Harness Horse Racing

 
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Harness horse racing is quite different to thoroughbred horse racing. In harness horse racing (also known as pacing), a horse which has been specially bred and trained, pulls the driver in a light two-wheeled cart known as a sulky.
 

The horse which is used in harness racing is called a standardbred. It looks similar to a thoroughbred, however it is smaller, with a more robust build and has a greater endurance. The standardbred is a fairly new breed which dates back only about 200 years.

The name "Standardbred" originated in 1879, when the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders in America set a standard which required the horse to cover a mile in the standard of 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or better.

In harness racing, the horse trots or paces, they must not gallop. If a horse begins to gallop, it will be disqualified if not quickly restrained. This requires the horse to have a great mental ability as well as physical strength. Pacing is not natural for a horse and therefore the horse must be trained to do so.

Harness horse racing can involve up to 14 horses, racing on an oval-shaped track. The races can begin with either a Standing Start or a Mobile Start.

With a Standing Start, horses are lined up behind elastic tapes which are stretched across the track, and released to start the race. This option is used when holding handicap races. The horses are not handicapped by carrying weight, they are handicapped by being placed a distance behind the standard release point.

With a Mobile Start, horses trot/pace slowly behind a moving vehicle which has gates fitted on it. These gates reach across the track at starting position, and upon release, the vehicle (known as "the mobile") accelerates away and the gates fold back, which allows the race to start.

Harness horse racing is popular all over the world, including North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

For more information on Harness horse racing, you can visit the following sites:

The United States Trotting Association (USTA) website offers plenty of information on American harness racing.

The Harness Horse Youth Foundation website offers information to the younger generation to educate them about harness racing.

For harness racing results click here.