How fast is a harness horse?
What causes horses to break stride?
How often does a horse race?
Why do drivers sometimes hold their horses back?
Why do some horses have their legs bandaged?
Is a driver permitted to bet?
Does a driver's weight make a difference in driving?
Is driving dangerous?
Is it better for a horse to race along the rail?
Are there age limits for racehorses?
How fast is a harness horse?
Races usually are contested at speeds averaging 25-30 miles per hour for the mile distance. When leaving the starting gate, top horses reach speeds close to 35 miles an hour.
What causes horses to break stride?
Several factors can cause breaks. A horse may be going too fast to maintain his gait. He may be tired. He may be interfered with. He may also be lame.
How often does a horse race?
Once a week is considered the ideal. The number of horses present in a particular class usually affects the number of racing opportunities he may have.
Why do drivers sometimes hold their horses back?
If a horse can go a mile in 2:05 and no more, a driver may pull back on him to "rate" him if the pace is too fast. Coming down the stretch, a driver may hold firmly to the lines to prevent a tired horse from breaking.
Why do some horses have their legs bandaged?
For the same reason that human athletes frequently wear tape and other bandages to help support their legs and provide protection.
Is a driver permitted to bet?
Yes, but only on his own horse.
Does a driver's weight make a difference in driving?
For years the experts have been saying no, except under muddy conditions. Some observers have noticed, however, that a majority of the sports leading drivers have tended to be on the small and light side.
Is driving dangerous?
A certain amount of danger is inherent in any activity that combines great speed and split second timing decisions. Harness racing contains both speed and the need for quick decisions.
Is it better for a horse to race along the rail?
Definitely. Mathematicians have figured that a horse racing five feet from the rail will travel 62 feet farther than the horse at the rail at the mile distance over a half-mile.
Are there age limits for racehorses?
A horse may not race until he reaches 2 years old or race beyond his 15th birthday.
