This excerpt is adapted from Newcomer to the Horse World by Andrea Sinner, Esq.,

As I spent more time in Idaho on the lands the Blacks ranched, I began to feel a desire to leave New York City, where I had lived my whole life. Feeling equal parts excitement and anxiety, I decided to move to an old farming area at the end of New York’s Long Island.

Within the first few days after I moved, I drove around, looking for any sign of horses. I called Okie and asked him what he thought I might do to keep horses in my life.

“Tim,” he said. “Do they have any Western barns out there? You could offer to exercise their horses.”

I told him it seemed like, from what I could see, most of the barns were for English riders—sports like dressage, jumping, and polo. But there was a place called Deep Hollow Ranch located in a little town called Montauk, named after the Montaukett Tribe of American Indians.

“They told me they give trail rides,” I said to Okie.

“Good,” he replied. “Go out there and be a trail guide.”

The very next day, I drove to Deep Hollow Ranch to ask for a job that wasn’t in the film and television industry. After parking in a dirt lot, I walked into a tiny office attached to a large barn. Sitting behind an old wooden desk was a tall attractive woman with long black hair and turquoise earrings. She looked up at me.

“Hi, I’m Diane,” she said. “Can I help you?”

I began to experience what would probably now be called imposter syndrome (doubt of my actual skill with horses) and a sudden rush of anxiety. Although it began to dissipate when I noticed that, just like me, Diane was wearing Wranglers, it wasn’t enough to stave off nonstop thoughts of quiet desperation: This is my only chance…. Horses may not be in my future…. What can I say to make her say yes?

“My name is Tim Hayes,” I began, “and I’ve studied with Pat Wyse out in Idaho.”

Diane looked me up and down and said in a flat voice, “I don’t know who that is. How can I help you?”

I had nothing else. I tried to look honest and humble as I replied, “Do you need anyone to help exercise your horses?”

I turned to walk out, trying to leave before Diane could answer my question with a “No.” My thoughts darkened with sadness and failure.

“No,” I heard her say behind me as I reached the door. “But…we need trail guides. Rides go out every day for an hour and a half. Are you interested?”

As I turned back to face her, I mentally reviewed the following facts:

I don’t know enough about horses.

I’m not good enough or confident enough to lead people on trail rides.

There’s no way I can or should be responsible for the safety of other riders and their horses.

If someone has a problem with a horse, I will have no idea how to help them.

This is too risky—probably dangerous.

I’m not qualified, and it’s way over my head.

Then I looked into Diane’s eyes, tried to squint like Clint Eastwood, and said, “Sure.”

Including some public land owned by New York State, Deep Hollow Ranch had close to four thousand acres to explore. Trail rides consisted of going deep into wooded areas on narrow dirt paths until you emerged on a magnificent sandy white beach, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and across to the coastline of Rhode Island and Connecticut. The ranch kept about a hundred Quarter Horses, was open all year, and employed about fifteen trail guides during the busy summer season. Most were college-age men and women, and they came from everywhere in the country—a few even came from Ireland. And although I was old enough to be their father, I needed to constantly ask them for horse help.

Customers were put on the older, mellow horses. Since the guides were supposed to be “experienced equine professionals,” we rode the horses that still had “issues” that needed to be resolved (in other words, the ones that liked to rear or bolt).

Whenever I rode a horse that resisted my requests, I was always told by the others on staff: “Tim, get after him,” and “Show him who’s boss.” These were euphemisms for kicking hard with spurs or pulling forcefully on the reins. It frightened me, it felt wrong, and I hated doing it.

But I didn’t know what else to do.

I must have taken out hundreds of rides in the ten years I worked as a weekend volunteer trail guide in Montauk. I was kicked, bitten, reared with, bucked off, stepped on, and dragged. However, when I think back to all the saddling, grooming, and interacting on the ground I did with so many different horses, I realize how invaluable every experience was in my horseman’s education. Being good or “getting handy” with horses usually has very little to do with horseback riding. It never occurred to me then that unless I learned to establish a positive mental and emotional connection with horses on the ground, I would be left, like most people, with no alternative but to try and control them with physical force when I got on their back to “show them who’s boss.” And just as with a human adult or child, it would eventually become ineffectual in creating a harmonious or safe relationship.

