Training a Trotter vs a Pacer

[MIKE CAMPBELL]

Very true. Unfortunately, there are a number of trotting stallions with fertility problems. Hopefully an inflex of French trotting blood in the years to come will help remedy that. Also, no trotting hopples in France.

No hopples, no shoes and no whips.

[MIKE CAMPBELL]

I'm noticing pacers on the track and ongait.com with four inch plus toes in front. Is this some new trend?  I always remember a pacer's toes in front were 3 1/4 maybe 3 1/2 tops 3 5/8.

Very true. Years ago, short toes were the norm for pacers but there has been a lot of research that now states that longer toes mean more surface area is contacting the track which creates more speed and more efficiency. I guess the best way to decribe the theory is if you watch car racing. Their tires are wide for the same reason which is more surface area contacting the track.

[JIDGE]

Very true. Years ago, short toes were the norm for pacers but there has been a lot of research that now states that longer toes mean more surface area is contacting the track which creates more speed and more efficiency. I guess the best way to decribe the theory is if you watch car racing. Their tires are wide for the same reason which is more surface area contacting the track.

Interesting thank you. Would you know if angles are still consistent with the past in a pacer? Or to go along with the longer toe are they lowering angles in hopes of a longer stride?

[MIKE CAMPBELL]

Interesting thank you. Would you know if angles are still consistent with the past in a pacer? Or to go along with the longer toe are they lowering angles in hopes of a longer stride?

Angles are always a juggling act. They are definitely lower than 30-40 years ago but the horse is still made out of flesh and blood and if you venture into an extremely low angle, you are subjecting the leg to trauma that might be injurious.

[JIDGE]

Angles are always a juggling act. They are definitely lower than 30-40 years ago but the horse is still made out of flesh and blood and if you venture into an extremely low angle, you are subjecting the leg to trauma that might be injurious.

Often the culprit of bowed tendons.

[MIKE CAMPBELL]

Often the culprit of bowed tendons.

Absolutely and if you notice one of the major differences between today and 40 years ago is how many horses run down today. That is a result of lower angles which stretches the suspensory over time and ultimately causes them to run down. 

[JIDGE]

Absolutely and if you notice one of the major differences between today and 40 years ago is how many horses run down today. That is a result of lower angles which stretches the suspensory over time and ultimately causes them to run down.

Yes, a lot easier to see on slow motion stretch drives.

[MIKE CAMPBELL]

Yes, a lot easier to see on slow motion stretch drives.

You're not kidding. It's almost frightening to see the slow mo shot of the way these horse's legs land. Granted, it's not as violent as a T-Bred but I wonder how there aren't more catastrophic injuries in harness racing when I see the slow mo shot as they are crossing the wire.

[The Exporter]

The breed and intelligence of the trotter has advanced so much in 40 years. When I was starting out in the game, you had about 85% pacers vs. trotters.
 When you broke a trotter, he may go well into May before he was safe in his gate and ready to drop down in training times.  You may need to go 3 or 4 trips to get him comfortable in his gate.
 Today, what a magnificent creature a trotter is. A great deal of natural ability. Back in time, you may see a good deal of well bred trotters racing on the pace. They just could not hold it together. Today, it is very rare . Of course trotting hopples play a large roll in this but still, seeing one trot bearfoot with no hopples and his head down a bit is something of beauty and grace.

[Jazzman]

trotters are all about confidence if they dont have it they wont perform which is why it takes more time for them to devlop

[The Exporter]

Great point, Jazzy. If they start hitting and you don't help them...

[Mailbox Money]

Absolutely and if you notice one of the major differences between today and 40 years ago is how many horses run down today. That is a result of lower angles which stretches the suspensory over time and ultimately causes them to run down.

Alot of successful trainers have no clue that the two are related! The ART of shoeing and Balancing is the last thing on the list when trying to help a horse make more speed!Gr8 call Mike!👍

[theokodjak26]

As I started this topic, I want to thank all the trainers who have contributed so far. As usual as an owner/fan for the past 50 plus years I never get tired of hearing what the sport is really all about and the effort it takes to have succeded.

[Stan durbread]

Angles are always a juggling act. They are definitely lower than 30-40 years ago but the horse is still made out of flesh and blood and if you venture into an extremely low angle, you are subjecting the leg to trauma that might be injurious.

Sadly 1/2 the so called blacksmiths shoeing today don’t even use an angle gauge. These youngsters think the shoes are premade for the horse and rasp the hoof to fit

[JIDGE]

Sadly 1/2 the so called blacksmiths shoeing today don’t even use an angle gauge. These youngsters think the shoes are premade for the horse and rasp the hoof to fit

And charge two to three times more than they did 40 years ago for half the job.