Harness racing, while not originally American, has evolved significantly in the United States since it emerged as an organized sport in the early 19th century.
Harness Racing in the Early 19th Century
During this time, harness racing mainly revolved around specially-crafted vehicles and lightweight gear, despite a significant number of races taking place under saddle. The visual evidence from this period clearly indicates that these elements were already common in harness racing.
The Influence of American Carriage Builders
Exceptional American carriage builders were instrumental in the production of lightweight racing vehicles. Their success was largely attributable to the abundance of high-quality timber in America. The harnesses were masterfully crafted to be as light as possible without compromising their strength. Contrastingly, they excluded any merely decorative components.
In the creative process of making harnesses, items like side-check bearing reins, snaffle driving bits, and running martingales were commonly used. Following the invention of the overdraw bearing rein, or overcheck, in 1853, its deployment in harness racing gradually intensified.
Harness Racing in the Modern Times
In the contemporary era, the most popular harnesses are not created from leather, but almost exclusively from synthetic materials. Notably, these man-made forms, typically plastic-coated nylon, require minimal maintenance besides basic wiping after usage.
As an added advantage, some parts of these harnesses are now lighter, and available in a diverse palette to reflect personal preferences or stable protocols. Over the last half-century, the fundamental design of the harness hasn’t altered significantly. The ‘two-minute style’, first introduced approximately 80 years back and lacking a breast collar, is in current use, usually conjoined with a buxton (breastplate) to keep the saddle firm.
The Rise of Pony Harness Racing
One of the notable recent trends in American harness racing is the increase in popularity of pony harness racing. The ponies are typically saddled in leather harnesses, similar in design to those used for horses. Harness racing continues to be an intriguing facet of American culture.
Bridle and Bits in Harness Racing
The harness racing bridle possesses close resemblance to a conventional blinkered driving bridle, and it is employed without a noseband. The reins are notable for their length and multiple hand-loops, which enable the driver to maintain constant contact with the horse’s mouth. While racing, the driver sits on the excess reins to prevent them from getting entangled.
| Type of Bridle | Description |
|---|---|
| Open bridle | Allows the horse to see every angle |
| Blind bridle | Restricts the horse from seeing beside and behind him |
| Kant See Back bridle | Restrains the horse from seeing behind him |
| Telescopic bridle (Peek-a-boo bridle) | Restricts the vision of the horse to only a small view in front |
| Swedish blind bridle | Allows the driver to remove the Blind bridle by pulling it up with a string and turning it into an open bridle at any point in the race |
| Blinker bridle | Restricts the horse’s vision to a partial side and front view |
The Structure and Usage of Reins
These uniquely designed reins are threaded underneath the breast harness straps, guided through the terrets on the saddle, and finally reach the driver. This ensures that the reins stay securely in position during the race, mitigating the risk of any mishaps.
The Choice of Bits in Harness Racing
Types of Driving Bits:
Driving bits mainly help provide the horse’s driver with control. The specific kind of bit used can greatly assist in managing horses that are difficult to steer or have a tendency to pull. Below are some specific types of driving bits and their uses:
- Frisco June bit: Most trainers prefer using this type, especially when training a yearling horse.
- Wire bit: This can be beneficial for handling a horse with a tendency to pull hard.
- Sidelining, Houghton, Braden direct, or Slip mouth: These are ideal for horses that are difficult in terms of steering.
- Normal snaffle: This is often sufficient for a quiet horse with good steering behavior.
Overcheck Bits
Types of Overcheck Bits:
Overcheck bits are generally used to keep the horse’s head at a desired level. Different designs cater to various horse behaviors:
- Standard overcheck bit: This is the most popular choice among trainers. Its main purpose is to set the horse’s head to a desired height.
- Speedway, Mini, or Basic chin strap: These can be used if a horse needs to lean on the bit.
- Crit Davis, Burch, Z guide, or Bar bit: If a horse tends to tuck its head in, causing obstruction of the air passage in their throat, these types of overcheck bits become necessary.
The choice of the type of bit being utilized largely depends on individual horse behaviors, thereby requiring the trainer to have an understanding of the horse’s behavior and the purpose of each bit.
