The Value Of Good Horse Racing Trainers

By Kristen Baird


Owning a race worthy animals is an exciting experience. There is just nothing to compare with a day at the races cheering on your own horses to a winning finish. But behind all the fun there is a tremendous amount of work and expense. Working with a really good trainer is the best way to ensure successful race horses. These professionals really understand the business and know how to pick a winner.

Most race horses are Thoroughbreds. This means they can trace their lineage back many generations and horse racing trainers know which blood lines to look for. Horses are like people, they pass on their physical and emotional qualities to their offspring. Animals with a great blood line command the highest prices. Most race horses are sold at auction as yearlings or two year old's.

Many people make the decision that they want to buy a race horse and then start to look around for a suitable trainer. The type of trainer will depend on which area of racing they want to explore. By far the biggest field is flat race meets. These are run over a fairly short distance and the horses are usually thoroughbreds.

In the tight knit world of race horses reputation is everything. A good trainer will have plenty of people saying positive things about them. Their clients will be loyal and only to happy to give them a glowing reference. It is a good idea to talk with a number of people to ensure that there is consistency in the reports.

Training takes a long time and a lot of patience. It typically begins when a horse is two years old. They will be introduced to a light saddle and a small rider on their back. If this is done carefully there should be no problems. Once the animal is comfortable with their jockey they will increase their speed until they are confident moving at even a flat out gallop. This process often takes several months to complete.

Choosing a trainer does require a lot of homework. The first step is to look for those that have a good consistent winning record. Most people then like to make an appointment to go over and tour the stables. It is nice to get a first hand look at the facilities on offer and learn how the trainer operates. Each one will have their own particular style and eccentricities.

Knowing when to run a horse for the first time is a vital skill that every good trainer has. Running young horses before they are ready is one of the most damaging things that can happen. Although waiting can be really difficult it is vital to wait until the animal is both physically and psychologically ready.

Before putting a horse into training a client should consider the costs. It is important to have a clear discussion with the trainer to understand everything that will be involved. For example, veterinarian and farrier fees are usually extra. Along with race registration and transport costs. However, as the horse crosses the finish line in first place, every penny will be worth it.




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