Being a trail guide not only taught me more about horses, it taught me about myself. It further revealed the importance I gave to what other people thought of me. For example, when it came to getting hurt, I discovered that even factoring in all my different horse-related “accidents,” the most painful experiences were those involving my ego. I can easily recall two memorable episodes involving my attempt to save face as a “professional” trail guide.

The first was getting lost on my very first ride. Although the four thousand wooded acres of Deep Hollow Ranch were surrounded by Long Island suburban civilization, which included an occasional house, no one was more surprised than I was when I realized I had accidentally led my group of eight riders up the driveway of someone’s two-story colonial home. (I was later informed that it was a “first” in the history of Deep Hollow Ranch trail guides.) Before any of the riders following me had the chance to exclaim, “Hey, Tim, is this the right way?” I looked back at the group and in my most commanding John Wayne voice yelled, “Follow me! This is where we always make a U-turn and head out toward the beach.”

For the rest of the ride all I thought about was what I would say to Diane when one of the customers mentioned the “pretty house we rode by on the trail.”

No one ever did.

Horses, Humans, and Love: Powerful Lessons from the Herd―Compassion, Self-Worth, True Partnering, Heartfelt Parenting
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This excerpt is adapted from Horses, Humans and Love by Tim Hayes and is reprinted here with permission from Trafalgar Square Books.

You can find more interesting reading in our section for Books. While you're here, check out our Curated Amazon Store for everything you need for a happy horse and rider.

Betting is a huge part of the horse racing experience. But modern technology has taken this aspect of horse racing to new heights.

According to Business Research Insights, the global horse racing market was worth $21.75 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $40.7 billion by 2033 by 2033. With betting being so closely tied to the sport, it's no surprise that some horses are in such a way that ties the two subjects together. Gaming-related names are very common, representing an affinity with another betting pursuit. So, with that in mind, here are some racehorses that have gone all-in:

Poker

When Poker defeated champions Assagai and Buckpasser in the 1967 Bowling Green Handicap, he effectively changed the horse racing scene. He became the inspiration for Poker Stakes, a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in Belmont Park, the same location where he achieved that upset in 1967. The Poker Stakes race is also where champion Thoroughbred Oscar Performance set a speed record in 2018. Poker was also a Champion Broodmare Sire, with his daughters producing numerous champions, including champion sire Seattle Slew.

Moni Maker

Moni Maker was one of the most successful horses in history, with 67 wins, 18 seconds, and 10 thirds in 105 races. Aside from competing in America, she raced internationally, winning major races like the Copenhagen Cup and Prix Prix d'Amérique. True to her name, she became the richest Standardbred when she retired in 2000, and won awards like the United States Horse of the Year.

Moni Maker also shares a similar name to another money-making icon. Around the time she was racing, the accountant turned Americas Cardroom Pro Chris Moneymaker was honing his poker skills. He made history when he won the World Series of Poker in 2003 after qualifying through an online poker site, igniting the poker boom often dubbed the "Moneymaker Effect." The poker legend currently represents the Amercias Cardroom site at major tournaments and tours, including his own. Both Moni Maker and Chris Moneymaker are Hall of Famers in their respective fields.

Laddies Poker Two

Laddies Poker Two didn't have a very long career, but she won her fair share of races in 2008 and 2010. At the Median Auction Maiden Stakes, she beat the favorite Ocean Legend, garnering attention. While she didn’t participate in races in 2009, she made a reappearance at Wokingham in 2010; winning on a seasonal reappearance in a highly competitive, big-field sprint handicap made the achievement even more monumental. Her name also comes from her owners, betting company Ladbrokes. She retired after her win at Wokingham, but the impressive feat pulled off by her and trainer Jeremy Noseda made her a racehorse to remember.

