Becoming a Harness Driver?

[Genjoi]

Hello everyone, first I'd like to say that I'm quite young and have had a serious passion for the sport for some time. Anyway, to my point I was wondering what's the best way to go about becoming a catch driver? I was thinking about applying for the USTA driving school, which would hopefully get me some connections in the sport seeing as I would be a first generation horseman other then my mom who enjoy's betting the ponies and my late uncle who also quite enjoyed it. Are there any other tips someone would advice a young person like myself to go about becoming a catch driver?

[Flashing Red]

Start off as a groom first, by paddocking at races you will meet a lot of people. If you were a keen, dedicated and hard working employee, you could move up to jogging some and then to training some. You would be a long way from being a driver, if you really want to do it it will take several years of crappy jobs first. Good luck :)

[Genjoi]

Start off as a groom first, by paddocking at races you will meet a lot of people. If you were a keen, dedicated and hard working employee, you could move up to jogging some and then to training some. You would be a long way from being a driver, if you really want to do it it will take several years of crappy jobs first. Good luck :)

Thanks for the info, yeah I kind of figured i'd have to become a groom first, then probably start jogging a few, etc. Do you have any info on how I can go about becoming a groom?

[Flashing Red]

What part of America or Canada do you live? Groom jobs aren't too hard to come by and trainers will reward those that look after their horses really well :) You are better off with a bigger stable first, though less likely to get drives at home you would go to the races more oftern. They are also oftern the better trainers - I've seen smaller or hobby trainers do some silly or even enthical things with their horses. A larger stable is more professional and a good way to learn :)

[LadyV]

The driving school is and excellent idea. Also try contacting some of the drivers at whatever track you are closest to, they may be able to direct you.

[Genjoi]

I'm from Delaware, like 45 minutes to Harrah's chester, and about the same to Dover Downs. I contacted Montrell Teague he ignored me, but haven't tried anyone else near me other then Aaron Merriman. I'm going to apply to the driving school soon as well.

[Flashing Red]

I don't know anyone from Delaware but if you contacted the USTA surely they could give you a list of A grade trainers? Now is probably the best time to get a job around that area with a lot of racing going on there and it being quiet in PA....