Harness racing is a type of horse racing that involves horses pulling a two-wheeled cart, called a sulky, which is driven by a driver. Harness racing has been around since the early 19th century and is a popular sport in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Harness racing is a very demanding sport and requires a great deal of skill, patience, and dedication from both the horse and the driver. In order to be successful in harness racing, the horse and driver must be properly trained and develop a strong bond.
What Horses Are Suitable for Harness Racing?
The most common horse breed used in harness racing is the Standardbred. This breed of horse is known for its strength, speed, and agility, making them ideal for the sport. Other breeds of horse, such as Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, may also be used for harness racing, but the Standardbred is the preferred breed for the sport.
Preparing the Horse for Harness Racing
The first step in training a horse for harness racing is to get the horse accustomed to the harness and the sulky. To do this, the horse should be gradually introduced to the harness and the sulky, allowing the horse to become comfortable with the equipment. Once the horse has become accustomed to the equipment, the driver should begin the process of training the horse to pull the sulky.
Training the Horse to Pull the Sulky
Once the horse is comfortable with the harness and the sulky, the driver can begin to train the horse to pull the sulky. This can be done by attaching the harness to a stationary object and having the horse pull the sulky around in circles or figure 8s. The driver should also introduce the horse to the track, allowing them to become familiar with the environment.
Training the Horse to Pace and Trot
In harness racing, the horse must learn to pace or trot. Pacing is when the horse moves both legs on the same side of the body at the same time, while trotting is when the horse moves alternating legs. In order to train the horse to pace or trot, the driver must teach the horse to respond to commands, such as “trot,” “pace,” and “stop.”
Conditioning the Horse for Racing
Once the horse has been trained to pull the sulky, pace, and trot, the horse must be conditioned for racing. Conditioning the horse involves increasing the horse’s stamina and strength through a variety of exercises, including running, trotting, and cantering.
Teaching the Horse to Respond to the Driver
In order to be successful in harness racing, the horse and driver must develop a strong bond and the horse must learn to respond to the driver’s commands. The driver should practice different commands with the horse, such as stopping, turning, and starting, until the horse is able to respond without hesitation.
Practice Races
Once the horse is trained and conditioned for racing, the driver should begin to practice with the horse on a regular basis. This can be done by entering the horse in practice races or through a series of drills and exercises. During practice races, the driver will gain valuable experience in racing and the horse will become accustomed to the track environment.
Competing in Races
Once the horse is properly trained and conditioned, the driver can begin to compete in races. The driver should enter the horse in shorter races, such as quarter-mile races, before entering the horse in longer races, such as half-mile or mile races. During the races, the driver should focus on the horse’s performance and make necessary adjustments in order to improve the horse’s performance.
Conclusion
Training a horse for harness racing requires a great deal of skill, patience, and dedication from both the horse and the driver. The driver must be willing to put in the time and effort to properly train the horse and develop a strong bond. With proper training and conditioning, the horse and driver can become successful in harness racing.
Keywords: Harness Racing, Standardbred, Harness, Sulky, Pacing, Trotting, Conditioning, Commands, Practice Races, Competing in Races