The end of summer will bring a small country fair to my town. I've been asked to enter my horses in the show and at least one in the race that takes place. They've never been real show horses and I don't have any clue in that area but I've been told they're prime specimens of their breeding. I've also never raced a horse like this. It's not one of those extreme races like real horse racing - just around the fairground track. I'm thinking of doing the show but I'm a bit nervous of racing. I'm a decent rider but have never raced before whereas most of the entrants will have done this before. Is there anything special I should know to be able to race? My pair are both fast so I think there is a shot to win and I could use the $1500 purse to help take care of the feed this winter.

Are we talking saddle racing, trotting racing with a sulkey, or what type of racing exactly? What length of track?

You'll notice in regular B racing there are different horses who are suited and trained for different lengths based on their aptitude. Its a fair bit of training for racing, even if its straight saddle racing for a short distance.

If you've never done any showing or racing it would behoove you to visit some other local shows or contact some of the local clubs to get some suggestions and help as to regulations and requirements.