Questions for Standardbred racing!

[NEWT]

Well, my first question is this: is this particular forum just for Thoroughbred racing or may I post Standardbred questions here too?

If I may ask more questions, here they go:

I am a pleasure/trail rider but interested in acquiring a few standardbred horses for racing. I know NOTHING about the business. How do I learn? Is there a book, LOL? :lol:

Today I went to a small auction (just to learn, not to buy). Many of the horses had nickle-sized scars on their legs, both front and back legs (four to five of them). What vet procedure is that from and is that something that would stop you from bidding?

Do any of you cross train your racers in other disciplines or is that just plain weird ( I told you I was a novice!).

Thanks for reading (and replying!)

[tradewind]

There are several standarbred people here on this forum, not as many as TB folks but they are around! Many people have retrained Standarbreds to be trail, endurance, speed racking, and lower level dressage and lower level eventing mounts. New Vocations has a program for transitioning Standarbreds as well as TBs. They have very reasonable adoption fees and have a section on their website devoted to the beginnings of restarting Standardbreds specifically. The advantage of going that route is the horses have been evaluated by a vet, have started undersaddle training, and have had their temperments evaluated as well. They stand behind their horses also. You might want to check them out. As far as specific track handling, breaking, and training, I am clueless. I am sure one of the fine Standardbred people on this forum would be glad to assist you with those questions. Standarbreds are a fine breed in my opinion!

[sk_pacer]

White dots are from cryo (freeze firing) to an injury. Depending where it was, it wouldn’t bother me too much. The frequent culprits receiving this treatment are curby hocks and splints; it helps curbs, but I’m not too sure about it helping splints a whole lot - some routinely freeze splints, old or new, high or low, and it doesn’t matter if the horse is sound on it or lame, or even just ouchy.

As to cross-training, I once raced a mare that would race once a week, then on Sundays was taken to playdays and they chased cans on her. She did well at both. I know people that use their race horses for hunting, both as saddle horses and pack horses. I’ve had a couple that I worked cattle with and raced at the same time. They are pretty smart horses and figure out differences really quick - even small differences such as the difference between race harness and regular light driving harness, so the leap to saddle is nothing for them. It is also rare for a Standardbred to buck or otherwise fight any training - resist, yes, fight, almost never. In 40 years, I only saw one buck hard enough to unload a rider, and he did it well - dumped the rider in a sh!t bin.

Any more questions, just fire away and I will do my best to answer them.

[NEWT]

Tradewind, thank you for your reply. I’ve met some very nice standardbreds and they seem to have so much heart and be happy at so many different disciplines. Such a nice breed!

Sk_pacer, wow, that’s awesome that the horses can easily be cross-trained. I bet that makes them interested in each job since it cuts down on boredom! Thanks for the scoop on the cryo procedure. Years ago I remember seeing something similar on thoroughbreds but yet it looked different (just a bit). Glad to know its not a deal breaker.

I’m sure I’ll come up with more questions and will pester you for answers!

[Pacing_Mare]

NEWT where are you located? Are you looking to get into owning them to race or getting your trainers license?

Somedays I wish there was a book. But I’ve learned from being at the track and working with and around many differnt trainers. And my favorite thing is breaking them to ride. A lot of the trainers I’m around don’t like that. But I think it’s really good for them. The one mare I broke to ride has been in the open lately and keeps winning. I tell them guess it didn’t hurt her any. Actually a lot of them really seem to love being taught to ride and doing something new. I think the ones that are broke to ride seem happier.

[cripplecreekfrm]

I work at my local STB track when it is open for racing and though I don’t currently own any that are racing, all of mine raced and were ridden at the same time. I had one that I hunted first flight on his off days and he loved it and it made him more interested in his racing.

[NEWT]

Thanks Pacing_mare, I can imagine you do get a few raised eyebrows when breaking your horses to saddle! I am not looking to train, just own the horse. At least, that’s what I want right now, LOL. I’m going into this slowly and won’t be purchasing a horse until next spring.

