The World's Greatest Horse Racing System: Is it a Scam?

Currier & Ives, "A Brush for the Lead", 1866

All horse racing betting systems are scams in the sense that there is no sure way to pick a winner. If there was a foolproof way to pick winners of horse races, there would be a lot more people rich from gambling. There are just too many factors that can go spectacularly wrong in a race, such as a horse breaking down, a saddle slipping (like what happened to Affirmed) or a sudden thunderstorm, for any tipster or betting system to guarantee winners -- even those that call themselves "The World's Greatest Horse Racing System" or words of that nature.

Can You Learn How to Bet Cheaply?

If you want to learn about how to bet conservatively then check out books about betting harness races, quarter horse races or thoroughbred racing from your local library. They recommend only betting occasionally and as a hobby, not as a career. "Only bet what I can afford to lose" should be your mantra.

If you can earn enough money to cover your bets, then you are doing better than most. However, many people (like myself) just cannot keep to their betting limits, so I cannot bet at all. (Jut one of my many problems.)

Alternatives to Horse Race Betting

If you are worried about how the horses are treated during and after their racing careers and can keep to your betting limits, then try betting on another sport. Some casinos or betting parlors offer horse racing simulation betting games. I played one day on one of these when I lived in England. They were cute, but for me they did not hole the thrill and challenge of picking winners in races consisting of real horses. 

There is a popular (and very funny) video game called the Japan World Cup (and it's sequels, Japan World Cup 2 and Japan World Cup 3). I've never played it because I'm not into video games (and can't afford them anyway) but if you want to try your chances at pretend betting, go for it.

You Better Know The Rules For Riding A Horse On The Road

Image from Wikimedia Commons

In a match between a horse and a car, the horse will always loose.  Cars, trucks, drivers and roads suck, but they are an inescapable part of modern living if you want to ride horses.  You AND your horse needs to know the rules for riding a horse on roads.  If you or your horse cannot handle roads and traffic, you cannot risk riding on a road.

Rules You Need To Follow

Always keep in mind that drivers are the enemy.  It doesn’t matter that it’s illegal to hit a horse with a car intentionally.  They will still do it, because there are drivers out there who think it’s funny to kill animals with cars.  This might sound paranoid, but this kind of paranoia will save your horse’s life.  This is THE most important of the rules for riding a horse on the road.

Always dress in bright reflective colors.  This is one of the most important rules for riding a horse on the road.  There are many cheap and cheerful fluorescent colored vests you can buy.  If you have to, stick an orange “slow traffic” triangle on your back.  Consider that most horses are a shade of brown.  This color blends in with the surroundings.  Drowsy drivers will not see a brown horse, but will see the bright vest.

Reflective stickers and additions are also available for your horse.  You can put them on the saddle blanket, the brow band, or as wraps around the legs.  If you have to do any riding at dawn, dusk or evening, these are a good investment.

Always ride your horse facing traffic, if you can help it.  This is another of the most important rules for riding a horse on the road.  The horse will be less likely to panic if they can see what’s coming.

Rules Your Horse Needs To Follow

Your horse must be road wise.  There are no ifs, ands or buts about it.  It’s hard enough to sit a bucking horse without having to weave around traffic as well.  For the first time you ride your horse anywhere near a road, dismount and LEAD the horse until you are assured that he or she is road wise.

The other rules for riding a horse on the road are to keep alert.  Also, keep as calm as you can.  Horses can pick up your nerves.  Don’t ride alone on a road if you can help it, in case of emergency, you have help.  Ride with a cell phone for emergencies.  And praise your horse when he or she is behaving well.