Poker Face

Poker Face had an impressive start to his racing career, winning all of his races in 2022. The gelding also saw remarkable wins in 2023, placing first at the Pomfret Stakes, Prix Quincey, and the Prix Daniel Wildenstein one after the other. He continued with a modest career and a few more wins until his passing while training in 2025. Poker Face was named after the expression a poker player would wear to avoid giving away their hand. It was a fitting name for an unpredictable yet skilled racehorse who gave his all.

Poker Chip Peake

Though not technically a racehorse, Poker Chip Peake made a name for himself in the calf roping world. He was known for his perfect conformation and great "cow sense," making him an icon in the field. His skills helped him become one of the timed-event horses inducted with the ProRodeo Hall of Fame's inaugural Class of 1979, a rare accolade only achieved by four other horses in the 40 years since. He's named after the iconic currency one would see at the poker table, and like his namesake, he was a valuable horse. A tragic accident unfortunately ended his career, but his legacy has lived on to this day.

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Racing & Wagering.

The idyllic scene above showing the freshness and vitality of a country polo match is by Anna Pugh, one of England's leading artists, colourists and visual storytellers, Anna’s original painting, ‘Whose Ball Anyway?’ until recently was stabled in a racing yard in Suffolk, England, alongside thoroughbred equine athletes. So how come its new home is in the city of Orange in the central Tablelands of NSW?

Meet Ilka Gansera-Leveque, racehorse trainer, equine vet and most recently, curator of the premier Art and Horseracing Gallery’s collection of ‘art that makes you feel good’.

Ilka is the only UK-based female racehorse trainer who is also a qualified vet. Throughout her life her passion has been horses and for the last seven years she has worked in partnership with her husband, Stéphane, ably assisted by their teenaged daughter Eléa, building their training business, in Newmarket, where modern, organised horseracing was instigated by King Charles II in 1666.

Over to Ilka: “What we do is a vocation and we live and breathe horseracing. Our home is above our yard, Saint Wendred’s and we work a 16-hour day, seven days a week.

“There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach here. I’m dedicated to the wellbeing of the horses, ensuring each is cared for and trained as an individual. Understanding our horses’ personalities and supporting their development in every way possible are key to getting the best performance. It’s always the horse that dictates the next step and every step thereafter.”

Born in Germany, Ilka and her family moved home every three years as her dad, a German Airforce fighter pilot, was stationed at various bases in Germany and America. Ilka inherited her mum’s love of horses and started riding as soon as possible. Her dream of owning a horse came true at 13, when she was given an Arabian called Badur.

As ilka recalls fondly, “I devoted every free second to looking after Badur and riding.

I grew up knowing I wanted to be a jockey and I left school early, when at 16 I was offered a three-year jockey apprenticeship at champion racehorse trainer, Bruno Schütz’s stables, in Cologne. Then, it was unusual for girls to work in racing and while my school disapproved, my parents let me follow my dreams.

In the early nineties, I spotted the ‘Horse Whisperer’ Monty Roberts, then touring Germany, at a racecourse. I introduced myself and said I’d like to work for him. Realising I’m bilingual, Monty’s interest was piqued and we made a deal: if I could teach him to speak German, he’d teach me everything he knew about horses. We shook on it!

It was such a great opportunity and Monty took me on as an apprentice in California. During five years in America, my ambition evolved from being a jockey to training and veterinary medicine and an unbelievable tragedy steered my path. I was on Long Island in 9/11/01 when the Twin Towers were destroyed and it shook me into the firm decision to become an equine vet.

In 2003, I started a degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Hanover and while on a placement at Dubai’s Equine Hospital, I met French rider, Stéphane Lévêque. Stéphane was working with Sheikh Mohammed’s global racing team, Godolphin, spending six months in Dubai and six months in Newmarket. We became close in Dubai and continued a long-distance relationship while I studied in Germany.

I qualified as a vet in 2009, moved to Newmarket and Stéphane and I married. In July 2010, our daughter Eléa was born. Before Eléa was one, I started a 12-month veterinary internship at the world-renowned Rossdales Equine Hospital in Newmarket. Stéphane continued to ride out for Godolphin and looked after Elea while I was at work.