Cripplecreek, what is first flight?

[NEWT]

Okay, a few more novice questions coming at ya!

When you’ve finally got your horse fit to race how often is it customary to race him?

There aren’t many race tracks here in Maine. But, it seems there are stables at the few I’ve been to and I see the signs say its $1/horse to use the track. What is the usual board to expect? I guess this will be different depending upon what state you are in so maybe this is a silly question.

How much does one pay a trainer? How about the driver? Any other expenses besides the usual vet and farrier fees?

What are the fees to enter your horse into a race?

Am I driving you all crazy now?:lol:

[sk_pacer]

NEWT - training fees are totally dependant on location and to some extent, purse structure. This means they can range from 20.00 a day and up to 100 or more. Driver fees are always a minimum based on purse for 6th and worse and a percentage of the purse for first through fifth unless the percentage is less than the set fees. As to other fees, in some regions it is customary to add groom’s fees and paddock fees, and in others, it doesn’t happen.

Board doesn’t happen because training fees are all inclusive for basic care and conditioning (at least here) and stall rent is also covered in that fee. Some places may bill the owner of record directly for stall rent but again, that is regional.

Most people try to get one start a week or ten days on a horse because some horses just hate training and getting the effort out of that kind to keep it fit is tricky.

No fees to enter overnight events, but stakes payments can range from a ten dollar naming fee on up to tens of thousand dollars depending on the race.

Additional fees you are responsible for: all of your membership fees, transfer of ownership fees, eligibility card for each horse (yeah, yeah, I know it is electronic now but I am old and to me it is still cards) and all fees set to the owner by the local jurisdiction/commission.

[Pacing_Mare]

Sk_pacer you beat me too it!!! lol.
Newt I hear it harder to race up in Maine. Most of the maine boys are here in NY. And some go to FL for the winter.

[SunnysideJate]

I don’t know too much about harness racing but I do own an off the track Standardbred, Sunny. I can comment on thier versatility, intelligence and personality. Sunny is retrained as a riding horse and is doing beginner hunter classes sucessfully. He has a beautiful w/t/c , simple lead changes (working on auto leads now) and has been started over fences. I board at a H/J barn and when we moved in most people thought he was a Warmblood.

At the National STB show we have fresh off the track classes (in harness) and ride and drive classes. There are so many talented STBs in my area and one thing I have learned too is the owners (racing and pleasure) are very dedicated to the horses. I was very impressed by that. I am happy that his prior trainer cared enough to help him find a loving forever home.

[Pacing_Mare]

[QUOTE=SunnysideJate;5848723]
I don’t know too much about harness racing but I do own an off the track Standardbred, Sunny. I can comment on thier versatility, intelligence and personality. Sunny is retrained as a riding horse and is doing beginner hunter classes sucessfully. He has a beautiful w/t/c , simple lead changes (working on auto leads now) and has been started over fences. I board at a H/J barn and when we moved in most people thought he was a Warmblood.

At the National STB show we have fresh off the track classes (in harness) and ride and drive classes. There are so many talented STBs in my area and one thing I have learned too is the owners (racing and pleasure) are very dedicated to the horses. I was very impressed by that. I am happy that his prior trainer cared enough to help him find a loving forever home.[/QUOTE]

I want to go to the national STB show.My boss went this year and next year she;s taking a few of the other girls with her. I seen tons of pics it looks like a blast!

[red_mares]

I will defer to others on answering detailed questions, but you might try and find a copy of “The Care & Training of the Trotter & Pacer”. I grew up reading it, as Mom had a copy left over from her groom days. Even though I don’t have standardbreds, I think it’s one of the best books out there.

[WhiteCamry]

1. Are all harness races in North America one mile? For me, that’s been the one big turn-off about it.

2. Does anyone know anything about harness racing overseas? I recall seeing about a year ago on t.v. a harness race in Europe which was much longer than a mile. Also, instead of a rolling start they had a “parade” start; that is, they walked in post parade fashion to a point on the track, where upon they all turned 90 degrees to their left and off they went.

