Owners

[ireneinwa]

How many of you out there know what's going on with your horse at the track?







edited to leave it plain and simple

[LB]

I suspect that each of us would say that we do. There's too much money involved not to know. Which is not to say that you can't be lied to by your trainer.

[Sysonby]

People do lie to people but unless there are trainers and vets out there who medicate for free, its on a bill somewhere.

[justinnich]

The reason we've been with one trainer the whole time we've been in the business is that he's gotta be one of the best around for staying in contact. I talk with him for 10-30 minutes every day to get a rundown on how our horses are doing. It makes being an active part of the business so much more valuable and enjoyable, and in general I think he appreciates the attention I pay as an owner. Having sounding-board type conversations can be a big help, even to a trainer I think.

[docjocoy]

The reason we've been with one trainer the whole time we've been in the business is that he's gotta be one of the best around for staying in contact. I talk with him for 10-30 minutes every day to get a rundown on how our horses are doing. It makes being an active part of the business so much more valuable and enjoyable, and in general I think he appreciates the attention I pay as an owner. Having sounding-board type conversations can be a big help, even to a trainer I think.

I agree. I try to get out to the track in the morning at least once a month, supplementing the phone calls. Taking an active part in the business, and having a trainer that encourages an owner to take an active part, makes the experience more worthwhile and enjoyable, which is the point after all, since making a huge profit is probably only happening in my dreams.
But I also think having a great deal of trust in your trainer is important, being on the same page on most issues, and being able to speak openly and honestly and have him (or her) really listen is vital.
Being at the track in the morning is I think one of the best ways to get to know the trainer. How he interacts with his staff, how his grooms and exercise riders interact with each other and more importantly how they interact with the horses, how the horses look, how the stable area looks, all observations which help to form an opinion on the trainer.

[ratherrapid]

the day of the webcam is coming and 90% of the shedrows are quaking at the thought.

[madelyn]

I see my filly four or five days a week - she gets hugs, rubs, grooming and treats. I show up for her works - I am usually delivering hay, straw, etc. (I have a bit of a barter deal) so I say I know pretty much what is going on with her. Incidentally, we are heading to Hoosier on Thursday for her fourth start - I go, sit outside the stall, to the pre race grooming and bridling, post race walking and bathing - everything except take her to the paddock. When she gets that game face on she can get quite excited and a bit much to handle...

[griff]

Trainers sometimes have to make a decsion on spending time talking to owners or training horses.. I suspect many the trainers with large stables spend most of their time interfacing with owners and delagate the training to their associates..

Then it becomes who has the talent or skill to recruit and monitor the right associates

griff