Backyard Race Horse: The Training Manual: A Comprehensive Off-Track Program for Owners and Trainers

From training horses at the farm to hauling equipment to the race track, this hands-on manual covers everything a competent horse owner needs to know to get involved in horse racing. Drawing from her own experiences in transforming a $2,500 cast-off into a $300,000 earning racer, Del Castillo explains her natural way of training, which includes no medications, plenty of space to run, and a nonaggressive training regimen. The extensive discussions examine how to exercise horses, monitor their legs, and prepare races as well as offering a run-down on track personnel. Filled with humor, easy-to-follow instructions, and natural alternatives, this updated edition offers further advice from a myriad of experts and reveals that the track isn't the only place to train a winning horse. A directory of thoroughbred racetracks and organizations is also included.

Janet Del Castillo has trained racehorses for more than 30 years. She lives in Winter Haven, Florida. Lois Schwartz has owned race and pleasure horses and has written numerous articles on equines. She lives in Crossville, Tennessee.