by Megan Kingsley

Created on: January 26, 2010

Like any elite athlete, a high-class racehorse is carefully managed to assure the best health and performance.  There are many intricacies involved in caring for an equine superstar, but the basics are similar whether the horse is a million-dollar Stakes winner, or a more modest racer at a lower-class track.

Stabling – While at the track, racehorses are kept in individual stalls.  These are valuable animals bred and trained to run; they are stabled for their own safekeeping.  Stalls are usually 12 feet by 12 feet or larger, and bedded in either clean straw or pine shavings.  More exotic bedding materials such as peat moss, peanut hulls, and paper shavings may occasionally be seen.  Each horse is exercised daily; either by a workout on the track, a walk around the shed row, or even hand-grazing on a lead shank for a bite of green grass and fresh air.  Most racehorses leave their stalls at least twice each day to prevent boredom and to keep muscles limber.  A visitor to the backside of the racetrack in the afternoon will often see horses grazing peacefully under a shade tree in the company of a groom.

Shoeing – Thoroughbreds, as a breed, are notorious from problem hooves.  Hoof care is vital at the track and a proper trimming and shoeing job can mean the difference between a winning horse and an also-ran, or even whether a racehorse finishes a race.  Badly-managed hooves and shoeing can be very dangerous for the horse.  At best, the animal will not be able to run to its full potential.  At worst, it could mean a career- or life-ending injury.  Grooms and caretakers of racehorses are obsessed with the animal’s hooves and legs, and rightly so. Although shoeing for racehorses may differ from that of a saddle horse, the basic idea is the same; to protect the hooves, ensure the most efficient stride, and keep the horse sound. 

Grooming and Daily Care – a groom is one of the most important people to a racehorse.  Spending large amounts of time daily with the horses in their care, a groom is often the first to notice that something may be wrong; a sore spot on the horse’s back, a reluctance to eat, or a change in attitude.  In addition, daily grooming stimulates the animal’s muscles much like a massage and can help retain muscle tone in an injured animal that may not be able to exercise.  Grooming also helps to relax the horse; always an advantage in a

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