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See below Trainers who offers shares or a Trainer for your exciting pacer or trotter.
Harness Racing
Training
Harness Racing trainers in New Zealand play a vital role in the country’s thriving harness racing industry. These professionals condition Standardbred horses to compete in either trotting (diagonal gait) or pacing (lateral gait) races. With a rich heritage and dedicated support from clubs and enthusiasts, New Zealand trainers are globally respected for their skill, dedication, and success on both domestic and international tracks.
They use specialised training regimes, tailored nutrition, and advanced care to develop peak performance. Their efforts contribute significantly to the training and racing of elite Harness Racing horses across the nation and beyond.
Trainers
Whether you are in the North Island or the bottom of the South Island you can find a trainer near you. The directory below features trainers in North Island and the South Island.
This list is constantly growing and updated on a regular basis.
Ready to be part of the action?
There are many options when it comes to Syndication. Below we feature Trainers who simply train horses and Trainers who train and offer shares.
For Trainers who offer shares simply review their profile, then contact them either through their website, email or phone and ask them what they have and become part of a winning team.
Please mention you were made aware of them through Own the Thrill and if you do decide to become part of a syndicate please let us know simply click here. We are always interested in journeys to and successes in ownership.
Please note that the New Zealand Trotting Owners Association (NZTOA) is unable to intervene in individual syndicate arrangements or disputes. Each syndicator operates independently, and any questions should be directed to the syndicator or to HRNZ if the syndicator is registered. NZTOA’s role is to promote broader industry ownership standards and engagement, not to manage individual business dealings.
A day in the life of a harness horse
Looking after harness racing horses requires dedication, knowledge, and daily care to ensure their health, performance, and wellbeing. These horses are athletes and must be treated as such. A balanced diet rich in quality forage, grains, and supplements tailored to each horse’s workload is essential. Clean water must be available at all times.
Exercise and training routines must be carefully planned and monitored, including regular trotting or pacing, warm-ups, cool-downs, and rest days. Proper grooming keeps the horse’s coat and skin healthy while also allowing handlers to check for injuries or irritations. Hoof care is critical; hooves should be cleaned daily and trimmed by a farrier every few weeks.
Routine veterinary care is necessary to prevent and treat illness or injury. Vaccinations, dental care, and deworming are part of a regular health schedule. Tack and harnesses should be checked for fit and condition to prevent discomfort or injury.
Mental wellbeing is just as important horses need interaction, stable companions, and time outside the stall. A calm, structured environment helps reduce stress. Caring for a harness racing horse is a full-time commitment, but proper care ensures the animal’s safety, longevity, and peak performance on the track.
Looking after harness racing horses requires a structured, consistent routine and specialized care to ensure the horses remain healthy, fit, and race ready. Here’s a comprehensive list of things you need to do when looking after harness racing horses:
1. Daily Care
- Feeding: Balanced diet (hay, grain, supplements) appropriate for their training level.
- Watering: Constant access to fresh, clean water.
- Mucking Out Stalls: Cleaning manure and wet bedding daily.
- Bedding Management: Replace soiled bedding and ensure comfort.
- Grooming: Brushing coat, cleaning hooves, checking for injuries, or swelling.
2. Training & Exercise
- Track Work: Jogging and training sessions based on the horse’s fitness plan.
- Harnessing/Unharnessing: Proper fitting of harness and gear before/after training.
- Cooling Down: Walking the horse post-training to bring heart rate down gradually.
- Monitoring Recovery: Checking for excessive fatigue, lameness, or abnormal behaviour after exercise.
3. Health & Veterinary Care
- Hoof Care: Regular farrier visits (usually every 4–6 weeks).
- Vaccinations: Follow required schedule (e.g., influenza, tetanus, EHV).
- Worming: Routine parasite control.
- Teeth: Dental checks every 6–12 months.
- Vet Checks: Routine health assessments and treatment of any injuries or illness.
4.Tack & Equipment Maintenance
- Cleaning Harness and Gear: Daily cleaning and regular inspection for wear and tear.
- Sulkies (Racing Carts): Maintenance and safety checks.
- Proper Fitting: Ensure all tack fits well to avoid sores or injuries.
