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A Morning in the Racing Yard: Where Performance Begins
In a racing yard, mornings start early. Before the day gets going, the yard is already busy, horses moving in their stables, buckets being filled and feed prepared. This is where performance really begins. Not on race day, not at the gallops - but here, in the routine we repeat every single morning.
Fuel First: Setting the Day Up Right
The day always starts with feeding. It’s one of the most important moments of the morning and never rushed. Feeding isn’t just about energy, it’s about gut health, ulcer prevention and giving each horse the right balance to cope with a demanding workload. Accuracy matters, which is why something as simple as a Horse Feed Scoop becomes essential. It keeps feeding consistent, quick and stress-free, ensuring every horse gets exactly what they need.
Early Checks & Quiet Preparation
While the horses eat, we move through the yard carrying out leg checks. Feeling for heat, swelling or anything out of the ordinary is part of daily care, these small checks often catch things before they become problems. Water buckets are topped up, the yard is readied, and for some horses, Magnet Boot Wraps go on to help encourage circulation ahead of work.
Grooming: More Than Just Getting Clean
As riders arrive, the yard shifts into its next gear. Grooming time is as much about connection as it is preparation. With the Soft Touch Grooming Kit, every horse is brushed, checked and assessed, a quiet moment to notice changes, moods and movement. Once ready, horses are tacked up with PE Leather Full Tree Exercise Racing Saddles, paired with Buster Reversible Pads that offer comfort and flexibility for busy racing yards.
Warming Up & Heading Out
Before the gallops, horses loosen up with steady flat work. Legs are protected with Air Cooled Super Lite Carbon Tech Boots, while Polo Fleece Bandages are used for those working on woodchip. On colder mornings, an Exercise Sheet helps keep muscles warm and supple before the pace increases.
The Gallops: Focused & Purposeful
This is the heart of the morning. Whether on grass or woodchip, the gallops tell us how the horses are feeling, how they’re progressing, how they’re coping. Elastic Breast Girths keep tack secure without restriction, while riders rely on practical layers like the Pro Rider Waterproof Jacket or Elena Hybrid Jacket to stay comfortable, whatever the weather decides to do while still allowing movement.
Cooling Down & Care After Work
Once back at the yard, everything slows again. Horses cool down gradually, then are untacked and washed off. A Metal Sweat Scraper helps remove excess moisture, keeping them comfortable and preventing rubbing, a small step that makes a big difference.
Drying Off, Turnout & Protection
As they dry, horses are wrapped in Cooler Rugs such as the Premtex or Buster Waffle Rug, drawing moisture away while maintaining warmth. Once settled, they head out for some well-earned downtime. With thoroughbreds’ sensitive skin in mind, Mud Fever Boots offer extra protection in the paddocks, keeping legs clean, dry and comfortable.
Every morning follows a similar pattern, yet no two days are ever quite the same. It’s this balance of routine, care and attention to detail that keeps horses healthy, confident and ready to perform. Because in racing, the smallest details, done well, every day - are what make the biggest difference.