Bridle Accessories for Horses
A variety of accessories can be added to a horse’s bridle in order to enhance the control of the horse and minimize distractions. These accessories include ear hoods, earplugs, pull-out earplugs, head poles, line poles, bit burrs, jawbreakers, Murphy blinds, and shadow rolls.
Ear Protection
Types of Ear Protection:
Horses can become nervous or anxious in response to certain sounds. Ear protection accessories help to minimize these distractions, allowing the horse to focus on the race.
- Ear hood: Covers the horse’s ears to muffle sounds.
- Ear plugs: Inserts directly into the horse’s ears to reduce noise.
- Pull-out ear plugs: Similar to regular ear plugs, but designed to be easily removed by the driver using a string during a race.
Bridle Devices for Horse Control
Types of Control Devices:
Certain devices can be added to the bridle to help maintain a horse’s straight gait or improve steering.
- Head pole: Used on the inside to address a horse that tends to veer in. It attaches from the head halter ring to the harness.
- Murphy blind: Attached to the bridle to restrict vision, used on the left for a horse that bears in.
- Bit burr: Added to the existing bit in order to improve steering control.
- Jawbreaker: Functions similarly to bit burrs, enhancing steering.
Vision and Distraction Limiting Devices
Types of Vision and Distraction Limiting Devices:
Horses can become distracted by objects or shadows on the racetrack, and in some cases, even try to jump over them. These devices limit such distractions and focus the horse’s vision, enhancing the control of the horse.
- Shadow roll: Placed above the horse’s nose and below the eyes to limit visibility of nearby objects. Made of sheepskin, available in different sizes.
- Roll-up shadow roll: A variation of the shadow roll that can be rolled up or down depending on the situation.
- Shadow-blind: Similar to a shadow roll, this device obstructs the horse’s view of shadows.
Additionally, some horses may dislike dirt hitting their faces or look around too much, which can be addressed using:
- Fly screens: Placed in front of the horse’s eyes to protect them from dirt and other debris while maintaining forward focus.
Understanding the Overcheck in Harness Racing
An integral part of harness racing gear, the overcheck proves essential in keeping the horse’s head lifted while racing. Unlike the bearing rein which aims to prompt flexion, the overcheck focuses on a steady head elevation.
Overcheck Bit and Its Positioning
The overcheck bit finds its place above the conventional driving snaffle. It is held high in the horse’s mouth with the help of a snug, elevated nosepiece that links to the bit rings. The particular design and positioning of the overcheck bit ensure that it serves its purpose effectively while providing a comfortable fit for the horse.
The Route of the Overcheck Rein
The overcheck rein straps forge a crossing on the horse’s forehead and slip under the brow-band. They are routed through two keepers on the headpiece, ultimately reaching a T-shaped check hook located on the saddle. This strategic path aids in keeping the horse’s head up during the race.
Adjusting and Usage of the Overcheck Rein
The overcheck rein is tailor-adjusted at the saddle end, establishing an optimal fit for each horse. Primarily used during races or fast training sessions, it is the final piece of equipment to be fine-tuned before race time. Generally, the more seasoned the horse, the tighter the check rein is secured.
Impact of Overcheck On Horse Performance
Many horses discover an improvement in their breathing patterns when their heads are held high; often, they lift their heads higher than the overcheck requires. This elevated head posture also promotes movement efficiency as it aids in maintaining a balance, further enhancing their performance during the race.
Utilizing Breast Harness in Harness Racing
Harness racing employs the lightweight buggy breast harness, designed specifically for the sport. Its key feature, an elongated breastpiece, offers improved functionality and enhances performance during the race.
Breast Harness Traces and Saddle Loops
Each end of the breastpiece extends to form long traces. These traces are threaded through loops on the saddle, integrating smoothly with the rest of the racing gear.
Coiling Procedure and Shaft Connection
Once passing through the loops on the saddle, the traces are coiled tightly around the length of the shafts on the two-wheeled sulkies. This secure coil ensures stability and optimal performance during the race. After coiling the traces around the shafts, they are finally hooked onto the ends of the shafts, completing the connection process.
The use of a light buggy breast harness in harness racing allows for a secure and comfortable fit on the horse while providing the necessary stability for efficient movement during the race.
