Harness the Excitement
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Owning a Standardbred Horse
Are you convinced the thrill of owning a standardbred (harness racing)is something only the wealthy can enjoy? Well think again! It has never been easier to get a share of the action and who knows ... you might end up being the toast of the town as the proud owner of a champ. With multiple ownership now a widely-accepted part of the racing scene, it has never been as easy for people to have direct slice of the action - action which encompasses not only the tingling excitement of seeing your own horse in a race, but all the related activities that come with it:
Sole Ownership: You will be the owner of the horse and as such any costs and profits will be yours alone. You will have a close involvement with any of the decisions regarding the horse and you will feel a great sense of personal pride in its achievements.
Co-ownership & Partnerships: Why not race a horse with a group of friends? Groups of up to 20 people can join together in racing a horse, spreading the costs of buying and training your pacer, trotter or thoroughbred and sharing any prizemoney.
Racing Clubs & Syndicates: A popular way to get involved in racing, some racing clubs offer the benefit of paying a small membership fee to belong to the club and having the excitement of following a number of different horses. Syndicates are a cost effective option to get involved in horse racing, particularly if you are looking to race your first horse or want to race a few horses.
Leasing: This is an option if you don't wish to take on the full expense of ownership straight away. You can lease a horse from an existing owner or breeder, during which time the horse will run in your name. Under such an agreement you meet the training fees and associated costs and receive prizemoney won by the horse in return for a rental to the owner (commonly one third of prizemoney).
For a first timer probably the best way to go is to buy into a syndicate - that way there is a syndicate manager and trainer who can help guide you and make decisions based on their extensive knowledge of the industry.
For more information about owning a racehorse or becoming involved in harness racing contact the Bendigo Harness Racing Club inc.
- buying - and often naming your horse;
- choosing your colours;
- visiting your trainer to discuss the horse's program and plan its campaign;
- watching your horse at the races;
- standing in the enclosure before the race as your horse is led around and chatting with the driver;
- or losing, welcoming your horse back from the battle on the track;
- Never a dull moment and limitless fun - that's modern racehorse ownership.
Sole Ownership: You will be the owner of the horse and as such any costs and profits will be yours alone. You will have a close involvement with any of the decisions regarding the horse and you will feel a great sense of personal pride in its achievements.
Co-ownership & Partnerships: Why not race a horse with a group of friends? Groups of up to 20 people can join together in racing a horse, spreading the costs of buying and training your pacer, trotter or thoroughbred and sharing any prizemoney.
Racing Clubs & Syndicates: A popular way to get involved in racing, some racing clubs offer the benefit of paying a small membership fee to belong to the club and having the excitement of following a number of different horses. Syndicates are a cost effective option to get involved in horse racing, particularly if you are looking to race your first horse or want to race a few horses.
Leasing: This is an option if you don't wish to take on the full expense of ownership straight away. You can lease a horse from an existing owner or breeder, during which time the horse will run in your name. Under such an agreement you meet the training fees and associated costs and receive prizemoney won by the horse in return for a rental to the owner (commonly one third of prizemoney).
For a first timer probably the best way to go is to buy into a syndicate - that way there is a syndicate manager and trainer who can help guide you and make decisions based on their extensive knowledge of the industry.
For more information about owning a racehorse or becoming involved in harness racing contact the Bendigo Harness Racing Club inc.
Equipped for Racing
Trotting horse with a sulky used for racing
Equipped for Racing Every piece of equipment used on a Standardbred has been selected specifically for that horse’s individual needs. This guide will explain the purpose of the most commonly used equipment.
1. Sulky
Also known as a gig or race bike, an aerodynamic cart used only in races, which reduces drag and provides lift on the horse.
2. Driving lines
Straps attached to the driving bit that run back to the handholds, which the driver uses to control the direction and speed of the horse.
3. Harness
Holds the equipment in position on the horse, and consists of the bridle, saddle, girth and crupper. The girth connects the harness around the belly. The crupper is a loop that slides under the base of the tail to keep the harness from moving forward.
4. Head Number
Not always worn on the top of the head, the head number connects to the crown of the bridle and designates the horse’s number in the racing program.
