The Value Of Good Horse Racing Trainers

By Kristen Baird


Some parts of the country are famous for producing many great race horses. One place that springs to mind is Kentucky. With all the wonderful grassland and mild climate it is the perfect place to breed and train these amazing creatures. There are literally hundreds of barns dotted throughout the state that produce many thousands of foals each year. Optimistic owners spend a lot of money to keep an animal in training and get it to the track.

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.

In many parts of the country horses race in trotting or pacing contests. These animals are trained to maintain their gait whilst pulling a light weight cart controlled by a jockey. It takes a lot of skill to prevent an exuberant animal from breaking its pace and cantering. In addition the jockey must know exactly where to place himself in order to make a run for the finish line.

Thoroughbreds are carefully bred from the best blood lines. Finding horses that are from winning lines is fairly easy, however, most will come with a hefty price tag. It is a good idea to look at young unproven animals as they will be priced lower. Once the horses have won a few races or shown good potential their price shoots up dramatically.

A good trainer will work with each client to find them the best horses. These people have spent their lives around horses and really know what they are looking at. Yet even the horses with the best breeding do not always go on to be track winners. Owners must be prepared for many disappointments before they find that all important winner. For most owners there will only be one really good horse in their lifetime.

A good barn will also have plenty of well fenced turn out areas so the horses can relax and enjoy some grass to eat. Even a valuable race animal needs time outside to stretch his legs and play. Many of the top horses have a small donkey or even a goat as a companion. This is a huge help to keeping them psychologically happy, but reduces the risk of injury from a kick or bite.

Personality really does matter in the racing game. It is important to have a really good connection with the trainer. After all this is the person trusted with the well being of a very valuable animal.

Keeping a horse in training is not cheap. Owners must be ready to pay for many extras on top of the regular board and care. Veterinarian bills can be quite a lot, especially if the animal gets sick. There are also race registration fees and other costs such as paying the jockey and transportation to the races.




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