The life of a horse trainer is a demanding one, beginning long before the sun rises. A typical day starts extremely early, with trainers often arriving at the barn by 5 am. This is crucial for preparing horses for their morning training sessions, which usually commence when the track opens at 5:30 am. For a trainer managing a full barn, this early start allows for the meticulous preparation of multiple horses training together in a “set.”
Before any horse heads to the track, a thorough check is essential. This initial assessment is performed by the trainer or an assistant trainer. Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of respected trainer Charlie Whittingham, who famously stated that “horses are like strawberries, they go bad overnight,” a good trainer prioritizes constant vigilance. The stable hands, who are usually present by 4:30 am, play a vital role in this initial check. A key indicator of a horse’s well-being is its appetite. If a horse has consumed its evening feed, it is typically given its morning ration. Many trainers have specific feeding schedules, but the common practice involves feeding horses around 4 am to allow ample time for digestion before training.
Off-feed is a significant red flag, prompting further investigation. The groom will take the horse’s temperature to rule out any fever. Following this, the trainer or an assistant conducts a hands-on examination. If the horse appears healthy to the naked eye and has eaten its feed, the groom is instructed on when to tack up the horse for the track. However, if any issues are detected, the horse is walked and given a more in-depth examination, with the trainer erring on the side of caution to determine the best course of action.
The exercise rider then consults the training chart to see which horses they will be working that day. They will bring the necessary tack to the groom, who prepares the horse. Many trainers prefer to keep the same rider on a particular horse, fostering a strong rapport and understanding between horse and rider. After the horse is tacked up, the rider takes it for a few laps around the barn. This allows the trainer to observe how the horse reacts to the rider’s weight and how it feels underneath them. If the trainer has any reservations, they discuss it with the rider to make a joint decision on whether the horse will proceed with training.
While some trainers delegate much of this responsibility to their riders, others, like the author, prefer to personally oversee each horse’s training. A competent exercise rider can accurately interpret the trainer’s wishes and understand the horse’s individual needs. However, the trainer always emphasizes that if a horse doesn’t feel right, the rider should bring it back to the barn, underscoring the importance of clear communication and a shared understanding. Following training, the horse is cooled down and returned to its stall to rest before the trainer conducts another check. The trainer then confers with the veterinarian, relaying information about any horses that require examination, as a horse’s well-being is paramount.
The latter part of the morning is often dedicated to entering horses for upcoming races and communicating with clients. After this demanding morning, the trainer heads home to prepare for the races. A brief stop back at the barn to ensure everything is in order is common before heading to the racetrack, which is often considered the most exciting part of the day. Post-race, the trainer checks on the horses that competed. If all is well, it’s back home to rest before repeating the routine the next day. This demanding schedule highlights the full and dedicated nature of a horse trainer’s life.
References
- Past The Wire. (2020, February). A Day in the Life of a Horse Trainer. Retrieved from https://pastthewire.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-horse-trainer/