5. Bridle
Consists of several straps, usually leather, that fit over the head and face of the horse, allowing the driver to control the horse through the use of a driving bit. The blind bridle shown here obscures sight from the sides as well as from behind, which prevents the horse from seeing anything that may cause anxiety.
6. Driving bit
Usually a jointed metal bar seated in an area of the horse’s mouth between the front incisors and molars, where there are no teeth. By creating pressure on the sides of the mouth through the driving lines, the driver can steer the horse.
7. Headpole
Optional gear that runs along the head and neck and hooks to the harness to keep the horse from turning its head, which may cause it to break stride.
8. Bell boots
Optional gear, rubber hoof covers used to protect a horse from hitting its front heels with its rear hoof.
9. Shin boots
Worn on the hind legs just beneath the hock and over the ankle, covering the hind legs to provide additional protection from getting struck with a hoof.
1. Sulky
Also known as a gig or race bike, an aerodynamic cart used only in races, which reduces drag and provides lift on the horse.
2. Driving lines
Straps attached to the driving bit that run back to the handholds, which the driver uses to control the direction and speed of the horse.
3. Harness
Holds the equipment in position on the horse, and consists of the bridle, saddle, girth and crupper. The girth connects the harness around the belly. The crupper is a loop that slides under the base of the tail to keep the harness from moving forward.
4. Head Number
Not always worn on the top of the head, the head number connects to the crown of the bridle and designates the horse’s number in the racing program.
5. Bridle
Consists of several straps, usually leather, that fit over the head and face of the horse, allowing the driver to control the horse through the use of a driving bit. The blind bridle shown here obscures sight from the sides as well as from behind, which prevents the horse from seeing anything that may cause anxiety.
6. Driving bit
Usually a jointed metal bar seated in an area of the horse’s mouth between the front incisors and molars, where there are no teeth. By creating pressure on the sides of the mouth through the driving lines, the driver can steer the horse.
7. Headpole
Optional gear that runs along the head and neck and hooks to the harness to keep the horse from turning its head, which may cause it to break stride.
8. Bell boots
Optional gear, rubber hoof covers used to protect a horse from hitting its front heels with its rear hoof.
9. Shin boots
Worn on the hind legs just beneath the hock and over the ankle, covering the hind legs to provide additional protection from getting struck with a hoof.
More harness and training equipment
Pacing horse with a jog cart used for trackwork
10. Open bridle
Allows the horse a full range of sight with no obstruction. Open bridles are useful to relax an otherwise tense or aggressive animal.
11. Overcheck
A rein generally attached to the overcheck bit, running over the top of the head and down the neck where it is strapped to the harness. It prevents the horse from lowering its head, which helps maintain a proper gait.
12. Saddle pad
Designates the horse’s program number in the race. Each numbered saddle pad corresponds to a particular color. The smaller number is the race number.
13. Tail tie
When a horse wants to swish his tail, it is generally a sign that it is going to kick. A tie may be used to brace the tail from movement, which helps the horse resist the urge to kick.
14. Jog cart
Used for training, it is heavier than a race bike and is more comfortable for the driver. Many horses warming up between races will also be seen pulling a jog cart.
15. Hobbles
Also called hopples, plastic loops worn by pacers to help the horse maintain the pacing gait. Hobbles for trotters are similar to pacing hobbles, but the loops are worn only around the front legs, and are joined by a rope and pulley that hangs underneath the horse.
16. Tendon boots
Used to protect the tendon of the front foreleg between the knee joint and the ankle from being struck by a hoof on the opposite foreleg.
17. Knee boots
Worn on the forelegs to protect from knee-knocking, which occurs when the knee is struck by the hoof of the opposite leg.
18. Knee spreaders
Used to widen the horse’s gait in its front legs to prevent it from hitting its knees.
19. Buxton
Nylon strap that runs across the shoulders, around the neck and between the front legs in a Y-shape, which prevents the harness from slipping backward.
Allows the horse a full range of sight with no obstruction. Open bridles are useful to relax an otherwise tense or aggressive animal.
11. Overcheck
A rein generally attached to the overcheck bit, running over the top of the head and down the neck where it is strapped to the harness. It prevents the horse from lowering its head, which helps maintain a proper gait.
12. Saddle pad
Designates the horse’s program number in the race. Each numbered saddle pad corresponds to a particular color. The smaller number is the race number.