In 2011, Stéphane had a riding accident and nearly died. The experience made us reflect and realise we had to do what we really wanted and that was to train our own horses. Stéphane had completed the British Trainer’s course in 2009 and when I qualified in 2012, we started to build a business from scratch.

Beginning with one horse in a rented stable, we progressed to buying Saint Wendred’s racing yard in 2015, with 32 boxes and the bonus of living quarters above the stables.

Fast forward to now and IGL Racing is a thriving family business, with 15 horses in training, ridden out daily by Stephan, Ilka and daughter Eléa who has the enviable treat of galloping the finest thoroughbreds before her school day starts. As well as the horses, Ilka manages two racing syndicates, a monthly podcast and now, a collection of beautiful fine art.

Based in the tranquil setting of St. Wendred’s, Ilka’s Art and Horseracing Gallery showcases art inspired by nature and hard work, housed in converted stables alongside her thoroughbred athletes. Launched in spring 2023, initially to offer a unique experience for racehorse owners visiting the yard, the collection has already grown to over 500 pieces of original art and sculpture by national and international artists. The gallery’s progress has been impressive and as Ilka explains, “Integrating art within our working yard brings to life all that's beautiful about the horses we’re lucky enough to nurture and live with and the nature that surrounds us. Our artists love the concept of their work being shown in a stable and visitors to the yard are surprised and delighted by what’s revealed when we open St. Wendred’s special stable doors. Our eclectic range includes horses, dogs, wild fauna, land and seascapes, racing, cycling, rowing, & rugby.”

Stable stars include New York painter Diana Cook, renowned for her quintessentially English scenes, English folk artist Anna Pugh, who is in her mid-80s with failing eyesight, making her pieces exceedingly rare, textile designer Elizabeth Castell who features in the V&A and Ukrainian street photographer Jean Kosse, whose black and white images capture the extraordinary in ordinary moments.

So that’s how Anna Pugh’s ‘Whose Ball Anyway’ and ‘Love You Too’, along with Marco Ramassa's painting (pictured below) came to be in the Tablelands of NSW.

The gallery is open to visitors seven days a week from 10 until 6 and of course, all the art is available to view and buy online. Visit www.artandhorseracing.com to see the full range of art available.

For full information about Ilka’s unique approach to training, becoming the owner of an equine athlete, syndicates and much more visit: www.gansera-leveque.com.

Finally, check out Ilka’s podcast: Vantage Point Racing Club Podcast

There are more interesting articles in our sections on Recreation & Lifestyle, Artwork and Clinicians & Trainers. While you're here, be sure to check out our Curated Amazon Store.

View more Artwork from Ilka Gensera-Leveque's Gallery Ilka Gansera-Leveque Trainer, Mother, Vet, Curator

EIE Publisher's Note: Many mornings at the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga, we watched in awe as Patricia Meadow, known fondly as the "Galloping Granny" train her horses, riding them herself. She was a legend at the racetrack and was often three times older than many of the riders sharing the track with her. It wasn't until after her passing, from an article published by the Thoroughbred Daily News, that we knew about her interesting past which included degrees from Harvard University. Like her, we hope at her age we'd be able to enjoy life astride a galloping horse.

Please take a moment to read For Patricia Meadow, A Life with Horses Was Both Destination and Journey, courtesy of the TDN.

You can find more informative articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

EquineInfoExchange had a great time at the Equine Affaire in West Springfield, MA, and everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather. We attended demonstrations, competitions, and learned about amazing new products. We visited the barns and had a chance to pet beautiful horse breeds including Minis, Clydesdales, Fjords, Arabians, Thoroughbreds, Mustangs, Icelandics, Gypsies and many more! It also gave us the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones who share our love and passion for horses.

Enjoy our photo gallery!

Some of the booths we visited included Sentinel Horse Nutrition, Purina, Semican, Tribute, Poulin Grain and Aden Brook who are all included in our Bedding & Feed page.

We also stopped by Bemer Group and learned about EquineSleeve and added both to our Therapy page.

