It's not a new rule, It's a proposal of a new rule to be voted on next year.
My guess it won't pass?
Sponsor: Karen Naja, Lexington, KY
SPONSOR STATEMENT
“To the Board of Directors of the United States Trotting Association, State Racing Commissions and
Members of the Harness Racing industry:
The undersigned, respectfully proposes the adoption of a rule prohibiting the use of trotting hobbles
on trotters in all forms of harness racing conducted within the United States. This application is to
amend the existing rule 18.09 by adding subsections (a) and (b). Trotting hobbles were introduced as
equipment intended to assist in gait stabilization which can enhance racing performance for a horse
that would normally go off stride. As the sport continues to evolve, concerns exist regarding:
1. Advantage. The unfair advantage is allowing horses with trotting hobbles to outperform the
horses that do not wear them and take the chance of breaking stride. Trotting hobbles do not neces
sarily give horses that wear them a speed advantage but give a substantial reliability advantage espe
cially when pushed to top racing speed. Trotting hobbles minimize the risk. Trotting hobbles assist
the horse when it gets fatigued, unbalanced or pushes past its natural trotting threshold. There was a
time when trotting hobbles were rarely used, now the amount of the trotters using them is extreme.
Trotting hobbles no longer reflect the integrity of the trotting breed;
2. Soundness. Trotting hobbles on a horse can, perhaps, cover up soundness issues or promote
unsoundness issues. It is possible when unsoundness presents itself during competition, the hobble
will compensate so as to not allow breaking their gait. Trotting hobbles can cause an issue with a
horse’s natural trotting gait by changing their stride. This can lead to muscular strain and soreness,
tendon strain, joint strain and lameness. Trotting hobbles may mask underlying issues and pose the
problem of potential misuse;
3. Natural Gait, Durability and the Breed. By blending selective genetics and physical condition
ing, a natural trotting gait can be achieved without breaking stride even at maximum speed. Hors
es wearing trotting hobbles can pass on genes for poor natural gaits. These faults can damage the
quality of the genetic progression of the breed’s conformation, gait and durability. Trotting hobbles
may also allow for an inappropriate time to condition and set-up a trotter just to cut down the time
to get the horse to the races.
Continuing to rely on trotting hobbles sends the wrong message to fans, critics, breeders and future
generations of horsemen. A trotter should excel because of natural ability, soundness, conditioning,
breeding and horsemanship, not because of artificial gait-assistance equipment. Of course, a possi
ble drawback might be that some trotters will be unable to remain on the trot at top racing speed. A
detriment might be less trotters to compete at the very top level. But on the other hand, horses that
have trotting hobbles removed might actually excel and the quality of horse racing may surpass all
expectations.
Prohibiting trotting hobbles would:
1. Create a more level and authentic competitive environment in which trotters compete without
trotting hobbles thereby taking away the advantage of horses with trotting hobbles over those with
out;
2. Promote natural athletic ability of the trotter breed by encouraging horses to compete on their
inherent gait and balance without breaking stride;
3. Encourage breeding and training practices that prioritize natural trotting ability, soundness and
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durability;
4. Strengthen the public perception of harness racing by demonstrating a commitment to mod
ernization to the sport and concern for the well-being of each horse.
Harness racing has a well-documented and very proud history rooted in horsemanship, athleticism
and respect for the horse. The future success and integrity of the sport depends upon continued ef
forts to continue the true trotting breed, improve safety and public confidence.
The continued use of trotting hobbles:
1. Creates an uneven playing field between trotters with and without trotting hobbles.
2. Compromises the natural movement and athleticism of the trotter, placing undo physical stress
through mechanical restriction and constant motion;
3. Encourages breeding and training practices that prioritize speed over natural gait quality and
durability.
Envisioned is a future of trotters competing without trotting hobbles. Fans can watch races knowing
the welfare of the horse comes before performance enhancement. A trotter should excel because of
breeding, soundness, conditioning, durability and horsemanship – not an artificial support device
that may cause horses to excel above those horses that are without.
Therefore, I respectfully request that the United States Trotting Association and all regulatory au
thorities:
1. Amend current racing regulations to prohibit the use of trotting hobbles on trotters in all pa
ri-mutuel races, fair and matinee races, sanctioned events, schooling races and qualifying races con
ducted in the United States;
2. Establish a reasonable phase out period to allow owners, trainers and breeders to transition
accordingly.
This application is submitted in the interest of equine welfare, integrity of the sport, preservation of
the trotting breed to the highest standards and future sustainability of the sport. This application is
not meant to disparage horsemen, trainers or others in the harness racing business.”
