Horse racing is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world. It’s estimated that people have been racing horses for thousands of years, with the first recorded races taking place in Ancient Greece in 648 BC. Over the years, the sport has changed a lot, and there are races held every day in many parts of the world. Horse racing events can be huge, with millions of people watching and huge prizes on offer for the winners. Betting on horse racing is also extremely popular, and millions of dollars can be wagered on the biggest races. You can read a guide to horse race betting for more info.
As a result, it can be very tempting for those that love horses to get involved. However, it’s extremely competitive, and you need to know what you’re getting into before you start. It can be profitable if you’re able to breed and train high-quality horses to win big races. However, breeding is just one part of it. You’ll also need to be able to look after your racehorses properly. Today, horses are better cared for than ever. Racehorses, in particular, need a lot of care and attention.
Mental Conditioning
While training the physical aspects of a racecourse is fairly obvious, some trainers often neglect the mental aspect. The best racehorses aren’t just physically gifted and strong. They’re also very strong mentally. A positive and kind approach is usually best, with horses often responding best to positive reinforcement. As intelligent creatures, horses each have their own unique personalities, and it’s also important for trainers to take these into account.
The biggest thing for horse trainers to work on is getting the horse used to the gate, which signals the start of the race. Horses need to be calm and composed when entering the gate, and a fast start is often crucial, especially for short courses. You should also ensure you train your horse with similar skill levels, as horses that are beaten too frequently will be discouraged.
Hoof Care
The hoof, much like the sprinter’s shoe, is essential for getting power and allowing the horse to reach its top speed comfortably. As race horses will frequently be galloping at high speeds, their lower limbs are susceptible to injury and damage. You need to make sure that the hoof of your horse is in the best condition so it can race comfortably and without causing further damage. The type of horseshoe you use and the track surface will also affect the state of your horse’s hoof.
Horse’s feet need to be able to slide slightly on the surface to allow the energy to dissipate. Not being able to slide will cause the force of the foot landing to travel up the leg, potentially causing injury over time. As a result, using traction devices such as toe grabs cause an injury risk. It’s best to trim the hoof in a way that doesn’t interfere with the horse’s natural gait.
Bone Strengthening
Strong bones help reduce the risk of injury and also allow horses to generate more power in the sprint. Chips to the bones, known as peri-articular fractures, are some of the most common injuries that racehorses suffer from. While surgical techniques have advanced to make treating these possible, prevention is always the best course of action.
Just like muscles, bones are strengthened over time in response to stress and exercise. When a horse first begins training, its bones will be weaker, so it’s important to start off relatively slowly and build into the training over time. This will allow the horse’s bones to adapt over time and become stronger.
