Behind the Scenes: The Racehorse

Where did thoroughbreds come from?

Why do they call it a steeplechase?

What's the difference between trotting and pacing?

Did you know that winning jockeys are weighed before and after a race?

Experienced horsewoman Nikki Tate takes the reader behind the scenes to examine the world of the racetrack.

Sections include:

• The history of horse racing from chariots to chuckwagons;
• An examination of the racing breeds from thoroughbreds to quarter horses;
• The role of the trainers, grooms, farriers, track vets, pony riders, outriders, and paddock judges;
• Care of a horse at the racetrack;
• Horse equipment;
• The jockey's training;
• What goes on in the racing office;
• How to read the program;
• How the starting gates work;
• Drug use and cheating; and
• A horse's life after the racetrack.

An examination of horse racing from a history of the breeds developed for the sport, through training and caring for horses at the track, to the day of the race and beyond.