Training race horses is an exciting endeavor but is very time consuming and can become costly. In order for a trainer to do his or her job correctly, you must understand the standard time frame for training and why.
Understanding the time frame for getting a horse ready to run
Too many owners assume a race trainer can take their horse from being started under saddle to running on the race track in 30-60 days. This is not only impossible but dangerous to both horse and rider.
It takes a minimum of 60-days from starting a horse under saddle to galloping on the race track. It takes an additional 30-45 days before this horse is ready for his first work and gate schooling and then another 30-45 days training before this horse is ready for his first race.
Adding up the time involved for training, it can take anywhere from four to six months to get a horse ready for his first race.
Why the training process takes so long
In order for a horse to be ready to run, he has to be fit. For a horse to be fit (especially a two-year-old, first-time starter) takes months of training and preparation. A young horse is more susceptible to injuries, especially if he is raced before he is physically and mentally ready. An unfit horse has higher chances of breaking down because his body cannot handle the stress of running due to lack of muscle and bone mass. By taking the training process slow and in accordance to each horse’s physical and mental capabilities, this allows the young horse to grow and mature safely.
Practicing preventative medicine
A good trainer takes excellent care of the horses in his or her barn. By practicing preventative medicine on the horses in training, many injuries can be avoided completely. Preventative medicine includes:
- Evaluating each horse and putting him on an appropriate training schedule that is not too physically or mentally demanding for him to handle
- Taking excellent care of the horse physically by rubbing and wrapping his legs after galloping or working
- Using liniments in bathing water to rub over entire body to ease muscle soreness
- Learning every part of the horse’s body and recognizing any changes in physical appearance or temperature
- Learning the horse’s personality to determine if any changes are associated with stress or pain and
- Putting the horse on an appropriate feed schedule that will keep him healthy with plenty of energy
For trainers and owners, injuries mean a loss of income and time
The last thing a trainer or owner wants is for his or her horses to become injured. Sometimes no matter how good of care these horses receive, injuries cannot be avoided. When a horse sustains an injury, this means a loss of income for the trainer, wasted money spent from the owner and a loss of valuable training on the horse.
Depending on the severity and type of injury, the healing process may require a few days, weeks or months of rest where other injuries require surgery; laying a horse off from six months to a year.
Race horse owners please be patient
Sometimes owners get overly excited about seeing their horses run and want the trainer to push them. What an owner needs to understand is most trainers are not dragging their feet when it comes to training. A trainer is trying to ensure the horse is both physically and mentally ready to run. Owners, please be patient. By being patient, and allowing the trainer to do his or her job, you may find yourself in the winner’s circle.
Keri Sammons - I am a professional horse trainer. I have trained, raised and shown horses my entire life. I have been training professionally for the ...
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