Heros of the Track
When most people think of the racetrack, their minds immediately go to the horses, jockeys, and owners. Some may also consider the trainers, who are often highly visible on the backside. However, there are numerous essential roles at the track that often go unnoticed by the public.
Today, we highlight three of these critical positions: Grooms, Hot Walkers, and Exercise Riders. Unlike the typical 9-to-5 workday, these professionals begin their shifts as early as 5 a.m., ensuring the horses are ready for peak performance.
Grooms
Grooms are often considered the backbone of the barn, performing some of the most physically demanding and essential tasks. Their responsibilities include:
• Mucking stalls and maintaining proper safety
• Feeding and preparing water for the horses
• Grooming, saddling, and bathing horses
A typical day for a groom begins at 5a.m., with feeding and stall preparation.
From 6:00a.m., till 10:30a.m. grooms are cleaning the horse and making sure they have all equipment correct and safe for their morning workouts. Followed by cleaning them after and have everything necessary for their needs.
The day continues with continuous stall care, feeding, and preparing horses for additional workouts or races. By 4 p.m., the grooms oversee dinner for the horses, ensuring each animal receives proper nutrition and care.
“Grooms are the foundation of any successful barn. Without their dedication, the horses simply wouldn’t perform at their best.”
Exercise Riders
Exercise Riders play a pivotal role in the training regimen of racehorses. They are responsible for:
• Riding horses during workouts
• Introducing and familiarizing horses with the starting gate
• Providing detailed feedback on each horse’s performance to the trainer
The trainer designs the workout plans and oversees each session, but it is the exercise rider who executes these plans daily and communicates the horse’s response, ensuring adjustments can be made for optimal development.
Hot Walkers
Hot Walkers are tasked with cooling down horses after workouts a deceptively simple but crucial job. Their duties include:
• Walking horses to gradually reduce body temperature after exercise
• Keeping horses calm and relaxed, especially after high-stress workouts or races
• Ensuring the safety of everyone in the barn by managing the behavior of large, powerful, and often easily spooked animals
“Hot Walkers are the calming force behind the scenes. Their work ensures horses remain happy, healthy, and safe.”
While jockeys, owners, and trainers often receive the spotlight, the unsung heroes grooms, exercise riders, and hot walkers are essential to every successful racehorse and every barn operation. Their dedication, long hours, and attention to detail ensure that the horses are well-prepared, safe, and able to perform at their highest level. Without these professionals, the racetrack would simply not function.
Dutrow's Barn 
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