5. Race Preparation
- Pre-Race Conditioning: Final training sessions tailored to race distance and horse condition.
- Travel Arrangements: Safe and comfortable transportation to the racetrack.
- Race Day Prep: Braiding, grooming, final check of gear, warm-up routine.
- Paperwork: Ensure registrations, health certificates, and licensing are in order.
6. Mental & Emotional Well-being
- Routine: Horses thrive on consistency; keep feeding and training times regular.
- Turnout Time: Allowing horses time to relax and graze when possible.
- Handling: Gentle, calm handling to build trust and confidence.
- Companionship: Social contact with other horses can reduce stress.
7. Record Keeping
- Training Logs: Track workouts, distances, heart rates, and times.
- Medical Records: Document vet visits, treatments, and medications.
- Feeding Schedules: Keep updated charts for each horse’s diet.
- Race Performance Records: Track finishes, times, and notes from drivers or trainers.
The New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust
The New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust provides a vital service dedicated to the welfare of injured horses across the country. Established to improve equine safety and emergency response, the service operates purpose-built horse ambulances designed to transport horses safely and humanely in critical situations. Each ambulance is equipped with specialized features including hydraulic lifts, supportive padding, and veterinary-grade equipment to ensure the horse’s comfort and minimize further injury during transit.
The service is available at major equine events, racetracks, and in emergencies, working in close coordination with veterinarians, stewards, and event officials. Staff and volunteers are trained in equine handling and emergency care, ensuring a swift, calm, and professional response when an incident occurs. The horse ambulance plays a crucial role in supporting animal welfare standards in New Zealand’s racing, equestrian, and recreational horse communities.
With a growing network of ambulances stationed throughout the country, the Trust continues to expand its reach and impact. Funded through donations, sponsorships, and industry support, the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust exemplifies a commitment to compassionate, proactive care for horses in need. To learn more or support the service, visit their official website.
Life After Racing
In New Zealand, Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and The New Zealand Trotting Owners Association (NZTOA) actively promotes the rehoming of Standardbred horses for second careers after their racing days.
Several initiatives and organisations are dedicated to facilitating this transition, including the Harness Education & Rehoming Opportunities (HERO) program and the Stable to Stirrup Charitable Trust. There are also a number of individuals who actively help to rehome horses.
Trainers
FAQ's
What does a harness racing trainer do?
A harness racing trainer is responsible for preparing horses for racing competition. This includes conditioning, feeding, managing health care, selecting races, and overseeing daily training routines.
What kind of horses do harness racing trainers work with?
Harness racing trainers work primarily with Standardbred horses, which are specially bred for racing at a trot or pace while pulling a sulky (a two-wheeled cart with a driver).
How do harness trainers train horses differently for trotting vs pacing?
Trotters and pacers have distinct gaits:
- Trotters move their legs diagonally (right front with left rear and vice versa).
- Pacers move the legs on the same side together.
Training techniques are tailored to strengthen gait consistency, with specialized hobbles used more commonly for pacers to maintain their gait.
Do harness racing trainers also drive the horses in races?
Some trainers are also licensed drivers and race their own horses, but many hire professional drivers who specialize in racing strategy.
How does a trainer choose which races to enter a horse in?
Trainers consider the horses:
- Class and condition
- Recent performance
- Health and readiness
- Distance and track surface.
- Purse size and competition
How long does it take to train a horse for harness racing?
Standardbreds typically begin training as yearlings and may start racing at age 2 or 3. Full preparation can take 6 to 12 months, depending on the horse’s development and temperament.
What daily routine does a harness horse follow under a trainer?
A typical day includes:
- Morning jogs or training miles
- Feeding and grooming
- Health checks
- Stall cleaning
- Occasional rest or turnout days
What kind of team supports a harness racing trainer?
Trainers often work with:
- Grooms
- Veterinarians
- Farriers (hoof care)
- Owners
- Drivers
What licenses are needed to be a harness racing trainer?
A trainer must be licensed by HRNZ the regulatory governing body in New Zealand.
How do trainers maintain a horse’s health and prevent injuries?
Through:
- Proper conditioning and rest
- Regular veterinary exams
- Massage and chiropractic work.
- Adequate nutrition and hydration
- Monitoring gait for early signs of soreness or strain