“And they’re off!”

Some pretty well-known words for anyone who listens to race calling. Travis Stone, the track announcer for Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, Louisiana answered some questions regarding this talent.
You can visit Travis’ site at http://www.racecalling.com/ and if interested in a handicapping course, check out http://www.racecalling.com/bpcc.php.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out race calling?
I started race calling when I was really young by practicing with toys, my bike, marbles – you name it. It became a serious endeavor around the age of 12. Horse racing sold me the second I watched my first race.

How much of your day/week is based around horses?
Literally around horses? Not much. I follow the sport religiously on the internet and through television. I am an avid reader of racing news, and contribute to various discussion groups throughout the net.

In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
I’m very lucky in that my job allows me to work year-round on salary. I purchased my first home last year. Each day I wake-up and realize how lucky I am. However, many announcing jobs are part-time. It’s a tough career for sure.

What are the general steps taken to become a race caller?
Practice, practice, practice. Also, make contacts. Get experience in racing, no matter what level. I wrote for a newspaper, auctioneered – did anything I could to beef-up the resume.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing this discipline?
Practice more than you think is necessary. I’m not ashamed to admit that I probably called upwards of 200 races a day when I was younger with nothing to do. One summer I had a job I could do from home, so I would spend a few hours each day just calling races using computer games. I attribute a good chunk of where I am today to my ability to practice that much.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I think training horses would be a great challenge. Also, the marketing of horse racing, which I do a bit in now, would interest me as well. Maybe, just maybe, doing the racing secretary thing for a bit, but that’s a high-stress job.

Favourite horse memory?
Cigar going undefeated in the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic. It was my first Breeders’ Cup. I remember watching him roll past the 1/8 pole like it was yesterday.

Future goals?
My ultimate goal is to call races in New York. That’s where I grew-up, that’s the racing I know and love. I would also like to call the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
It’s a blast! Seriously, it’s fun. It’s work, and you have to be professional, but it’s a lot of fun.

“To get in shape to own a horse… Leap out of a moving vehicle and practice “relaxing into the fall”. Roll lithely into a ball, and spring to your feet!”

tag: self education, networking, auction, racing, racecalling, racehorses, thoroughbreds, career, kentucky derby, breeders’ cup

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Making hotel reservations before hand is always best. Even if it is an orlando hotel or an iowa house hotel, the reservations should always be made. This courtesy should not be extended to the new york hotels only. And these hotels are certainly no less than any chicago hotel.

Jane Savoie (http://www.janesavoie.com/) is a name that could bring up an image of a competitor, coach, instructor, clinician, speaker or author.  Well versed in the equine industry, she kindly took the time to answer some questions regarding competing in dressage at a high level.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start out competing in dressage?
I’ve had a love affair with horses since I was a child. I started in dressage in my mid-20’s. I was eventing before then, and the only horse I could afford was a broken down racehorse with a bowed tendon.  Because of his injury, he couldn’t jump, so I focused on dressage. I was hooked.

How much of your day/week is hands on with horses?
6-7 days
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In this field is it possible for someone to be a full time professional, earning a livable income?
It’s definitely possible, but perhaps not as easy as some other professions. I always tell horse crazy kids to go to college or get some kind of education beyond high school so they have something to fall back on.
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What are the general steps taken to be able to compete at a high level?
1. Get on the longe line and develop an independent seat. Aids given from a poor riding position aren’t as effective as aids given from an independent seat.
2. Learn the BASICS. Everything goes back to the basics. I house build on a poor foundation will topple in a storm.
3. Apprentice yourself to a top rider/trainer.
4. Ride as many different types of horses as you can.
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Any advice for those interested in pursuing this discipline?
As I said above, apprentice yourself to a top trainer. Then later, if you’re really serious, you need to spend time training and competing in Europe.
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Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
I use an energy therapy called the Emotional freedom Technique (EFT) to help riders deal with emotional issues like fear, tension, and lack of confidence as well as to manage pain. I am working on using the same therapy to help animals.
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Favourite horse memory?
The first time I earned the right to wear the US flag on my saddle pad as I cantered down the centerline. That was in Rotterdam, Holland in 1990.
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Future goals?
I’ve just finished a huge home study course called a Happy Horse. The goal of the course is to help riders who live in areas without good trainers as well as clarify the steps that allow you to train a horse that is happy and comfortable in his work. I’m thinking about following up this course with some sort of interactive on line “University” course.
Riding goals: My Friesian, Menno PM had his debut at Prix St Georges this winter. My goal is to compete him at Grand Prix in the not to distant future.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I learn something every single day–both from the horses and from my students.

“Ten ways to get in shape to own a horse… marry money!”