A company based in Europe has developed a machine that simulates what it's like to sit behind a Standardbred.
Racewood Equestrian Simulators, based in Tarporley, Cheshire, in the North West of the United Kingdom, has constructed simulators for polo, dressage and thoroughbred jockey training in the past. Jockey training schools across the world were the first to discover the potential of using the simulators to train jockeys economically while enhancing fitness and skill. Riding schools also discovered the benefits of using the simulators to teach beginners and children in a safe and controlled environment.
Recently, Racewood was approached by Sweden's national trotting association, Svensk Travsport, to build a trotting simulator complete with sulky.
"What we had not anticipated though, was the reaction to this new product! During some routine checks with a local trotting team at Tir Prince (in the UK), the feedback we received was astounding," said Racewood in a release on its website.
After testing in the UK, the simulator is en route to Sweden.