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A trotter at full speed

Balance is critical

Harness racing (Trotting) is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait (a trot or a pace). They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, although in Europe racing under saddle (trot monté in French) is also performed.

Working terrain
Dirt

Rest place/daily stay
Stables, lately more often in paddocks and pastures

Horse characteristics
Trotting horses are well trained, hard workers. They spend their days training and racing. Therefore their behaviour towards farriers is mostly gentle. They like the moment of rest that a hoof treatment gives. Their owners are professionals or amateurs on an almost professional level.

Horses behaviour
Trotting is an unnatural movement, in between walking and a gallop. Therefore the limbs can be overstressed if the balance of the shoeing is not perfect. In that case, the limbs hurt and the horse loses his trot.

Shoeing location
Everywhere

Advice
Trotting is racing, so trotting shoes are special racing shoes. Because the balance of the shoeing is critical and racing shoes are light and slim, there are many types of shoes in either steel or aluminium. The shape of a trotting shoe is specific, more 'olive' like. Otherwise the steel will be hardenend right into the core and the shoe can break easily.

Tips
Communicate well with the trainer. He knows exactely what the horse needs to have a perfect balance.
Trotting shoes are thin shoes. Keep that in mind when buying some tools, like forging tongs.

Show our Harness racing products
Contestants in a Harness or Trotting race

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