[Beeks]

I had the good fortune of being able to spend about a month hanging around our local track. My then boyfriends' sister, was a trainer. I didn't do much except take it all in. I always get a little emotional, watching horses run (racing) because it is just so beautiful to see them doing what they were bred to do, but when you come to know the horses on a personal level, their personalities, their hardships and triumphs and the obstacles they have had to over come, it puts a whole new spin on watching them. We rejoiced with tear filled eyes at a fourth place finish, from a mare whom three weeks prior, had been labeled permanently lame. She had been purchased for a song from a Cali trainer, who had her running on her heals with long toes, which in turn caused a trainwreck of other maladies. Proper trimming and chiropractic work on her spine turned her from a sour people hating witch, to a love bug with alot of try.

I learned so much just by observing. Good things and bad. It was and continues to be an experience I will alway cherish.

HOWEVER, it was more like a vacation than a vocation, so you would probably do better taking the advise from those who have put in their time as professionals. I just know that it was a good experience for me.