SmartPak gave away product samples and was a very popular booth.

It was the first time the National Museum and Racing Hall of Fame attended! They are included on our Museums page. If you are in Saratoga Springs, NY, make sure to visit them!

Dubarry of Ireland, State Line Tack, and LM Boots are all included in Tack & Apparel.

Trafalgar Square Books, who publishes content on EIE, had authors promoting and signing their books. See them in our Books section and read excerpts.

We were thrilled to see rehoming organizations such as the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Mustang Valley Sanctuary and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. EIE has the largest directory of Rehoming organizations in the world so if you are seeking a horse, please consider adoption or make a donation!

Mainline Fence & Supply Corp. is another recurring vendor who is included on our Fencing page.

R. Blackington, the official creators of the Kentucky Derby trophy, Impressions of Saratoga, The Bent Nail and Sona Equestrian join our Jewelry & Gifts section.

Boehringer Ingelheim Equine, whose products include GastroGard, Luitpold Animal Health, makers of Adequan, and Life Data Labs are included in Supplements.

Chewy who had a cool spinning wheel for prizes was added too. They had a long line of people waiting to spin the wheel!

We are continuing to add businesses every day and will share them on social media. We have a social media reach of over 3,000,000 a month!

Do you want your business added to EIE? Email us at info@equineinfoexchange.com with your company's website and we will include you too!

Be sure to look over our Photo Gallery below.

You can find more interesting articles in our section about Recreation & Lifestyle.

Equine Affaire 2024 Photo Gallery  

Click any image to view larger and start a slideshow presentation.

By the EIE Editorial Staff

Lady Gaga is a horse lover and received her first horse, Arabella, from her record company as a birthday present.

We appreciate Lady Gaga’s musical talents and saw her the week she was the final performing act at the historic Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

We were also lucky enough to see her with Tony Bennett at his final performance at Radio City Music Hall in a concert where every song ended with a standing ovation from an adoring crowd. She said, “Hello Mr. President,” to Bill Clinton who was sitting nearby amongst an audience of celebrities.

Interestingly, Radio City had everyone put their cell phones in a secured bag so there was no filming or photos during the event, however HBO was on hand to record for a later broadcast. It was an unforgettable evening.

Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic and we met him briefly while driving down Ninth Avenue in New York City. We exchanged friendly barbs and he laughed off suggestions to stop smoking (he smokes like a chimney) and had a great sense of humor despite being a bit cavalier about his health. 😊

Both the 2019 film Joker and the 2024 Joker: Folie à Deux featured a long set of stairs in upper Manhattan. We have even (barely) climbed those long set of stairs. This, coupled with the admiration of Phoenix and Gaga, was the reason which compelled us to run out to see Joker: Folie à Deux.

The movie was different from what we expected. It was a musical. Having seen Phoenix in Walk the Line as Johnny Cash, we know that Phoenix, here as Arthur Fleck, has some musical talent but seeing a character with a clear mental illness suddenly break into song was at first a bit disconcerting.

Gaga plays the part of his love interest and advocate, Harley Quinn ("Lee"), in an equally complicated character. There seemed to be no point to the movie apart from an examination of the complexity of mental illness. It is always great to see the talents of both actors in their respective roles who did as much as they could with a script which fell flat for us.

Unlike reports of people walking out of the movie, no one in our theatre did but like most movies today, the theatre was not well attended as the trend seems for people to wait for a streaming service to enjoy the movie (or switch it off) at home. The BTX (Bow Tie Xtreme) viewing which is AMC’s version of IMAX was not worth the upcharge.

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Kentucky’s deep equestrian roots make it one of the best destinations for horseback riding enthusiasts. This Bluegrass State offers diverse trails ranging from peaceful, scenic paths in state parks to adventurous routes across its rolling hills. Exploring Kentucky on horseback not only allows riders to connect with nature but also showcases the state’s rich history in the equestrian world.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers over 180 miles of horseback riding trails, making it a paradise for riders seeking various terrains. Riders can enjoy forested paths, riverside routes, and open spaces, making the journey diverse and scenic.