The Harness Racing Saddle and Its Significance
The harness racing saddle holds a paramount place in the sport’s gear, furnished with features that enhance the horse’s comfort and performance. This finely designed component plays a critical role in securing the sulky and maintaining the balance throughout the race.
Features of the Harness Racing Saddle
The saddle is equipped with convenient additions like a check hook and rein terrets at the top. Moreover, an extra tug pocket located high up on each side serves as a secure place to drive in the ends of the shafts.
Fastening the Girth and Securing the Shafts
Unlike in other equestrian sports, the girth of a racing saddle need not be secured tightly. Instead, straps protrude from each side of the girth, which are coiled around the shafts with significant firmness. Subsequently, they are buckled in place.
Impact on Balance and Stability
This unique saddle-fastening method accomplishes two significant purposes: it retains the saddle in its correct position and anchors the shafts to prevent any unanticipated movements during the race. By keeping the saddle and the shafts stable, it ensures the balance of the horse and sulky remains undisturbed, contributing to an efficient and safe racing experience.
Harness Racing Hobbles and Their Usage
Hobbles, commonly known as hopples, got their start as a training tool for pacers. Over time, their function evolved, and now they’re an integral element in majority of pacing races.
Early Development and Material of Hobbles
Originally, hobbles consisted of four stiff, elongated loops. The early versions were usually constructed from metal liners wrapped in leather or latigo leather covered with calf-skin.
Placement and Composition of Hobbles
For pacers, two loops are affixed on the forearms, nearer to the elbows, and the other two are positionedon the hind legs above the hocks. These loops at each side are held together by adjustable straps and secured by four hobble hanger straps, with a spreader at the top of the rear ones.
It’s interesting to note that trotters also had similar hobbles at one point in time. However, theirs had connecting straps that crossed diagonally. Nowadays, trotting hobbles are typically worn only on the forearms and are connected by a strong cord through a metal pulley behind the girth.
Modern Hobbles Design and Maintenance
Today’s hobbles are usually made from lightweight and non-abrasive plastic, a big improvement from the heavier designs of the past. To ensure even more movement freedom, the insides of the leg loops and the horse’s legs are often lubricated with vaseline or lard.
The length between the hobbles is adjusted according to the individual horse, with the extra ends taped up for safety.
Adjustment Period and Condition of Horses
When a horse first starts using hobbles, their legs often become sore due to the new equipment. However, with regular work, the sores eventually heal and the skin hardens, making the horse more comfortable and effective when racing with hobbles.
The Essential Role of the Pole in Harness Racing
In the context of harness racing, the pole serves a crucial function in managing the horse’s movement. It’s a simple device, usually a length of wood, but plays a significant role in guiding the horse and preventing any sideward drift.
The Purpose of the Pole
The main objective of the pole is to deter the horse from leaning to one side, a tendency that can lead to unbalance and potential dangers during a race. It acts as a straight guide, encouraging the horse to maintain a linear direction.
Positioning of the Pole
In terms of placement, the pole is hooked strategically between the bridle and the saddle. By being positioned in this way, it’s able to optimally influence the horse’s movement and keep it on a straight course.
By ensuring the horse stays directed forward and mitigating sideward drift, the pole plays a vital part in keeping the racing safe and efficient.
The Use and Benefits of the Bluffter in Harness Racing
In the electrifying environment of racing, horses can sometimes get startled or “shy” at sudden movements or changes. A unique piece of equipment, known as a bluffter, plays an essential role in minimizing this risk, ensuring both the safety and focus of the racing horse.
Description and Design of a Bluffter
A bluffter is essentially a noseband, typically made from a thick foam-rubber roll, which is then covered in fleece for added comfort. The bluffter is not just limited to encircling the nose. It extends up the sides of the horse’s face, all the way to the browband where it is securely tied off.
Effectiveness of the Bluffter
A key feature of the bluffter is that it obstructs the horse’s lower and rearward vision. In doing so, it efficiently minimizes the horse’s awareness of any unexpected movement or distractions, keeping the horse focused on what’s ahead – the finish line.
Fitting of the Bluffter
The bluffter features a central strap that attaches to the headpiece of the horse’s bridle, ensuring that it stays in place during the race. An additional strap is used to secure the back part of the noseband, further reinforcing the stability of the bluffter.
Designed with safety and performance in mind, the bluffter is a testament to the intricate considerations that go into preparing trotters and pacers for the intensity of the racing track.
