question about horses at the finish line

videogirl10 · #1 10-02-2006, 11:08 PM

i have noticed in lots of races when the winning horse hits the finish line they have their ears pricked. why do they do this? i know some "know" they won, but does anyone know why they prick right at that time.

Scav · #2 10-03-2006, 08:44 AM

they know. Zarb's magic(a great Arlington horse) used to run his eyeballs out until the finish line then completely stop, if you know anything about Arlington, they usually have to run out to the 2nd turn but Zarb would be able to turn around before entering the 1st...I think the flash and possible the mirror have something to do with it also

Linny · #3 10-03-2006, 09:24 AM

Ears pricked usually means that they are running within themselves, not extending a "maximum effort." Look at Wait a While's picture on the front of Tuesday's DRF.

Cajungator26 · #4 10-03-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linny

Ears pricked usually means that they are running within themselves, not extending a "maximum effort." Look at Wait a While's picture on the front of Tuesday's DRF.

Actually, it's a good thing when their ears are pricked. Ears pricked alert and facing forward indicate that the horse is happy and interested in what's ahead of him/her. Normally, when they're laid flat back, they're not happy.

SundayStar · #5 10-03-2006, 12:32 PM

did anyone notice when dance in the mood won the cash call mile that she pricked ONE ear forward. i don't think i've ever seen that. what a beautiful mare. i haven't heard of any bc plans for her. i guess she's not coming.

Cajungator26 · #6 10-03-2006, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SundayStar

did anyone notice when dance in the mood won the cash call mile that she pricked ONE ear forward. i don't think i've ever seen that. what a beautiful mare. i haven't heard of any bc plans for her. i guess she's not coming.

That means that the ear that was BACK was paying attention to something behind her. The best way to tell about a horse's personality is their ears. I could always tell when I was going to get thrown off by mine by what he was doing with his ears.

YellowSnowMonster · #7 10-05-2006, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

Actually, it's a good thing when their ears are pricked. Ears pricked alert and facing forward indicate that the horse is happy and interested in what's ahead of him/her. Normally, when they're laid flat back, they're not happy.

It kind of depends on the horse though. My horse puts her ears back when she is running flat out, when she is with in herself her ears are forward- pretty good indicator that she's being lazy!
As for knowing where the finish line is.... Horses always know. The same horse mentioned above always tries to stop before the cones, it makes me angry! (We run in barrel races)