Getting Started in Arabian Racing

The largest spectator sport for our horses has a special allure. It’s an exciting journey, not unlike a roller coaster ride, with thrills that are unmatched. You’ll be swept up in anticipation of race day, and sometimes months of prep that come before it. When the day comes, you’ll be surrounded by other anxious owners and fans in the paddock, some in giddy anticipation and others with a cool confidence- no one can really predict the outcome and emotion is high. Watching your horse saddled and the jockey take command, the excitement climbs. The rush you experience when your horse comes onto the track only builds and builds as he breaks from the gates and makes his run to the finish. Have you ever dreamed about how much fun it would be to be to stand in the Winners Circle with your horse? The larger-than-life atmosphere, unparalleled friendships you’ll make in racing, and the bond with the horses are a draw that most people can’t resist.

It’s all within your reach. You can do it with Arabian horses, and it’s never been easier.

OWNERSHIP CONSIDERATIONS

There are a number of ways to be an owner in racing: You can be a sole owner, a partner, or in a large partnership where you own a small percentage of a horse with a group of friends. See costs. When deciding to get into racing, don’t do it with the idea you will be guaranteed retirement off your racehorse’s earnings or even pay his training bills. Racing can be financially rewarding, but it is a speculative opportunity. Owning a racehorse is somewhat like buying lottery tickets, only a lot more fun and with odds to win that can be somewhat controlled by you with careful planning.

Even with the best plans, racehorse owners must continually remind themselves that horses can be trained but not programmed. Some horses just take more time to understand the game and get down to business. They may become tired or sore and need time off. They can be unpredictable in their performance when nothing else is wrong with them, and just have a bad day exactly like every human being experiences from time to time. Successful racehorse owners understand horses, and are prepared to deal with the ups and downs. Ownership requires responsibility and commitment, and a solid respect and admiration- if not love- for the horse.

If you are serious about participating in the Arabian racing industry and becoming a new owner, consider these suggestions:

GET FAMILIAR WITH THE GAME

Read. Start here with this website and read all of the pages and check out every link. Then continue by reading or subscribing to the Arabian racing industry publication, the Arabian Finish Line. Contact the racetracks to receive their current Condition Books, and familiarize yourself with races available.

Watch & Participate. Come watch the races with us. Attend the TABA Auction. Come to TABA meetings and conferences. Be at the TABA parties and events. Visit the backside of the racetrack during morning workouts and see what is involved in race training. Observe owners, trainers, consignors, buyers, veterinarians, and other professionals in action.

Network. Contact the TABA board members and chat with them about racing. Find out how they got involved. Join the organization and make personal contact with local horsemen. Talk to owners, trainers, and other industry insiders. There are many in the mentoring network. Listen to the advice given, but don't feel obligated to follow it, as ultimately every decision you make should be your own.

WHAT HORSE IS FOR YOU?

Write down your goals, objectives and what you can afford to spend without the effort becoming burdensome. It will help you choose your horse and later manage your racing investment. If you buy a very young horse, the time and cost involved before its first race is something to consider. You may already have done the research and decided a horse you currently own may fit the bill as your racehorse. If so, you’re ready to start with the training process. If you don’t have a horse, you obviously need to acquire one. A simple process, but like many "simple" things a lot of thought and planning are done beforehand to make it a good purchase. This is where you can also decide if owning 100% of your horse or being in a partnership is right for you.

PURCHASE OPTIONS

An Arabian racehorse can be acquired in several ways: through Auction, claim at the racetrack, private sale, or lease. The annual TABA sale has produced many winners, stakes winners and even Darley nominees. Many reputable breeders and owners are members of TABA and have excellent prospects and proven racehorses for sale or lease. See our banner ads through the website, and also check out TABA classifieds. Check the racetrack condition books for Arabian Claiming Races, check the entries and do some research, and be there at the track to see how these horses perform. You may decide to put in your claim to purchase one of them at either this race or the next claiming race. Each method of purchase has advantages and drawbacks, so choose a method that feels comfortable for you.

TRAINING

You may have decided to pick out the trainer before the horse. And perhaps the trainer has helped you choose the horse. This is a fine way to approach the process. However other owners will place the selection of their trainer in line after they have chosen their horse.

Your horse’s training process will depend on his age and his current level of training. Obviously if he is already trained to race or already racing, you could be racing your own horse this weekend!

The race training process is steady and very conventional. For any horse who is starting out, race training is a solid foundation for any of his future endeavours. A general, safe timeline will allow 8 to 10 months from the start of his breaking period to the time he leaves the gates in his first race. Some accomplish this in a much shorter period, and some take even more time. It is all up to the horse. He tells us when he is ready.

You can train your own racehorse- many do and are extremely successful. Excellent professional Arabian racehorse trainers are also available in Texas. If you have a current trainer for showing, pleasure, endurance or other sport, this trainer may be fine conditioner for your Arabian racehorse. All trainers must be licensed to enter your horse in a race. In race training, your horse should learn riding manners, learn about the racetrack and starting gates, and receive excellent physical and mental conditioning for speed work while paying careful attention to his well being and soundness. It is also the trainer’s job to evaluate the horse for his suitability for the job and his potential for success. With this knowledge, you as an owner can make the best decisions regarding your horse’s career and your progress toward your racing goals.

Not every horse has the ability or interest in being a winner, but it shouldn’t discourage you from the game. Many horses, even superbly bred, do not win races but go on to excellent careers in other disciplines. Be prepared for this scenario but hope for the best. If you have given your horse enough time to succeed in racing, don’t be hesitant to find another prospect. Much enjoyment comes with the participation in racing and pursuit of the winners circle, and instant gratification should not be your goal. Have fun, and enjoy the journey!