How to Train a Thoroughbred Horse to Race

Having racehorses can be a challenging venture, fraught with expense and risk. But in some cases, the rewards can be lucrative and exciting. Knowing as much as you can about racing and racehorses is imperative to increasing your chances of success. Since the most economical way of entering racing is by buying a young prospect and training it yourself, knowing how to train a racehorse is the first and most important step in racing thoroughbreds.

Things You'll Need

  • Trainer
  • Stable
  • Race track
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
  • Jockey
  • Starting gate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a qualified trainer and experienced jockey. Look at their previous track records and choose based on previous successes. Qualified trainers have winning horses in their stables and good references from other professionals in the business. An experienced jockey is one who has several professional races under his belt and can ride any thoroughbred with ease and confidence.

    • 2

      Have a veterinarian examine your thoroughbred to make sure she is healthy and able to race. Often, racehorses are run when they are very young, and the knees have not yet "closed." Make sure your horse is not so undeveloped that racing with cripple her. Have a veterinarian x-ray her knees to see if her bones have finished closing.

    • 3

      Provide the trainer with the best feed, care, and exercise schedule available. Keep up-to-date on your trainer's methods and results; and watch the exercise rides to see how the horse is coming along.

    • 4

      Run your thoroughbred on the track for practice and for "breezing," the term used for running a Thoroughbred on the track for exercise, then cooling him down. The more used to the track the horse gets, the more successful it will be.

    • 5

      Train the horse with a starting gate. The starting gate, with its narrow confines and noise, can be terrifying to a horse. Desensitize him to these stimuli before raceday. Have your trainer and exercise rider load and unload the horse into the gate, getting him used to the "spring" of the doors and the appropriate leap out of it.