Welcome to the Equestrian Outreach Riding Style Horse Racing Page

Horse Racing Overview

Horse racing, Harness racing (chariot racing?) and Pari-mutuel gambling, all seem to go hand in hand with a long expressed a desire to know which horse (or horses) were the fastest, Horse racing and gambling on horse races has deep roots in history. Racing competitions helped introduce structured breeding programs. Thoroughbreds, as an example, were breed specifically to race are arguably the dominant racing breed, This takes nothing away from the other breeds which also race as outlined below.

Types of Horse Racing - Under Saddle

Thoroughbred Horse Racing: Thoroughbred Horse Racing is the most popular form worldwide. In the UK, it is known as flat racing and is governed by the Jockey Club in the United Kingdom. In the USA, horse racing is governed by the Jockey Club of North America. (For more information click here)
Steeplechasing: Steeplechasing involves racing on a track where the horses also jump over obstacles. It is most common in the UK, where it is also called National Hunt racing.
American Quarter Horse Racing: In American Quarter Horse racing; horses race over distances of approximately a quarter-mile. Quarter Horse racing is seen mostly in the United States and is sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association. (For more information click here)
Arabian Racing: Arabian racing was organized in the U.S. around 1959. After experiencing initial growth, today's Arabian horses are finding their niche in the racing industry along with Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and other breeds. In recent years new opportunities have arisen for competitive Arabian racehorses at major racetracks across the country. It is apparent that the Arabian's acceptance into the racing world has been positive and that many betting interests are actually favoring Arabians. (For more information click here)
Endurance Riding: Endurance riding, a sport in which the Arabian horse dominates at the top levels, has become very popular in the United States and in Europe. The Federation Équestre International (FEI) governs international races, and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) organizes the sport in North America. Endurance races take place over a given, measured distance and the horses have an even start.
Endurance Race Length: The length of an endurance race varies greatly. Some are very short, only ten miles, while others can be up to one hundred miles. There are a few races that are even longer than one hundred miles and last multiple days. These different lengths of races are divided into five categories: pleasure rides (10-20 miles), non-competitive trail rides(21-27 miles), competitive trail rides(20-45 miles), progressive trail rides(25-60 miles), and endurance rides(40-100 miles in one day, up to 150 miles in multiple days). Because each race is very long, the tracks are almost always just dirt.
Ride and Tie : Ride and Tie involves three equal partners: two humans and one horse. The humans alternately run and ride. (in North America, organized by Ride and Tie Association) (Akhal-Teke, Appaloosas, American Paint Horses and other light breeds are also raced worldwide).

Types of Horse Racing - Racing in Harness

Standardbred Horse or Harness Racing: Standardbred horses race in harness with a sulky or racing bike. The United States Trotting Association organizes harness racing in the United States (the horses may trot or pace). Harness racing is also found throughout Europe, New Zealand and Australia.