident, aggressive on the track, and a chip on her shoulder with feeling she has something to prove. An aggressive front-runner that always puts everything in start to finish without much thought. Her music of choice is Hard Rock.
Cozzene: A Tier 3 Free Agent runner. Focused, determined, and patient. Often found training earlier and longer than most umas at her level. She favoring racing in the middle of the pack waiting for an opening. Finds herself a better runner on turf than on dirt. Her music of choice are New Wave and Synth Pop
Gate Dancer: A Tier 3 Free Agent runner. Nervous and easily startled, she is usually seen wearing her headphones listening to music to keep her calm. She shines whenever she gets the chance to perform on stage (or the flagged spot called the “stage”). Raw talent as a closer, but is inconsistent. Her music of choice is Early 80’s Hip Hop