Our friend recently decided to run his three-year-old racehorse on grass since he didn’t fare well running over dirt. This change prompted my grandson to ask, why are some horse races on grass? I had my opinion but decided to research racing surfaces to provide a thorough answer. Some horse races are on the grass …
Recently, some friends joined us to watch live horse racing, and they were curious why some races were called handicaps. So, I decided to explain handicap horse racing to those who might not be familiar with this event. Handicap horse racing requires horses to carry a predetermined weight based on the horse’s past performances. The …
Did you know that the practice of whipping horses in racing has been a topic of debate for centuries? As an owner of six racehorses and a veteran in the horse racing industry for over 25 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of this practice. This article sheds light on why jockeys whip horses, providing …
The decision to euthanize a horse following a leg fracture is both heart-wrenching and complex. This practice, steeped in medical rationale and ethical considerations, underscores the unique challenges in equine veterinary medicine. Horses carry an inherent vulnerability in their slender legs. The juxtaposition of their heavy bodies against the fragility of their limbs presents a …
As a long-time racehorse owner, I’ve observed firsthand the heated debates about whether male racehorses are faster than female horses. However, the answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think. Male horses often receive more attention in the racing world. Yet, female horses have consistently demonstrated that they can compete at the same level. In …
Have you ever wondered why a racehorse, seemingly fit and ready, is suddenly withdrawn from a race just moments before the start? The world of horse racing is replete with split-second decisions and unexpected turns, and the scratching of horses from races is a prime example of this unpredictability. With over 25 years of involvement …
Have you ever wondered if a jockey can truly make a racehorse run faster? As a longtime racehorse owner, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact a skilled jockey can have on a horse’s performance. It’s not just about speed; it’s about how a jockey’s expertise and strategy can unlock a horse’s full potential. This article …
In horse racing, the success of a racehorse can be influenced by the lead horse, or ‘pony horse,’ an essential yet often overlooked figure. These horse guides play a pivotal role in maintaining the racehorse’s calmness, focus, and peak performance. Drawing from extensive experience in horse racing, it’s clear that lead horses are more than …
Recently there has been a rash of horse deaths on the major horse racing tracks in the United States. The news of the racehorse deaths made me wonder, are racehorse deaths on the rise? Racehorse deaths aren’t on the rise in the United States but quite the opposite. In the U.S., in 2019, 441 Thoroughbred …
Have you ever wondered what sets the prestigious Kentucky Derby apart from other horse races? The answer lies in the thrilling world of stakes races. Stakes races are not just any horse racing events; they represent the pinnacle of equine competition, combining high stakes, top-tier horses, and intense excitement. In these races, the stakes are …