13. Tail tie
When a horse wants to swish his tail, it is generally a sign that it is going to kick. A tie may be used to brace the tail from movement, which helps the horse resist the urge to kick.
14. Jog cart
Used for training, it is heavier than a race bike and is more comfortable for the driver. Many horses warming up between races will also be seen pulling a jog cart.
15. Hobbles
Also called hopples, plastic loops worn by pacers to help the horse maintain the pacing gait. Hobbles for trotters are similar to pacing hobbles, but the loops are worn only around the front legs, and are joined by a rope and pulley that hangs underneath the horse.
16. Tendon boots
Used to protect the tendon of the front foreleg between the knee joint and the ankle from being struck by a hoof on the opposite foreleg.
17. Knee boots
Worn on the forelegs to protect from knee-knocking, which occurs when the knee is struck by the hoof of the opposite leg.
18. Knee spreaders
Used to widen the horse’s gait in its front legs to prevent it from hitting its knees.
19. Buxton
Nylon strap that runs across the shoulders, around the neck and between the front legs in a Y-shape, which prevents the harness from slipping backward.
Who's Who at the Racetrack
Drivers, trainers and horses are the most prominent figures in the sport of harness racing. But there are many jobs in the industry that are essential to the success of any racehorse.
Club Secretary/General Manager or Chief Executive
The Secretary, GM or CEO is responsible for managing the racetrack operations including day to day administration, finance operations, the staff, track preparation and race meetings. Often this person is also part of a network of racetrack managers that works with the controlling body for the betterment of racing. This person usually is part of or reports to the Board/Committee executive.
Committee
Each race track has a Committee or Board , usually made up of volunteers from within the membership/ industry. Committees have a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Committee members. The Committee is responsible for the governance of the Club and may appoint sub-committees to assist in the management of these affairs.
Trainer
A trainer, licensed by Harness Racing Victoria or the controlling body in the state he/she works, is responsible for the conditioning and care of a horse. Trainers are hired by owners to get their horses ready to race, and to help them perform at their best. Trainers are also in charge of fitting the horses with the right equipment to maximize their racing potential, and making sure they stay healthy and strong throughout the season.
Driver
A driver sits behind the horse in a race bike, or sulky, and steers the horse around the track. A driver must have a special license issued by Harness Racing Victoria or the controlling body of the state where the driver races. This gives him or her permission to drive a horse in a race. Drivers have uniforms, specific to them, called “colors.” Sometime sthe colours are unique to the ownership of the horse and some drivers have their own colours registered. Each driver’s colors has a unique pattern and arrangement of colors and must be registered with the HRV.
Owner
An owner is the person who purchases the horse, and pays the bills to feed and take care of it. An owner can be an individual or a partnership, which is a group of people that share the responsibilities and profits earned by a horse.
Stablehand
A stablehand works for a trainer, and is the person responsible for harnessing the horse and taking care of its equipment, as well as keeping the horse and its stall clean.
Tote Clerk/teller
A Tote clerk is the person at the mutuel betting (TAB) window who takes wagers and presents the bettor with a betting ticket. He or she also pays out the money when a bettor has a winning ticket.
Stewards
The Stewards are like the referees of harness racing. Their job is to make sure that all the rules of racing are being followed. They watch for rules infractions such as interference and breaks (which occur when a horse gallops instead of maintaining the trotting or pacing gait). Stewards can assess fines or penalties, and they even have the power to overturn race results.
Judge
A judge is the person that adjudicates the result of a race, posting the numbers in the winners frame and deciding photo finishes etc.
Clerk of the Course
Riding a horse, a clerk of the course is responsible for leading the horses out onto the track and helping to corral them if they get loose. In the event of an accident, the clerk of the course helps collect any horses that get away from their drivers and tries to keep them safe in the process.
Announcer/racecaller
The announcer is in a booth above the racetrack, with the best vantage point to see a race. He is the one who describes (calls) the race over the public address system and for national radip and TV networks such as Radio Sport 927 and Sky Racing.
Photographer
Track photographers take pictures of the winner at the finish line and after the race is over in the winner’s circle, as the horse poses with the winning owner, trainer, driver and other connections.
