Famous Horse Surusumi

The famous horse Surusumi, ridden by Kajihara Genta Kageki during the renowned Ujigawa First Battle in history.

The famous horse Surusumi which Kajihara Genta Kageki rode in the renowned Ujigawa First Battle inThe famous horse Surusumi, which Kajihara Genta Kageki rode in the renowned Ujigawa First Battle in history, is said to have been born in the ancient Meihokira region.
Around 800 years ago, a mare from a certain family gave birth to Surusumiat the foot of Eboshidake in the northern part of Kira, near the Suga River, after carrying the seed of a celestial horse. As the name suggests, Surusumi was a sleek, pitch-black horse with a dignified appearance.
Every morning, Surusumi would remove its stable’s pin (mazenbou) and run toward the Suga River, eating a sacred herb said to be either orchid or firefly grass, drinking from the milky-white sacred spring deep in the large waterfall, and grew into a steed with unmatched qualities.
Even today, the families of Tajiro and Shimokura in Kira, proud of their connection to Surusumi, have long passed down the bit. In the family of Yaemon, there is a huge bit with a width of 20 centimeters, believed to have mystical qualities, which is said to have been used for the horse’s treatment.
Originally, this region was known for its cold, dry climate, rich in lime-rich grass, and was a famous horse-breeding area from the Edo period until the time of the great war. Furthermore, the area is connected to the so-called Kamakura Highway, which is thought to have contributed to Surusumi coming into the hands of Minamoto no Yoritomo.
Later, it is said that Surusumi became Kajihara Kageki’s horse and played a key role in many battles. Finally, it is believed that Surusumi passed away in the Hagurosan area of Banshu (now Inuyama city), and its heroic spirit is honored with great respect at the family temple of the Kajihara family, Kozenji.