Tacking up the horse on race day....question?

Question

Hey,

I have a question, kind of an unusual one, but here goes...

Who exactly saddles the horse up before the race? The groom, trainer, both...? Details please....thanks!!!

Answer 1

I believe the trainer does while he's telling the jockey the best way to run the race....he/she and/or the stable hand, too,

Answer 2

Usually the current trainer of that horse. It's one of his jobs as the horse trainer. He gets assistance from the horses groom also.

Answer 3

usually the trainer, but in most caes, the assistant trainer does this.

Answer 4

usually the trainer.

Answer 5

I am from Louisville home of Churchill Downs, know quite a few trainers, and go to the backside (stable area) quite often. I am answering this question purely from observation and have never actually been told that this IS the gospel. However, I have observed that on the bigger races the Trainer is the one that saddles the horse and on the lower level races the groom or another assistant will saddle it. Most times though whomever does the saddling the jockey typically always checks to make sure all the tack is in place and cinched up properly just before he/she gets on.

Answer 6

Usually the trainer or the assistant trainer saddles the horse along with help for the valet that brings the jockey's tack from the jockey's room.  The groom is responsible for holding the horse still while the horse is saddled.  Now at some smaller tracks that don't have valets they jockey will carry out their tack and help the trainer saddle the horse.  Also a jockey will always check the tack before it's time to mount.