United States Trotting Association

Driving School Tips | Jogging Tips

CHIP'S DRIVING SCHOOL TIPS

School Location

All Driving School Activities will take place at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, Ohio, located approximately 45 minutes north of Columbus, Ohio.

Lodging

Once you register for the school you need to make your motel reservations! There are a number of motels around the Delaware area some of which are listed here.

What to wear

Dress for the driving school is casual.
For the school sessions themselves, you should wear jeans and comfortable shoes. Bring a jacket and sweatshirt as the weather is unpredictable and is usually cool. Tennis Shoes are not recommended when you are around horses.
We jog horses rain or shine… If you have raingear (jacket and pants) you are urged to bring it with you. You may get wet/muddy while on the race track.
A limited number of driving helmets will be provided but you may want to bring your own if you have one. Driving goggles are also a good idea.
Each participant will receive a special Driving School Golf Shirt. You will receive it when you arrive for the Welcoming Reception/Dinner and you need to wear it on Friday, the first day of the school, for pictures.

School Sessions

All participants are required to sign a release form before participating in the school. Bring the completed/signed form with you on the first night of the school (Thursday).
All school material, including a Rule Book, Care and Training of the Trotter and Pacer, School Portfolio, and other supplies will be distributed at the Welcoming Reception/Dinner on Thursday night.
Students are divided into 3 groups (Blue, Green and Yellow) and will move from station to station throughout the length of the school. You must stay with your assigned group during each school session. Special announcements regarding the day's activities will be made during meal time each day.
You are encouraged to ask questions. Instructors will be available to answer during/after their presentations and after the sessions.
A written exercise must be completed, to the best of your ability. Bring it with you to the school.
Students are encouraged to purchase the USTA publication, “Driver & Trainer Test Study Guide” ($15.00) to order your study guide click here.

Meals

You won't go away from the school "hungry"! We provide all meals, with the exception of your Friday night dinner. (Thursday - reception and dinner; Friday - breakfast and lunch; Saturday - breakfast and lunch, dinner at Scioto Downs; Sunday - breakfast.)

Social Functions

Thursday night's Welcoming Reception/Dinner gives you the opportunity to meet and get acquainted with your fellow students and many of the staff and instructors.
Friday night is a “free” night.
Optional Saturday Night Event - Scioto Downs for dinner and evening at the races. There will be a special Driving School race (see information below). The night includes dinner in the Clubhouse. (For dinner there will be a limited menu and some drinks will be provided.) Sign-up Sheets and additional information will be available on Friday morning of the school. Students must provide their own transportation.
Admission passes to the track will be provided.
Anyone wanting reservations for the races on Friday may call Scioto Downs directly at 614-491-2784. Please mention you are with the USTA Driving School.

Driving School Race

Saturday's Race - 6 lucky students will be chosen to participate in a special race that will be conducted during the actual race program at Scioto Downs on Saturday night. The students will be using two-seated jog carts and will have a licensed driver in the "sulky" with them. The race will be conducted using the starting gate! This will be FUN!!!!!!! Each participating student will receive a DVD of the race.

Written Examination/License Qualifications

On Sunday morning, the requisite Driver Written Examination will be administered. The examination is optional but all students are urged to complete the exam. A review session will be conducted on Saturday afternoon and if you pay attention and are able to complete the written exercise that is included with the packet, you should be able to successfully pass the written test.
In order to become licensed as a driver, you will need to satisfactorily pass both the written and practical test. You will also need to be a current member of the USTA and submit a completed driver application. The application requires you to give the name of at least six (6) "A" (Full) licensed drivers who can verify your qualifications to hold a license. These drivers will be sent a Reference Form to complete and return to the USTA office. We will need a minimum of 4 satisfactory references in order to consider you for a license. Driver License Applications and Membership Forms will be provided at the conclusion of the school.
For those students who want to be qualified as a trainer or driver/trainer, special arrangements to take the requisite written examination, instead of the driver's examination, must be made in advance of the driving school by contact the USTA. Please advise the office no sooner than two weeks before the school if you are interested.
The customary $10.00 examination fee is waived for those students who take the written examination during the school.
Once you have been notified of a "satisfactory" grade on your written examination, submitted you license application and received the 4 requisite satisfactory references, the practical examination will be mailed to you with instructions. The practical examination requires you to go a workout mile, harness the horse, and identify equipment and shoes. You need to provide your own horse for the practical test and practical test administrators are located throughout the United States at most pari-mutuel tracks.

CHIP'S TIPS ON JOGGING HORSES

ALWAYS check to make sure that each line is fastened in the bit correctly and that the cart is securely fastened to each side of the harness before you get on the jog cart.
Always approach the horse from the left side and take the lines in your hand before walking back and sitting on the jog cart.
Adjust your handholds so that you will have proper control of the horse.
Do not check the horse up until he begins walking forward.
Look to the left and right before you enter the racetrack for any oncoming horses.
Always enter and exit the race track with wide turns. Your cart sticks out farther than your horse.
When using a "conventional" jog cart, don’t let your feet dangle down. The stirrups are there for a reason. Having your feet in the stirrups gives you stability, leverage, and better control of the horse. (Also, people who don' t use the stirrups look like novices…)
Always jog your horse clockwise around the track and stay to the outside of the track. Do not "cut" the turns by drifting down past the middle of the track. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIME WHILE ON THE TRACK.
Use your handholds. That is why you have them. If your horse stumbles and you do not have your hands in the handholds you will not be able to help him.
NEVER LET GO OF THE DRIVING LINES!!!!!!!!
When jogging, remember that horses that are going a work out mile have the right of way. Always look before you turn your horse to go the right way (counter-clockwise) of the track and when turning after a work out mile.
Don't be afraid to talk to your horse. (You talk to your cat and dog don't you!) Watch the horse's ears and you can tell if he is listening.
Don't get into a battle with your horse. It takes two to pull… If your horse grabs on to the lines try easing him back and keep him relaxed.
Don't have a "death" grip on the lines. Be firm but be relaxed.
Just like driving a car, look ahead and to the sides at all times. PAY ATTENTION! Watch your horse's ears, they can often tell you what the horse is thinking . A horse with his ears pricked forward might see something at which to shy from and a horse with his ears pinned back could be looking to kick or run off.
If your horse is: "grabbing on"; trying to "run off"; or wants to buck or kick; try shaking his mouth or see-sawing the bit, this will get his attention, keep him off balance and may change his mind.
Look before you exit the race track for any horses that are behind you.
Get off the jog cart on the left side and walk up to the left side of the horse with the lines. Do not let go off the lines until the horse's overcheck is unfastened and someone has a hold of the horse's head. At point it is safe to fasten the lines to the water hook.

Lameness

If you find your horse is pulling his head over to one side or is constantly on "one line" when you try to keep him straight, this could be an indication of lameness.
Watch your horse to see if his head is nodding excessively when he lands with one foot or the other. This could be a sign of lameness.
Pay attention to the rhythm of your horse's gait, it could also indicate problems with soundness.