With well-maintained trails and campgrounds designed for horses and riders alike, this park is an excellent choice for those seeking longer rides. Riders have the chance to explore both easy and challenging trails, making this location ideal for all skill levels. Big South Fork truly delivers an unforgettable riding experience.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park boasts more than 70 miles of backcountry trails open to horseback riders. These trails range from flat and relaxing paths to more challenging routes, offering riders the opportunity to navigate the dense forests surrounding the world’s longest cave system.

The park’s Cedar Sink Trail provides a mix of wooded areas and open clearings, creating a beautiful balance for riders who appreciate variety. For those who want to experience Kentucky’s natural beauty while riding through historical landscapes, Mammoth Cave National Park is a prime location.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Land Between the Lakes (LBL) spans 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, offering 100 miles of equestrian trails. Riders can explore open fields, lakefront paths, and wooded trails. With ample camping options, including facilities specifically for riders and their horses, LBL is a must-visit destination for multi-day riding adventures.

The Wrangler’s Campground at LBL is renowned for its amenities and easy access to the trails, catering to both beginner and advanced riders.

Red River Gorge

Known for its stunning sandstone arches and unique rock formations, Red River Gorge offers a different kind of adventure for horseback riders. Though it’s more popular with hikers and climbers, equestrians can explore designated trails that wind through the rugged terrain. With challenging paths that test even the most experienced riders, Red River Gorge is a fantastic destination for those looking to push their skills.

The Gorge’s breathtaking views make every ride worthwhile, with moments of serenity interspersed with thrilling climbs.

Daniel Boone National Forest

The Daniel Boone National Forest covers over 2.1 million acres and features approximately 600 miles of trails. Many of these are multi-use trails accessible to horseback riders. The Sheltowee Trace Trail is one of the forest’s highlights, extending over 300 miles through the heart of the forest.

Riders can expect a blend of easy-going paths and more technical routes. The forest’s diverse flora and fauna provide riders with a scenic and immersive natural experience that brings Kentucky’s beauty to life. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers a unique horseback riding experience with 3,000 acres of preserved farmland and over 33 miles of trails. As riders explore this historical site, they can enjoy scenic views of rolling hills and preserved Shaker architecture. Shaker Village is perfect for both casual riders and history enthusiasts who want to combine their love for riding with an educational experience about Kentucky’s Shaker communities.

Green River State Park

With over 28 miles of equestrian trails, Green River State Park is a more tranquil option for riders looking for a peaceful ride through meadows and along the Green River. The trails are mostly flat and easy, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxing outing. Riders can also take advantage of the park’s camping facilities, which are equipped to accommodate both riders and their horses, offering a serene retreat in nature.

Taylorsville Lake State Park

Taylorsville Lake State Park features 24 miles of multi-use trails that run alongside the lake and through forested areas. These trails provide a mixture of scenic water views and shaded, wooded paths, making the ride visually engaging and enjoyable for both beginner and experienced riders.

With a dedicated equestrian campground, Taylorsville Lake State Park is a favorite spot for horse enthusiasts who want to combine a love of nature with their riding adventures.

Cave Run Lake

Cave Run Lake is not only known for its water-based activities but also offers riders several trails that wind through the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Big Cave Run Horse Camp offers a convenient starting point for riders looking to explore the area.

Trails here range from easygoing rides along the lake to more challenging routes through the surrounding hills and forests. For those looking for a mix of water views and dense woodland, Cave Run Lake offers a well-rounded experience.

Enhance your adventure with DraftKings Kentucky, where you can engage in betting opportunities that complement your love for equestrian activities.

As you explore Kentucky’s stunning horseback riding trails, you can also partake in exciting betting options, adding a new layer of engagement to your outdoor experience.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky offers a wealth of horseback riding trails that cater to riders of all levels, providing both scenic beauty and adventure. Whether you prefer a relaxing ride through meadows or a challenging trek through rugged terrain, the Bluegrass State delivers an unforgettable experience.

There are more informative articles in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.

