In this form of racing horses will work with a general type of gait that is more controlled
. A pacing gait is generally used in an event but a trotting gait can be used in some races. In pacing the horse moves its legs in a lateral motion while a trotting gait uses a diagonal motion. This is used as a means of testing how fast a horse can handle a gait instead of trying to work with a specific strategy for placing one's movements.
All of the horses will be in motion when a race starts. They will be starting behind a motorized gate that is being held out by a moving vehicle. After the gate is taken down the race can start. In most cases a race can involve one and a half or two laps around the entire length of a harness racing track. This is a track that will be specifically made with this style of racing in mind or will be a thoroughbred track that has been modified for this form of racing.
No matter what the standard is for laps the length of a race is generally going to be one mile. All horses will be timed on marks to state how long it took them to complete a mile in a race.
The horses are going to work to carry carts around with them. These are two-wheeled carts that are also known as sulkies. A sulky will work with a jockey riding it while commanding the horse in its movements. Also, a light whip will be used by the jockey to signal to the horse to move. The jockey can do this by tapping the whip and shaking it to make noises so the horse can use the right signals for racing.
Harness racing is a truly unique type of horse racing activity to see. It is a form of horse racing that is exciting and can feature a great amount of details that will make it unique. It is also something that can work on specially made tracks or altered thoroughbred tracks.