[SunnysideJate]

Pacing_Mare it is a blast! Did your boss do the driving or undersaddle classes (or both?) I did meet a woman from NY that brought her horse for the first time and he was currently racing. I wonder if it was your boss…lol…

Normally my trainer is very strict at shows but she knows the National is a fun event for me and we make a day of it. She was very impressed at the level of competition and the well turned out horses and riders/drivers. You should really come down for it you will have a great time! Alex Brown even did a book signing this year and rode in the ride a buck (and won) class. I hope to see you there next year! Elaine

[sk_pacer]

@WhiteCamry;5851603

1. Are all harness races in North America one mile? For me, that’s been the one big turn-off about it.

2. Does anyone know anything about harness racing overseas? I recall seeing about a year ago on t.v. a harness race in Europe which was much longer than a mile. Also, instead of a rolling start they had a “parade” start; that is, they walked in post parade fashion to a point on the track, where upon they all turned 90 degrees to their left and off they went.

Most races are a mile however there are a few much longer (an annual 3+ mile trot in Quebec comes to mind) and there are special events such as Xtreme Racing which was just held recently at Georgian Downs with races from 1/8 of a mile sprint to 3 miles. Many fair meets also have odd-ball distances from time to time. For the record, I find the incessant sprints a turn off in any kind of running horse races.

Many overseas races are longer than a mile, but about the only place that uses the standing start now is Australia, and it is becoming a thing of the past. Most races on the Continent are trotting races, while Great Britain has a large number of pacers; Australia and NZ races are mostly pacing.

[DeeDeeDee]

OP- it’s great that you are so interested in STBs. They are awesome horses and some are capable of excelling in many discipines. Truly great to work with too.

As for the racing end - learn as much as you possibly can before taking the plunge. There are good trainers out there, but also lots of problems in the sport, esp with drugs, etc. I say this as someone with a background in the sport (no longer involved) . There is a long harness racing tradition in Maine, the more folks you can meet and talk to, the better.

But again, Standies are awesome horses, big hearts and kind., of course great athletes. Would love to adopt/buy another one for myself, as a trail horse.

Best wishes!

[cripplecreekfrm]

[QUOTE=WhiteCamry;5851603]

1. Are all harness races in North America one mile? For me, that’s been the one big turn-off about it.

Right now Colonial Downs is having their fall harness meet and they have 3/4 mile dashes and 1 1/4 races but Colonial is the only place that I know of that races different distances

NEWT First flight hunting in Northern Va is jumping 3 to 4 foot coops and tearing around after the hounds. It is really a blast!

Right now I do not have a STB in my field and I feel lost. I found my last one the best home ever and he is right down the road. I am working on picking up at least one and maybe two this year when Colonial’s meet ends.

[Big_Tag]

[QUOTE=cripplecreekfrm;5860793]

[QUOTE=WhiteCamry;5851603]1) Are all harness races in North America one mile? For me, that’s been the one big turn-off about it.

Right now Colonial Downs is having their fall harness meet and they have 3/4 mile dashes and 1 1/4 races but Colonial is the only place that I know of that races different distances

NEWT First flight hunting in Northern Va is jumping 3 to 4 foot coops and tearing around after the hounds. It is really a blast!

Right now I do not have a STB in my field and I feel lost. I found my last one the best home ever and he is right down the road. I am working on picking up at least one and maybe two this year when Colonial’s meet ends.[/QUOTE]

Yonkers in NY is big on the 1 1/16 mile races. Most of their overnights are at that distance now. Outr local track gets on this mile and a 1/4 kick every so often but, in short, yes, a mile is the overwhelming majority distance.

If someone answered this already I apologize, but a fit/sound STB typically can race once a week.

[sk_pacer]

I had actually meant to post this a couple of days ago but things got in the way and I forgot. This is about the annual 5 mile pace held in Quebec:
Treasure Planet Upsets In Le 5 Milles