Horse racing project The Winners Circle is making waves for a new initiative to enhance fan engagement in the sport.

Launched in February 2024, its unique $HRSE digital token aims to keep horse racing relevant as it continues to compete with more modern spectator sports like esports. The token uses Web3 technology, which is popular for innovations such as the blockchain, to mimic modern digital currencies and their ability to increase fan interaction in sports through the provision of various reward systems.

This recent release from the Winning Circle aligns with the ongoing trend of digital transformation in horse racing. Uniquely, it offers the sport's enthusiasts access to exclusive opportunities through partnerships with major market players like Racing League and Sky Sports. Here's more on how The Winning Circle's new token is piquing fan and investor interest by providing new ways to foster fan engagement in horse racing.

Digital transformation in horse racing

Though many think pieces argue that horse racing is becoming a thing of the past, the truth is that the sport isn't going away anytime soon. Zion Market Research expects its value to rise from $402.3 to $792.9 billion between 2022 and 2030, a growth fueled by the horse racing industry's adoption of emerging technologies. Smart sensors aid horse health and performance management, for example, while AI enhances data analytics to provide insights on track conditions that can help improve training outcomes.

In Staying on Track, we note that beginner and expert riders alike can even organize riding lessons digitally, helping them learn more from each session. All these functionalities can enhance how horse racing enthusiasts experience the sport.

Primarily, The Winners Circle builds on the industry's goal of digital transformation by providing an online platform where the horse racing community can access live events and discuss potential outcomes with fellow enthusiasts. However, the design of the $HRSE token itself goes even further by specifically leveraging the same Web3 technologies that power digital currencies and tokens. To do so, The Winners Circle takes inspiration from their capabilities to enhance fan engagement in traditional sports betting, then uses the $HRSE token to transfer and promote these benefits in horse racing.

Web3, digital tokens, and sports betting

Sports betting is popular among fans who want to do more than just passively experience sports events. It allows them to display their knowledge of a particular sport and put it to the test by predicting the outcomes of a game in real-time, making the viewing experience more enjoyable. As a result, sports betting in the US alone hit record revenues of over $10.92 billion in 2023. That’s largely thanks to the increasing adoption of Web3 technologies like cryptocurrency and the blockchain.

Though traditional sports bets are placed with fiat currency through a bookmaker or sportsbook, today’s online betting providers streamline the process by using cryptocurrencies to provide more flexibility. That’s exemplified by the features offered by Thunderpick, a leading crypto-only betting platform. Here, users can leverage popular tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether to place bets on popular sports like tennis, hockey, basketball, and American football. In doing so, they can benefit from transactions that are faster, more secure, and more anonymous than those that use fiat currencies.

Modern digital tokens used in sports take things even further by facilitating more than just sports betting. That’s perfectly illustrated by the widespread use of fan tokens in soccer. Created by and available on the Socios platform, fan tokens are distributed by famous teams like Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and FC Barcelona for the purpose of bolstering fan engagement, loyalty, and identity. The more fan tokens one owns, the greater influence they have on team decisions like jersey designs. They’ll also have improved chances of unlocking unique rewards like exclusive meet-and-greets.

Here’s how The Winners Circle is using $HRSE to bring those benefits to horse racing.

How $HRSE promotes digital currencies in horse racing

$HRSE stands out for its ability to combine the benefits of both the digital currencies accepted by Thunderpick and tokens offered by Socios—and personalize those perks to appeal to horse racing fans.

That’s immediately apparent in how it fosters interactive engagement among token holders. Those who own $HRSE can showcase their horse betting skills by accessing exclusive racing prediction games organized by The Winners Circle. By accurately speculating on the outcomes of various races, they can potentially win tangible prizes or rack up points that they can convert to $HRSE tokens. Token holders can even leverage the project’s Racing League Manager to create and manage their own teams for these prediction games.

