Horse Racing Takes Special Breed

Probably one of the oldest equestrian sports today is horse racing and horses are carefully bred and trained for the competition. Not all horse breeds are capable for horse racing and typically, people think of race horses as being thoroughbreds. Depending on which horse registry that is used, thoroughbred may mean different things. For example, for the thoroughbred stud registry, it is only required that the horse is bred between a mare and a bull that are registered. Previous listings do not have to be considered.

In other registries, if one of the horse's parents is listed and the animal has the traits of the breed, the registrar can make the determination of the thoroughbred designation. Horse breeders are beginning to use DNA more often to determine the lineage of the animal, especially if bred for horse racing.

Horses Bred, Trained for Racing

There is tremendous excitement bred into horse racing and it is a big business not just for the owners, breeders and trainers, but for the fans as well. Watching the animals being led into the gate wearing blinders to keep them from being distracted by other horses and then waiting for the bell and crack of the rider's crop to signal the start of the race, keep the attention of thousands.

The horse trainer will teach he horse to wear the bit and harness and to be willing to carry the jockey. Daily exercise keeps the horse in condition to run the race and that also falls under the responsibilities of the trainer. They also attend meetings related to the horse racing industry and determine which races to enter to give the horse the best chance of winning. From the time the horse is born, it is prepped for horse racing with its daily routines and training, and the relationship between the horse and its trainer is very closely developed. It is the trainer who helps the horse accepts the jockey, and usually a jockey will ride the same horse in many events as they, too develop a close working relationship.

The horse racing industry is a business and owners develop a close relationship with their animals and once their horse racing careers are over the horse is usually retired to a stud farm and his success on the track will determine the demand for his services. Many times they are also retrained to be riding animals for others to enjoy.