Harness racing is a form of horse racing, where horses are raced in harness, pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. This type of racing has been around for centuries and is still popular today. Harness racing horses are incredibly fast and can reach speeds of up to 30 mph or more. In this article, we will explore how fast harness racing horses can go, the different types of harness racing, and what makes harness racing horses so fast.
Types of Harness Racing
Harness racing is divided into two main categories: trotting and pacing. In a trotting race, the horse must move its legs in a diagonal sequence, and the horse must keep its legs in a straight line. In a pacing race, the horse must move its legs in a sideward, lateral sequence, and the horse must keep its legs in a lateral line.
Trotting
Trotting is the most common form of harness racing, and it involves the horse trotting around the track at a fast pace. The horse is usually guided by a driver, who sits in the sulky. Trotting races usually consist of two to three turns around the track, and the horses typically reach speeds of up to 30 mph.
Pacing
Pacing is a different form of harness racing, and it involves the horse pacing around the track at a fast pace. The horse is usually guided by a driver, who sits in the sulky. Pacing races usually consist of two to three turns around the track, and the horses typically reach speeds of up to 40 mph.
What Makes Harness Racing Horses So Fast?
Harness racing horses are incredibly fast, and there are several factors that contribute to their speed.
Breed
Harness racing horses are typically Standardbreds, which are a breed of horse that has been bred specifically for harness racing. Standardbreds are well-muscled, strong horses that have long legs, short backs, and powerful hindquarters. This makes them perfect for harness racing, as they are able to move quickly and efficiently.
Training
Harness racing horses undergo intense training in order to reach their maximum potential. This includes conditioning, strength training, and speed drills. The horses are also trained to respond quickly to their drivers’ commands. All of this training helps the horses to reach their maximum speed and maintain it for the duration of the race.
Equipment
In harness racing, the horse is fitted with a specialized harness and a light two-wheeled cart called a sulky. The harnesses are designed to be lightweight, aerodynamic, and less restrictive, which helps the horse to move more efficiently and reach higher speeds. The sulkies are also lightweight and aerodynamic, and they are designed to reduce drag and help the horse reach higher speeds.
Harness Racing Records
Harness racing horses can reach incredibly fast speeds, and there are several records that have been set in harness racing throughout the years.
Trotting Records
The fastest trotting record was set in 1933 by a horse named Grayhound, who trotted a mile in 1:54.4. The second fastest trotting record was set in 1940 by a horse named E.J. Foy, who trotted a mile in 1:54.5.
Pacing Records
The fastest pacing record was set in 1984 by a horse named Niatross, who paced a mile in 1:46.8. The second fastest pacing record was set in 1985 by a horse named Jate Lobell, who paced a mile in 1:47.4.
Harness Racing Around the World
Harness racing is popular around the world, and there are several countries that have their own harness racing organizations.
North America
In North America, harness racing is popular in the United States and Canada. The United States Trotting Association (USTA) is the main governing body for harness racing in the United States, and the Canadian Trotting Association (CTA) is the main governing body for harness racing in Canada.
Europe
In Europe, harness racing is popular in countries such as France, Germany, and Sweden. The European Trotting Union (ETU) is the main governing body for harness racing in Europe.
Australia and New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, harness racing is popular in both countries. The Australian Harness Racing Association (AHRA) is the main governing body for harness racing in Australia, and the New Zealand Trotting Conference (NZTC) is the main governing body for harness racing in New Zealand.
Conclusion
Harness racing horses are incredibly fast, and can reach speeds of up to 40 mph or more. This speed is made possible by the horses’ breed, training, and equipment, as well as their drivers’ skill and expertise. Harness racing is popular around the world, with organizations in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Harness racing horses have set many records over the years, and they continue to be some of the fastest horses in the world.