However, $HRSE truly distinguishes itself through the nature of the fan rewards it offers. Thanks to credible partnerships with industry leaders, The Winners Circle offers opportunities for more immersive experiences. Similar to fan tokens, the quantity of $HRSE owned gives horse racing followers more influence over Racing League decisions and better access to exclusive rewards like behind-the-scenes tours, meet-and-greets, and discounted merchandise and tickets. Uniquely, however, $HRSE token holders also get the chance to hold genuine IP rights and thus real ownership over racehorses.

Thanks to all the perks that come with owning $HRSE tokens, The Winners Circle encourages improved fan loyalty and fosters a greater sense of community within horse racing’s 2.5 million-strong audience. Ultimately, these experiences are helping tangibly show enthusiasts of the sport how digital currencies can make horse racing much more engaging. In fact, $HRSE generated so much interest that The Winners Circle raised over 60% of its target funds a mere six hours after launching the token on Kommunitas and the Spores Network.

With the launch of its $HRSE token, The Winners Circle promotes the benefits of digital currencies, showing just how well they can translate from general sports betting to this particular part of the sports world. Want more of the latest on horse racing? Keep reading here on Equine Info Exchange—the source for everything equine.

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Racing & Wagering.

By the EIE Editorial Staff

Owning a horse is undeniably rewarding, but it can also be expensive. Here are some strategies to help manage rising costs.

Reassess Your Setup

• Boarding: How much are you paying for board? Are you at a fancy show barn but no longer need all the services they offer? You may consider less expensive options like pasture boarding or self-boarding if possible. Also, there are places where you can work off some or all of your board. Sweeping and mucking is great exercise too!
• Equipment: Do you truly need all of your equipment? Do you sometimes feel like you can open your own tack shop? Selling unused items can help! Ask people in the barn if they need any tack, blankets or apparel you no longer need. Post items on Facebook marketplace and groups and other social media platforms. It’s also a great way to declutter and put some money in your pocket!
• Horse’s Needs: Assess your horse's dietary and healthcare requirements. Sometimes, adjustments can save money. For example, if there are times in the year where your horse is less active, perhaps costly supplements can be amended but please, check with your veterinarian!

Cost-Cutting Measures

• Bulk Buying: Shop around and regularly evaluate how you purchase hay, feed and bedding. It is easy to stay with one supplier but perhaps there are other options to explore. Reach out to others who may share ideas for options and a great question to ask on local Facebook groups. We find that other barn owners really want to help each other save money!
• DIY: Consider learning to do some tasks yourself, like braiding or clipping. This not only save you money but gives you a bonding opportunity. One racehorse trainer would braid his horses’ manes before races and call it his, “moments of Zen with the horse.”
• Shared Costs: Pool resources with other horse owners for veterinarian or farrier visits. A farm visit can be expensive so it is best to share the cost. We know the importance of a good veterinarian and farrier and they will also appreciate combining a farm visit to serve multiple horses as well.
• Creative Income: How about a side hustle? You can offer services like horse sitting, grooming, clipping, braiding, tack cleaning or teaching lessons to offset costs. Can you think of other ideas?

Financial Planning

• Budgeting: Try to create a detailed budget for your horse's care and stick to it. We know that going to a show or event will cost extra money so budget for it and try not to exceed that budget.
• Emergency Fund: Do your best to set aside money for unexpected vet bills or other emergencies. Unfortunately, we know as horse owners that unforeseen things can happen.
• Insurance: Consider equine insurance to protect against significant financial losses. We highly recommend this as a procedure such as colic surgery is extremely costly.

Rethinking Horse Ownership

• Leasing: Instead of owning a horse, you may consider leasing which reduces upfront costs. Have someone experienced review any contract regarding this arrangement but it may be a way to enjoy a horse without requiring a long-term commitment or obligation.
• Part-Ownership: You can share the costs and responsibilities with another horse lover, however the specifics of these arrangements should be clear in advance to avoid any conflicts.
• Reducing Riding Frequency: If possible, reduce the frequency of riding to lower overall expenses. So, if you want to ride every week but can only budget it twice a month, then that may be a better option for you.

Remember, the goal is to find a balance between enjoying your horse and managing costs effectively. It might require some adjustments, but with careful planning, you can continue to enjoy your equine companion.

You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.