The Basics of Horse Race Training
Horse racing is an international pastime that attracts millions of casual and dedicated spectators worldwide, from casual fans to diehard enthusiasts. Not only is horse racing entertaining for spectators and participants alike; but its widespread appeal also serves as an important revenue stream for tracks and racing institutions, while breeders and owners use it as a symbol of prestige and wealth. But while still popular today, this form of competition faces new obstacles due to declining horse population numbers and concerns regarding animal welfare issues.
One of the greatest changes has been in how horses are trained and cared for. Thanks to advances in veterinary techniques and track conditions, there’s more of an understanding of what it takes to keep thoroughbreds healthy and happy throughout their lifetimes.
Training a racehorse requires expert skill, similar to how an athlete might train for a major competition. Horses start off by performing routine jogs and gallops before increasing intensity over time. Training sessions may occur in all sorts of weather conditions and surfaces such as dirt, turf or all-weather synthetic tracks.
Racehorses undergo training that helps them channel their energy efficiently during races, including learning how to change leads on command for optimal running performance. Switching leads depends on where a runner is in terms of straightaways or turns; otherwise they could easily tire themselves out, leading to premature exhaustion more quickly. Therefore, racehorses learn to use their right leg on straightaways while using their left leg on turns for optimal energy usage and exhaustion levels.
Speed and agility of well-trained racehorses is what draws fans in, but as Black Caviar’s death has demonstrated, horse racing can be a dangerous sport for these magnificent animals, even with professional handlers at their side. There are various forms of injury or death at tracks ranging from colic – an abdominal disorder – to laminitis – an excruciating inflammation of the feet – as well as slaughter when they become no longer useful (as shown by FOIA documents or industry admissions).
Starting gates are the first step of every horse race, consisting of multiple stalls which open and close when signaled by either the starter’s bell or another signal. Traditionally, jockeys or stewards would manually open these gates. Nowadays, electric systems open and close the stall doors once all horses have been assembled for racing, and an electronic starter presses a button to start it all. This technology has revolutionized how horses are assembled for races. Horse racing is an exciting and fascinating sport with longstanding traditions that range from ceremonial pageantry at major events to bets on its outcomes. As an industry, it can generate significant revenues for local and national governments while remaining popular pastime while at the same time working toward improving animal welfare.