If this breed sounds or looks familiar to you then it might be because you have seen them before on television. For a couple Super Bowls, the Budweiser company used Clydesdales in their commercials that you might have seen sandwiched between car or ADT Security commercials. Their elegant coating and incredible appearance were an instant sell to audiences all over the country and everyone in the United States fell in love with these horses all over again.

And when the Clydesdale isn’t starring in its own commercials or enjoying all the attention and fame, they can still be found fulfilling their true calling – draught purposes. Their massive frame and strong muscular structure make them ideal for pulling heavy loads. People also keep the Clydesdale around for riding purposes or simply as an enormous pet, due largely in part to their splendid coat.

Although many horse breeders follow the old maxim, “Breed the best to the best and hope for the best” but this is proving to be detrimental to the Thoroughbred breed. Only a few sires and one bloodline – the Northern Dancer bloodline – are in demand. Other bloodlines are left to languish, leaving the resulting foals more inbred than ever.

The challenge facing modern Thoroughbred breeders is how to breed a fast yet healthy horse. It is this challenge that thrills the breeder and owner. Modern breeders must take the risks of breeding their mares to unfashionable stallions in order to breed healthier horses with more stamina than speed.

Just getting a foal on the ground and then alive long enough to race is a major undertaking. Although Thoroughbreds are fast, many do not understand the point of racing and are retired for “lack of effort” or just not being fast enough to be competitive. Horses need special training and lots of praise to understand what winning is all about. Unfortunately, many of these special horses are prematurely retired due to racing injuries.

A horse used for racing has to be in fit condition, well fed and in good health. Racing puts a lot of demands on a horse’s body. It is important to have a diet that is specifically designed to meet these demands. Feed goes beyond good hay and grass. They will require grain, vitamins and other supplements.

Regular exercise is an absolute must. Horses need to be conditioned, just as athletes do. This takes time and proper routines. It is important not too push too hard or work them if injured or not feeling well.

Careful attention should be paid to the animal’s legs to ensure that they are not having any issues or signs of weakness. Many trainers ice and apply liniment if there appears to be stiffness or soreness. Regular vet checks are also essential.

Training a race horse can be a very rewarding experience. Watching the horse you worked so hard with cross that finish line is a sight to see. Taking the time to properly train and care, will give you many years of racing.

Horses should have shiny coats and be fit not fat. If the hay that is fed has less nutrients than the horses need then a supplement should be added. The horses performance and training (his “job”) is what will dictate the right supplement. The best weight gain food is beet pulp. Available in pellet form, this byproduct is soaked in water to a soft form and can be mixed with grain or supplements to provide an excellent food that produces weight gain.

Good bedding is essential; and wood shavings, small ground, are the most absorbent and should be cleaned daily. Rubber mats on the floor give comfort and also keep the ground from fluids saturation and provide a cleanable barrier for sanitation. Shavings over the mats give a good surface and is easily maintained. Solidly built feeders can hold hay and any grains, attach them to the wall at a height the horse can reach naturally. Good lighting is essential for checking the horses for any accidental injuries. Daily checks and a “bed check” at night are absolutely essential. Keep first aid supplies handy along with a flashlight and everyone (including you) will sleep well.