Finding Good Horse Racing Trainers

By Kristen Baird


Some parts of the country are famous for producing many great race horses. One place that springs to mind is Kentucky. With all the wonderful grassland and mild climate it is the perfect place to breed and train these amazing creatures. There are literally hundreds of barns dotted throughout the state that produce many thousands of foals each year. Optimistic owners spend a lot of money to keep an animal in training and get it to the track.

Owning race horses is a great opportunity to really get up close with the animals. Most of them are placed with horse racing trainers who know how to get the best from any animal. It typically takes many months of careful work and training for the equines to be ready for the track. Some animals are especially bred to race on the flat, but other jump fences on their way around the course, and yet others have special breeding to be trotters or pacers pulling a light cart and jockey behind them.

Many people make the decision that they want to buy a race horse and then start to look around for a suitable trainer. The type of trainer will depend on which area of racing they want to explore. By far the biggest field is flat race meets. These are run over a fairly short distance and the horses are usually thoroughbreds.

In the tight knit world of race horses reputation is everything. A good trainer will have plenty of people saying positive things about them. Their clients will be loyal and only to happy to give them a glowing reference. It is a good idea to talk with a number of people to ensure that there is consistency in the reports.

A good trainer will work with each client to find them the best horses. These people have spent their lives around horses and really know what they are looking at. Yet even the horses with the best breeding do not always go on to be track winners. Owners must be prepared for many disappointments before they find that all important winner. For most owners there will only be one really good horse in their lifetime.

A good barn will also have plenty of well fenced turn out areas so the horses can relax and enjoy some grass to eat. Even a valuable race animal needs time outside to stretch his legs and play. Many of the top horses have a small donkey or even a goat as a companion. This is a huge help to keeping them psychologically happy, but reduces the risk of injury from a kick or bite.

Knowing when to run a horse for the first time is a vital skill that every good trainer has. Running young horses before they are ready is one of the most damaging things that can happen. Although waiting can be really difficult it is vital to wait until the animal is both physically and psychologically ready.

Before putting a horse into training a client should consider the costs. It is important to have a clear discussion with the trainer to understand everything that will be involved. For example, veterinarian and farrier fees are usually extra. Along with race registration and transport costs. However, as the horse crosses the finish line in first place, every penny will be worth it.




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