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Grab the reins for posture and strength
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Courtesy of Hawthorne Race Course
I must admit, being a fitness person, that horse racing wasn't the highest exercise regimen on my list, BUT that being said, I was at Hawthorne Race track on Friday night for a chance to ride the buggy behind the horse. I participated, at the last minute, in a Celebrity Horse Racing contest, "Grab the Reins". The likes of Billy Dec and Katie Keough from "24/7 Chicago", Walter E Smithe's, Tim Smithe, Carmen DeFalco, ESPN Radio, Brian Hanley, 670AM the Score, Bernie Salazar, The Biggest Loser, Kelly the LOOP Girl, The Chicago Sky Mascot, and Mitch Robinson, MouthpieceSports.com all attended to race for the cup. Katie Keogh made the "24/7" gang at NBC proud, winning the honors and charity event. The horses, called "pacers," looked lean but smaller than thoroughbreds I've seen at other races like the Derby. They have a different movement pattern and physique than the more muscular racing breads. However, they were powerful, sleek and amazing animals.
Now riding in a buggy isn't going to burn a lot of calories, but the the thrill and the body position, upper body strength and stabilization is incredible. My sidekicks, Blackbird and Jockey Al, were my team that finished in a nose behind second place. That being said, I was surprised to find a few muscles talking to me the next morning. Posture is key in this event, not only for the looks but to maintain steady control of the buggy and animal. Look to Pilates and Yoga for improving your riding ability and harness racing form.
Hawthorne now offers groups and private training lessons for those interested in being behind the horse. This is an adrenaline rush and somewhat physical experience that is exciting, invigorating and may get me out to the race track again soon.
