North American Outriders

Outriders serve as the guardians of the racetrack, acting as caretakers and overseers. While the spectators' attention is understandably drawn to the racers — particularly when wagers are placed and winnings hinge on the race outcome — the less visible outriders, busily attending to the horses and riders in the lead-up to the event, often go unnoticed. 

Their work may seem routine, but it is essential: they guide the horses and riders onto the track and escort them off afterward, ensuring each horse is properly equipped and correctly positioned at the starting gate. In essence, they uphold the regulations of the race and maintain order on the track, playing a crucial role in safeguarding both participants and spectators during training and races. What might appear as simple chores quickly reveal their importance in the face of an unforeseen incident.

Everyday life and routine

Incidents, fortunately, are rare. The outrider eliminates faults and causes of troubles and makes things go in the right direction, his goal is successful racing without incidents… 

Obligations

The outrider is tasked with managing the opening and closing of the track during both training sessions and races. Since the sand track occasionally requires harrowing, the outrider ensures the area is clear before this process begins. Additionally, during the victory parade, the outrider accompanies the winning horse and rider.

Often referred to as "nerds," the riders donned in red jackets meticulously document any rule violations on the track, as well as injuries and safety hazards. They pay close attention to inspecting riders' gear, including helmets and vests. If a rider encounters multiple issues, particularly if their horse exhibits unsafe behaviour, the outrider has the authority to withdraw the rider from the race.

In case of accidents, the outrider is responsible for being the first responder, administering first aid, calling for emergency assistance, and assisting in the transportation of injured individuals or horses. Equipped with a radio, the outrider maintains communication with the race manager regarding these matters.

Work organisation

 There are always a minimum of two outriders present on the track simultaneously, strategically positioned to ensure that all areas are readily accessible in case of an emergency. At times, they collaborate and work together based on the situation. During major competitions, this number can increase to as many as four outriders.

An outrider typically handles a team of four horses, which may include thoroughbreds, retired racehorses, quarter horses, standardbreds, and occasionally other breeds. These horses are specifically trained to stay calm in any circumstance, remaining unfazed by the commotion of spectators or the sight of competing runners. They follow their handler's commands without question and perform their tasks effectively.

The outrider's day starts with cleaning the manure from their horse's stall, followed by grooming the horse and saddling it up. The outrider then dons protective gear, including a rigid vest, high boots, and a helmet. Prior to the races, they participate in qualification events. Once these qualifying heats conclude, there is a brief intermission before the actual races begin, usually comprising 10 to 12 heats. While each race lasts about two minutes, the outrider's workday spans five hours. Throughout this time, the outrider remains vigilant, focused on the track and the athletes, prepared to intervene in the event of any issues during the races. In the evening, the outrider reviews the following day's race program to identify potential problems, particularly keeping an eye out for horses known to be difficult or unpredictable, so they can remain especially attentive to them the next day.

Training

Outriders typically learn through self-education, often stemming from extensive exposure to horses during their childhood and adolescence. Many are descendants of horse trainers, former jockeys, or racetrack employees. Essentially, anyone who can demonstrate exceptional skill in handling a horse, even in challenging situations, has the potential to become an outrider. This ability is fostered through a strong bond with the horse, rooted in love and understanding. In 2023, the United States Trotting Association (USTA) introduced a formal educational program for outriders, signalling a move towards centralised training in the field, which reflects the growing demand for this profession.

Extreme cases on the track

In addition to everyday activities, sometimes unpleasant, dangerous or even incredible things happen on the racetrack, for which the outrider must be prepared. Instantly switch to emergency mode, instantly calculate possible scenarios and immediately act to save the lives of people and horses - each of them can do this.

Standardbred Race Accident

On June 21, 2016, an incident occurred at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino that is not uncommon on the track. During the early stages of the 5th harness race, one of the carts malfunctioned, causing driver Tetrick to lose control of his horse, JDS. The horse surged uncontrollably toward the finish line, overtaking the other competitors in a perilous situation for both horse and driver. As chaos unfolded, outrider Neil Stalhiem, mounted on his 13-year-old quarter horse, Poco, rushed to the scene. As they approached the final turn, Stalhiem managed to catch JDS and guide him safely away from the race, ensuring the safety of both the horse and its driver. Miraculously, both emerged unscathed, effectively experiencing a second chance at life. Their guardians that day were Stalhiem, Poco, and the dedicated staff at the racetrack.

Outrider's experience with thoroughbreds

As John Garges, an outrider at various racetracks across the USA, describes, his responsibilities can be quite varied. He often finds himself chasing deer and alligators off the track, as well as shooing away geese. Occasionally, he has to intervene when people wander onto the track during training sessions, and there was even a time he had to remove a cyclist who decided to ride alongside the racers.

Garges frequently deals with loose horses, a challenging task since these playful animals often prefer to evade capture, employing clever tactics to avoid being caught. For instance, one horse he was attempting to catch suddenly halted in its tracks while at full gallop, resulting in Garges being unceremoniously thrown from his horse and landing on the ground.

A notable event took place in 2015 at Oaklawn Park racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas, when Garges played a crucial role in slowing down American Pharoah, who had become overly excited after a victorious race. The horse, carried away by the thrill of the competition, decided to continue racing even after crossing the finish line. Garges' timely intervention ensured the safety of both the horse and jockey Victor Espinosa. That year, American Pharoah went on to achieve the American Triple Crown, win the Breeders' Cup Classic, and earn titles such as the 2015 American Champion, as well as first place in the Longines World's Best Racehorses Rankings. In this case, the outrider provided both the horse and jockey a "ticket to life," allowing them to continue their journey of triumphs.

For an outrider, a day without incidents is truly a blessing. At the end of such days, witnessing the last horses safely exit the track, hearing the audience disperse, the chatter among jockeys, and the gentle sounds of the horses snorting is the daily goal that outriders across all North American racetracks strive to achieve.