The Importance of Ear Cones in Harness Racing
Ear cones are unique pieces of equine equipment that are particularly relevant in the context of harness racing. They serve key purposes in maintaining a focused and calm demeanor in the competing horses.
Design and Material of Ear Cones
Ear cones are small, cloth hoods specifically designed to fit over the ears of a horse. Their fabric composition ensures a comfortable and secure fit while providing optimal sound muffling capabilities.
The Role of Ear Cones in Racing
The primary function of ear cones is to deaden the sound of other horses approaching from behind. This reduces distractions, keeps the horse focused on moving forward, and minimizes anxiety that may stem from the noisy commotion of a race.
Importance of Shoeing for Standardbreds in Harness Racing
In squad harness racing, the practice of adequately shoeing a Standardbred horse is largely considered as instrumental to its success as an equine athlete. Most trainers rely on skilled blacksmiths to ensure optimum hoof health, protection and function for these horses. The intrinsic purpose of shoeing is to ensure that all four of the horse’s hooves are level when striking the racing surface, promoting movement soundness while maximizing speed performance.
Factors Affecting Shoeing
Two paramount factors come into play when shoeing a Standardbred horse in harness racing — these are:
Length of the Toe: Essential in determining the horse’s balance and whether the horse develops interference.
Angle of the Hoof: The angular measurement of the hoof, largely determined by the length of the toe and the height of the heel while the foot is level to the ground.
In addition, the conformation of the horse can significantly affect the natural angle of the horse’s foot.
A proficient blacksmith utilizes a tool referred to as a “hoof level” to determine the horse’s hoof angle and a “caliper” to measure the toe’s length. The blacksmith can adjust balance and gait on the trainer’s request by lowering or raising the hoof.
A “perfect” trotter would typically have a toe length of nearly 3 ½ inches and a front hoof angle of 48°, with a 3 ¼ inch toe behind at a 54° angle. Similarly, an ideal pacer would wear a 3 1/4 inch toe on the front with a 50° angle and a 3 1/8 inch toe with a 54° angle behind. However, perfection is rarely achievable; trotters or pacers without any interference problems are precious few.
Trade-offs with Long and Short Toes
While a longer toe is known to provide more balance to a trotter, it might also lead to interference and affect the overall soundness of the horse due to more strain on the body. As a precautionary measure, some trainers may choose to keep their horses’ toes shorter. Toe length adjustment can be achieved by rasping or trimming, either with a blacksmith’s rasp or nippers.
Shoeing Adjustments Based on Gait
Shoeing may also be adjusted based on the horse’s gait. For instance, if a pacer has a high pick-up motion in his front feet, the trainer may order the heel to be lowered, thereby causing the horse to have a longer stride.
Shoe Types for Harness Racing
Harness racing horses have three primary shoe types to choose from:
- Swedge: This shoe type has a crease that can extend all over or midway around, aiding a horse’s grab on the racetrack.
- Half-Round: Characterized by a rounded part that strikes the racetrack, this shoe type boosts a horse’s ability to break over.
- Flat: As the name suggests, this shoe is flat, with the blacksmith often adding a borium grab or calk to it for increasing the horse’s grab on the racetrack.
Different horses may require different shoes based on their weight, size, and racing style. Pacing shoes are typically lighter than trotting shoes, and plastic and aluminum shoes are less heavy than steel ones. Regardless, the latter two dominate Standardbred racing for the security and stability they provide.
Nevertheless, depending on the horse’s requirements, ribbed bell boots, toe weights, calk, grab and bars can be added to shoes for better stride, traction, pressure relief, and other benefits.
Remedial Shoeing Practices
In case of hoof soreness, the blacksmith may recommend protective shoeing like the “mushroom” shoe or inserting pads between the hoof and the shoe. Plastic, leather, and other types of pads are available, and some are magnetized or feature a cushioned frog. Some horses may require a square toe for easier break-over, while others may have their shoes turned backwards.
For horses presenting cross firing, a “diamond toe” modification or adding a trailer (extension to the shoe) is commonly performed.
Moreover, in the world of harness racing, the horse’s shoeing can significantly impact success on the racing track. As such, the task requires a high level of skill, patience, and sometimes, a little trial and error.