Starter
The starter is the person who rides in the mobile barrier starting gate (a car or truck with a hinged gate behind it), and is responsible for getting the horses to the starting line in the right order. The starter calls the horses to follow the gate to the starting line. Once the horses reach the start, the mobile barrier speeds up and pulls away.
Farrier
A farrier, or blacksmith, is a person who specialises in hoof care. He is responsible for putting on shoes and changing them when necessary. Horses wear shoes because it helps them grip the track and it keeps their hooves from wearing down.
Veterinarian
Like people, horses have doctors, or veterinarians, that are available at the racetrack to make sure they’re healthy. Veterinarians perform routine check-ups, while other times they are called upon to treat injuries that happen during a race or training.
Club Secretary/General Manager or Chief Executive
The Secretary, GM or CEO is responsible for managing the racetrack operations including day to day administration, finance operations, the staff, track preparation and race meetings. Often this person is also part of a network of racetrack managers that works with the controlling body for the betterment of racing. This person usually is part of or reports to the Board/Committee executive.
Committee
Each race track has a Committee or Board , usually made up of volunteers from within the membership/ industry. Committees have a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Committee members. The Committee is responsible for the governance of the Club and may appoint sub-committees to assist in the management of these affairs.
Trainer
A trainer, licensed by Harness Racing Victoria or the controlling body in the state he/she works, is responsible for the conditioning and care of a horse. Trainers are hired by owners to get their horses ready to race, and to help them perform at their best. Trainers are also in charge of fitting the horses with the right equipment to maximize their racing potential, and making sure they stay healthy and strong throughout the season.
Driver
A driver sits behind the horse in a race bike, or sulky, and steers the horse around the track. A driver must have a special license issued by Harness Racing Victoria or the controlling body of the state where the driver races. This gives him or her permission to drive a horse in a race. Drivers have uniforms, specific to them, called “colors.” Sometime sthe colours are unique to the ownership of the horse and some drivers have their own colours registered. Each driver’s colors has a unique pattern and arrangement of colors and must be registered with the HRV.
Owner
An owner is the person who purchases the horse, and pays the bills to feed and take care of it. An owner can be an individual or a partnership, which is a group of people that share the responsibilities and profits earned by a horse.
Stablehand
A stablehand works for a trainer, and is the person responsible for harnessing the horse and taking care of its equipment, as well as keeping the horse and its stall clean.
Tote Clerk/teller
A Tote clerk is the person at the mutuel betting (TAB) window who takes wagers and presents the bettor with a betting ticket. He or she also pays out the money when a bettor has a winning ticket.
Stewards
The Stewards are like the referees of harness racing. Their job is to make sure that all the rules of racing are being followed. They watch for rules infractions such as interference and breaks (which occur when a horse gallops instead of maintaining the trotting or pacing gait). Stewards can assess fines or penalties, and they even have the power to overturn race results.
Judge
A judge is the person that adjudicates the result of a race, posting the numbers in the winners frame and deciding photo finishes etc.
Clerk of the Course
Riding a horse, a clerk of the course is responsible for leading the horses out onto the track and helping to corral them if they get loose. In the event of an accident, the clerk of the course helps collect any horses that get away from their drivers and tries to keep them safe in the process.
Announcer/racecaller
The announcer is in a booth above the racetrack, with the best vantage point to see a race. He is the one who describes (calls) the race over the public address system and for national radip and TV networks such as Radio Sport 927 and Sky Racing.
Photographer
Track photographers take pictures of the winner at the finish line and after the race is over in the winner’s circle, as the horse poses with the winning owner, trainer, driver and other connections.
Starter
The starter is the person who rides in the mobile barrier starting gate (a car or truck with a hinged gate behind it), and is responsible for getting the horses to the starting line in the right order. The starter calls the horses to follow the gate to the starting line. Once the horses reach the start, the mobile barrier speeds up and pulls away.
Farrier
A farrier, or blacksmith, is a person who specialises in hoof care. He is responsible for putting on shoes and changing them when necessary. Horses wear shoes because it helps them grip the track and it keeps their hooves from wearing down.
Veterinarian
Like people, horses have doctors, or veterinarians, that are available at the racetrack to make sure they’re healthy. Veterinarians perform routine check-ups, while other times they are called upon to treat injuries that happen during a race or training.
