Cross Breeds

What are the differences between a dog racing program and a horse program?

I have been thinking about switching from the dogs to the horses, but venturing into unfamiliar territory is something i do NOT want to do... so what are the differences/similarities?

Public Comments

1. Dogs run to keep up with the lure. The only pacing of the race speed done by the operator of the lure. Dog tracks are heated, banked and do not hold much water. The track surface for dogs is essentially the same, with very little variation, no matter where they race. A horse is controlled by a jockey. The pacing of a race is in the hands of each jockey as they decide the best running pattern for them. Horse tracks are not heated and weather can cause a significant change in the track. Horse tracks may be dirt, grass or a synthetic surface. Horses run differently based on the surface -- most horses prefer one surface best. Since horse tracks are so large, there are many differences in the course based on the track. You can essentially learn effective dog handicapping in a very short period. It takes years (decades) to be a profitable horse handicapper.