Over the years harness racing has gone thrown incredible growths in popularity. When these growth spurts occur the need for drivers increases as the popularity of the sport around the globe grows.

So What does it take to become a Harness Racing driver?

That is a question we get quite often and seems to be in the minds of many people. Is learning to be a harness driver a God given talent or learned skill?

I believe the most important characteristic necessary is desire. Do you really want to become a professional driver? I cannot tell you how many fifteen or sixteen year old kids attend the race track for the first time and then leave feeling they want to be the next Dave Palone.

For those that may not know, Dave Palone is the winningest driver in harness racing history. However if you really think you would want to become a successful driver you can do it, with the right commitment, focus, hard work and dedication.

The best place to start is mucking stalls. Are you will to go to work for a stable or trainer for minimum wage cleaning stalls? If you are then you
may have the desire necessary to become a successful driver. This is
were many driver start their career.

Most of the drivers start by working in the horse barns. This is considered an important step as it aids in establishing if you are comfortable with horses or not. Needless to say, if you want to be a driver, you need to get comfortable around horses and they need to be comfortable around you.

As a barn hand you will become comfortable handling the horses. This is how you learn to calm the horse and how you steer the horse in the right directions.

Starting by working in the barns will give you valuable, on the job experience that will server you well the rest of your career. I believe it is also very valuable for young, want to be drivers to learn the history of racing, and the different types of horses and the lingo around the harness racing world.

The Fist 3 Steps to take to become a Harness Racing Driver

1. Go to Your Local Track if you have one, and inquire about getting a job. People in the business can refer you to others in the business. If you don’t have a track close to where you live, getting a job on any local horse farm is the next best option.
   
   2. Download the Official Harness Racing Drivers Rule book, just to start getting yourself familiar with the rules. You can download it by clicking here.
   
   3. REVIEW these helpful links from the USTA (United States Trotting Association)
   
   What are the basics on obtaining a new driver and/or trainer license?
2. Once the application is submitted what is the process?
3. Can reference forms be mailed/emailed to me or to the track?
4. Is there any material available to help pass the tests?
5. How are the tests scored?
6. What does the written test consist of?
7. What does the practical test consist of?
8. Do I have to submit an eye exam?
9. Are there any tips on making the process as smooth as possible?
10. Can I apply online?
    
    
    
    

You can Do It!

I will leave you with the story of Tyler Smith and an awesome poem
from Les Brown. So may say this article was discouraging, that I was attempting to discourage young people from becoming harness racing drivers.

Honestly it was just the opposite, I wasn’t attempting to be discouraging, but I was attempting to be real. If it is your dream then peruse it with passion, and your eyes wide open.

IF YOU WANT A THING BAD ENOUGH…-LES BROWN

If you want a thing bad enough to go out and fight for it,

to work day and night for it, to give up your time, your peace

and sleep for it… if all that you dream and scheme is about it,

…and life seems useless and worthless without it… if you gladly

sweat for it and fret for it and plan for it and lose all your terrror

of the opposition for it…if you simply go after that thing that you

want with all your capacity, strength and sagacity, faith hope and

confidence and stern pertinacity…if neither cold, poverty, famine, nor gout,

sickness nor pain, of body and brain, can keep you away from the thing that

you want…if dogged and grim you beseech and beset it, with the help of

God, YOU WILL GET IT! – Les Brown

The Story of Young Harness Driver Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith made harness racing history at Hoosier Park becoming the youngest driver ever to reach the 1,000-win mark at the tender your age of 20.

He earned his first drivers title at Hoosier Park in 2013. Smith scored 262 wins and earned over $2.8 million in purses to secure the title.

At the young age of 20 he went on to score 507 wins and $3,667,360 in money won for the year.

Tyler Smith has now drawn the attention of the harness world by driving week days at Northfield Park in Ohio and weekends he flies out to Cal Expo in California.

He catches a plane every Friday to drive at Cal Expo for the weekend. He then flies back on Sunday to Ohio to start his week driving Monday at Northfield Park. How bad do you think Tyler Smith wanted to become a successful Harness Racing Driver?