So when they are on the track with a cart on why do they have straps around their legs? And how do they train them to pace in the first place? Its not a natural gait. I have two SB's one is a ex race and he just will not canter or gallop but the other one has never been raced and he hasnt once paced. So any idea how they do it?
@no1horselover Most standardbreds are born with the natural "pace" unless they are trotters. The straps are called Hopples. They race in them so that they dont break stride into a gallop during a race. Trainers will sometimes keep hobbles on them during daily exercise to better there way of going or keep them pacing instead or trotting or galloping. Also helps the horse use the right muscles.
So when they are on the track with a cart on why do they have straps around their legs? And how do they train them to pace in the first place? Its not a natural gait. I have two SB's one is a ex race and he just will not canter or gallop but the other one has never been raced and he hasnt once paced. So any idea how they do it?
no1horselover 1 year ago
most of the time a standardbred will either pace or trot. it's natural for them. you can train them to rack.
DandD353 1 year ago
@no1horselover Most standardbreds are born with the natural "pace" unless they are trotters. The straps are called Hopples. They race in them so that they dont break stride into a gallop during a race. Trainers will sometimes keep hobbles on them during daily exercise to better there way of going or keep them pacing instead or trotting or galloping. Also helps the horse use the right muscles.
barrelracingqueen 1 year ago
I'm just watching.
DandD353 3 years ago
so are you pacing in this one or are you just being a spectator?
whitney3440 3 years ago