As the popularity of the sport of horse racing grew, more public races were introduced, often with strict rules based on the sex and age of the runners. Rules regarding previous performance and qualification of riders also were instituted. Owners and riders were also permitted to race their own horses, and races were restricted geographically to specific towns or counties. In addition, a horse could only enter a race if it had previously won a certain amount of money.
Statics of a horse race
Horse racing is an exciting game, but the terms and statistics used can be confusing. The terms that you might not be familiar with include pace ratings, “cast,” and running positions. The term “cast” refers to a horse that is too far off the inside rail during its morning workout. A horse that is too far off the inside rail is likely to bear in radically during the race. You can easily calculate a horse’s speed using a WATT program.
Rules of a horse race
Horse races have a number of rules. The first horse to cross the finish line wins. If there are two or more horses, the winning horse must be declared by a steward after a photo finish is taken. The rules also determine how the winner is determined in a photo finish, which is when a horse has placed in a dead heat or finishes second but is not the exact weight of the other. If there are several horses in a heat, the rules vary from country to country.
Bar shoes protect an injured foot
A horseshoe may be a good solution to a painful foot. Bar shoes offer support to the rear half of the hoof, shifting support back under the leg. They also provide immediate improvement for many injured horses. Often, a horse looks much happier and at ease after wearing a bar shoe. A horseshoe can be made from steel, aluminum, or other alloy materials. Several farriers make bar shoes specifically for a horse.
King’s Plates were standardized races
The first standardized horse race took place during the 17th century. Charles II, who is known as the father of English turf, introduced a series of races in 1660. These races were held on turf and weighed six-year-old horses weighing up to 168 pounds. The races were regulated and some stock made its way to America. Today, the races are held in Newmarket, England, and feature a standardized field and rules.
Over-REACHING of the hind shoe
Over-REACHING is an injury to the horse’s hind shoe. It occurs when the hind foot strikes the heel bulb on the front foot, often during a fast change of direction. Over-reaching can be harmful to the horse’s tendon, or even the front end of its foot, and can cause bruising or lacerations. Depending on the severity of the over-reaching injury, the horse may suffer a pulled shoe or a cut cannon bone.
SCRATCH and SESAMOID in a horse race
What’s the difference between a SCRATCH and a SESAMOID in a horse race? Both are the result of overextension of the fetlock joint. During a footfall, the fetlock drops toward the racing surface and then flexes farther. The elastic ligaments and tendons are essential to absorb shock, and a horse can suffer an injury if they’re not in good condition.