The Moscow Hippodrome is considered the oldest in Russia. In addition, he is the first hippodrome, where they began to test trotters for agility. It was founded in 1834. It combines two functions: testing both cross-country and trotting horses. Hippodrome in Moscow is one of the few places where tests are carried out year-round under any circumstances and in any weather conditions.
Races are held every Sunday. In addition, in summer, spectators can enjoy the trials of Arabian and thoroughbred riding horses.
Now the racetrack on Begovaya is famous for the fact that it raises a variety of prizes - both nominal and traditional. It also hosts various well-known competitions for riding and trotting horses, which collect the "prize elite" from the best hippodromes.
When the Moscow Hippodrome began its work
On the first of August, 1834, trotters ran for the first time on the Khodynsky field. This day is considered the beginning of the history of the hippodrome in Moscow. In the opening year, only a couple of running days were spent and only twelve horses were tested. In the late 1880s, coaches and jockeys began to improve distance records. The number of goals for starting horses has been expanded. In addition, in addition to trotting races and races, show jumping hippies, as well as steeples, became popular. For their conduct, the Moscow Hippodrome equipped a special track that crossed the circle diagonally. The main building was completed in 1894, which became known as the Running Arbor. In the 1950s, it was reconstructed.
Hippodrome in Moscow during the Civil War and after
During the Civil War, the hippodrome was mothballed. Military exercises took place on its territory, and rallies were held in the stands. At the same time, Lenin himself spoke at one of the rallies. In 1920, the testing of horses began again, and in September 1921 the trotters races resumed. In 1929, more than a thousand horses passed trotting trials. At the same time, they opened a tote. Until 1930, the racing and trotting hippodromes in Moscow were separate enterprises, but were next to each other. Because of the need to reconstruct the railway, the question arose of moving the racetrack. Therefore, this year the merger of these two hippodromes was carried out.
Hippodrome development after perestroika
More recently (in 1997), an equestrian school for children appeared at the hippodrome. In 2012, the long-awaited sweepstakes resumed its work. Profit goes to support horse breeding. In 2013, a record number of horses was tested - more than eight hundred. In the same year, many records were set among the Oryol trotters, which indicates the rapid development of this breed.
Now the hippodrome in Moscow is a complex mechanism that includes many different systems. Its area is forty hectares, and the carrying capacity is more than a thousand horses per year. Therefore, if you want to visit the races in Moscow, then be sure to pay attention to this place. At the hippodrome there is a car fleet, a hospital for horses and quarantine.
Trials of the Trotters
The Hippodrome on Begovaya regularly tests trotters. These tests have both breeding importance for the development and formation of breeds, and just sports. The latter direction gradually began to prevail. Now horse racing in Moscow and trotting races have become professional equestrian sports. The length of the tracks for trotting runs is 1,600 meters. The coating is dense, soil or artificial. Some Russian hippodromes conduct tests not only in the summer, but also in the winter - on tracks with an ice cover. At the same time, horses are forged in special horseshoes with spikes. In addition, sometimes trotters ride on a snowy track in a sleigh for running. Mostly trotters compete at distances of 1,600 or 2,400 meters.
In rare cases, the distance is 3200 meters. In races, horses are distributed by age group. Horses of different breeds can run together, but there are competitions in which horses of only one breed participate. In trials for horses, horses must certainly cover the entire distance with only one gait - trot. If the horse has strayed, then it can be disqualified and subsequently deprived of any encouragement. In addition, horses that run the wrong trot or amble are excluded from the competition.
How to train trotters
In order for the horse to show good results, it must be well trained. Moreover, the training should be daily. The scheme of training a trotting horse looks something like this: the first day - a step and a short trot; the second day - a step on a special carrier (a device that resembles a carousel) or a complete rest; third day - trot; fourth day - flywheel work; from the fifth to the seventh day - a trot; eighth day - frisky lynx; the ninth day - a step on a carrier and rest; the tenth day is again a fly job. In the following days there is a fly-by-sway work, a trot and finally a prize ride. A similar scheme is used for horses over two years of age. In this case, horses appear, as a rule, once every two weeks. Training for three-year-old horses is usually more intense. The results of the runs are recorded in the cards. They are then used by breeders in breeding. The main indicator is agility, which is shown by the horse for the entire time of the test.
Race Horse Tests
A very spectacular sight is horse racing. You can purchase tickets to the hippodrome immediately before the start of the competition. Race tests are carried out on tracks with sand or dirt, they run from May to October. Riding horses are divided into age groups. In addition, there are separate competitions for the Arabian, thoroughbred horse, Akhal-Teke and Budyon breeds. In race trials, it is important that the mass of the jockey fit into the standards for each group. At the hippodrome, sometimes there are races with obstacles in which horses must overcome barriers from brushwood.
How to train racehorses
Race horses train according to special schemes, like trotters. As a rule, every day a racehorse should work for trot for about 10 or 15 minutes, run a short gallop distance from 1800 to 3600 meters and then step back. At the same time, the step back should be at least twenty minutes. In the evening, the horse is recommended to work in steps of one hour. Very often, such work is performed without a saddle. This provides peace and comfort for the horse, namely for its back. Along with such relatively easy work, intensive trainings for agility are also carried out - swing and gallop. They are usually performed on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
Equestrian school for children
Since ancient times, man worked and lived side by side with a horse. But now, at a time of universal progress, the horse has faded into the background. Nevertheless, people, especially children, love horses and love to spend their time with them. The Moscow Hippodrome is famous for its horse riding school. You can learn to ride from three to five years of age. In this case, it is advisable to consult with your doctor in advance to identify hidden diseases. Parents should remember that the horse is a strong animal, and you need to take care of buying the necessary equipment for your child. This is not only comfortable clothing that will not rub, but also a durable helmet that will protect the child's head during a fall from a horse if it occurs. To enroll in a riding school, you need to come to the address: 22 Begovaya Street.