AboutDon Boddie Expertise All aspects of the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry in New Zealand. I race thoroughbreds and have been the Marketing Manager for three NZ racing clubs. If I don`t know the answer to your question I know someone who does!
Experience 20 years in the racing industry. Currently focusing on breeding but involved in all aspects of the industry. Ive raced several thoroughbreds with modest success and have had great fun out of it.
Question Hi I recently purchased an aqha racehorse and am learning the basics of training my horse. I have him with a trainer that has been teaching him to run at 350 yards. I have friends that also race horses at this level and they give me information but i feel i need more information as i am a beginner. I want my horse to run fast as every other racer would. Well here is my question as an owner i do i know if my trainer is doing a good job and as an owner what do i need to know to help me become a better owner. And what can i do as an owner to see my horse become a better racer...I would really appreciate any advise you can give me.
Answer Hi Pete,
It would be helpful if I knew what an aqha horse was. 350yds seems a very short distance to be training over so I summise that your horse is a quarter horse?
If so this is not my area of expertise however when training any animal the sooner you start the better.
The internet is full of articles about horses and training but I have always found that just having an enquiring mind and asking lots of questions rapidly increases your knowledge.
When you watch your horse training are you seeing what the trainer is seeing? Probably not because he knows what to look for and you don't, yet! An interesting question to ask a trainer is "what are you looking at and what can you see"?
Ask him to explain what is going on and how to interpret it.
Other than that you will need time to increase your knowledge. Let the trainer train you as well as your horse!