Ensuring Horse Safety: Protection from Injury in Harness Racing
When it comes to harness racing, protection against potential injuries is essential. Horses driven at speed can be prone to brushing, speedy cutting, and other forms of interference. Fortunately, there are numerous protective measures available, predominantly crafted from robust plastic materials.
Protective Devices for Harness Racing
Harness racing boots are one of the most extensively used devices to safeguard the legs and feet of racing horses. These boots are designed to focus on specific parts of a horse’s leg, providing comprehensive protection.
Horse Boots in Harness Racing
In harness racing, horses are often required to wear a variety of boots to protect their legs from self-inflicted injuries caused due to certain gaits or the horse’s conformation. These boots also aid in correcting their gait. These self-inflicted injuries, often resulting from the horse hitting itself during high-speed movement, can be avoided using specific boots designed for their protection.
Types of Boots
Knee Boots:
Knee boots are worn on the front legs to prevent injuries from a movement referred to as “knee knocking”. Knee knocking is a term used when a horse’s front leg swings up and forward, hitting the opposite knee.
Scalpers:
Scalping is a condition that usually affects trotters when they hit their back coronary band with their front foot causing injuries. Scalpers are boots designed to protect their legs from these injuries. While pacers can also require scalpers, it should be noted that the scalpers used for pacers are shorter in height compared to those used for trotters.
Hind Shin Boots with Speedy Cut Connection:
Speedy cutting refers to the action of a trotter hitting its hind pastern with the front hoof. To protect the horse from these injuries, hind shin boots with a speedy cut connection are used.
Quarter Boots or Bell Boots:
Cross firing is an action during which a horse hits its front quarter with its back hoof. To prevent injuries from this action, horses wear either quarter boots or bell boots that offer protection to the front quarters.
The selection and use of these boots are based on the specific needs and behaviors of the horse.
Glossary of Terms
| Equipment | Function/Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bell Boots | Protect the horse’s hoof from interference and can add weight to help balance a horse’s gait |
| Bit Burr | Added to the existing bit to prevent a horse from getting on a line |
| Blind Bridle | Used on a lazy horse or a horse that likes to do too much looking around |
| Boots | Protect certain areas from interference/injury |
| Brace Bandages | Wide gait behind and support and protect injured legs |
| Breast Collar | Prevent harness from slipping back |
| Cheek Rolls | Sheepskin roll attached to an open bridle acts the same as a Kant See Back Bridle |
| Choke Plate | Prevents the horse from cutting his air passage by ducking his head |
| Crupper | Prevents harness from slipping forward |
| Ear Plugs/Hood | Prevents the horse from hearing noises that may disturb him |
| Figure 8 Halter | Keeps a horse’s mouth shut and is more severe than a head halter |
| Four-ring Check | Prevents a horse from lying too hard on the overcheck by applying pressure thru the lines |
| Gaiting Strap | Keeps a horse from moving from side to side between the shafts |
| Gliders/Spreaders | Widens the horse’s front legs to prevent a horse from hitting its knees |
| Head Halter | Keeps a horse’s mouth shut and used to attach the martingale and head pole |
| Head Pole/Line Pole | Keeps a horse’s head straight but cannot protrude past the horse’s nose |
| Hobbles | Helps to keep a horse on stride |
| Hobble Hangers | Attached to the harness to support the hobbles |
| Jawbreaker | Used on a bad steering horse |
| Kant See Back | Restrains the horse from seeing behind him |
| Kicking Strap | Prevents the horse from kicking over shaft of bike or jogger |
| Lip Cord | Prevents a horse from pulling |
| Martingale | Prevents a horse from raising his head |
| Murphy Blind | Restricts the horse’s view, keeps a horse going straight |
| Open Bridle | Keeps a horse calm |
| Shadow Roll | Prevents a horse from seeing shadows or objects on the racetrack |
| Spoon | Applied to overcheck bit like a double bar, for a horse that leans on the overcheck |
| Stiff Crupper | Prevents harness from slipping forward and prevents the horse from switching his tail |
| Tail Tie | Prevents the horse from switching his tail and from kicking by tying tail to bike or jogger |
| Tongue Tie | Prevents the horse from choking by swallowing his tongue by keeping the tongue under the bit |
