Racing Under Saddle

June 1st Update

Racing Under Saddle Revived in Wisconsin!

It’s baaaaaack! There has been some great interest in reviving Racing Under Saddle (RUS) in the state of Wisconsin. The WHHA is helping sponsor RUS races at select locations this summer as a trial to see if Wisconsin could sustain an entire racing season in 2008.

Projected Race Dates:
June 10th – Monroe, WI
June 30th – Elkhorn, WI
July 28th – Elkhorn, WI
August 19th – Wautoma, WI
August 26th – Weyauwega, WI
September 15th – Viroqua, WI

Racing Under Saddle (RUS) is a unique way for standardbreds to show their racing versatility. Horses can be of any age and riders must be over 18 years of age. The races will be ½ mile in length and will be started with the mobile starting gate just as harness racing is started. The biggest misconception people have about Racing Under Saddle is that we are using standardbreds to conduct “running races.” This is not the case as all horses must maintain their pacing or trotting gait throughout the ½ mile exhibition race. These exhibition races will not be sanctioned by the USTA although USTA rules will govern. There will be no entry fee and no purse money, but each participant will be rewarded with a small token of appreciation after each event.

With race fields shrinking and as we fight to keep our sport new and innovative, Racing Under Saddle will allow us not only to help fill the race card, but also add something new and exciting to show the spectators. We must remember that we are contracted entertainment at the county fairs, and we have to take care of ourselves and provide enough entertainment to be asked back the following year. RUS is the perfect way to spice up our show while keeping it standardbred focused.

nyone interested in participating in Racing Under Saddle should contact Gabe Wand at 608-574-5468 or gabewand@yahoo.com for further details. He will be able to get you racing guidelines, horse and rider requirements, and answer any questions you may have.

Racing Under Saddle is Back! (15-May)

Racing Under Saddle horse & rider qualifying will be held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn, Wisc. on Saturday, May 26th at 11:00am. This will be an opportunity to take the written examination as well as have your horses and the riders observed by our Presiding Judges for safety. Per our adopted guidelines, in order to race at any RUS event, the rider must pass the written examination and have participated in a schooling/qualifying exhibition. May 26th will be the first and only qualifying opportunity prior to the first race in Monroe on June 10th. Other qualifiers will be held at Elkhorn on June 30th and July 28th...but don't wait until the last minute! Questions/comments/concerns can be directed to WHHA President Gabe Wand at (608) 574-5468 or gabewand@yahoo.com.

The Wisconsin Harness Horse Association