910Shinme and Shinme-bugyō (Sacred Horses and Magistrates)
In years past, shinme, or sacred horses were dedicated to the shrine from among Yatsushiro Castle’s most beloved horses. After that time, horses were dedicated to the shrine by Tanaka-machi. Today, in the event that no horses are dedicated by Tanaka-machi, they are offered by people that wish to donate them.
Every year on December 1st, a lottery for applicants is held when dedicators for the following year are decided.
Unlike other horses that are dedicated to the Yatsushiro Myōken Festival, the sacred horses are special horses for the gods and also play an important role in Shinto rituals.
Shinme-bugyō, or the magistrates of the sacred horses, are charged with guarding the horses. Until the Edo period, the head of the artillery squad guarding Yatsushiro Castle served as the magistrate of the sacred horses.
