T.A. Landers discusses his new book, Professional Care of the Racehorse

Ted A. Landers, a former master groom turned trainer, is lead instructor for the Groom Development Program at Belmont Park, Elmont, N.Y. Landers spent more than thirty years as an equine studies instructor, retiring in 2002 as director/instructor of the equine science program of the Wilson Technological Center in Dix Hills, N.Y. In addition, he has been an associate professor of equine studies at C.W. Post-Long Island University since 1998.

A certified equine appraiser, Landers also has served as an adviser to the New York Future Farmers of America, Dix Hills Chapter. In addition to Professional Care of the Racehorse, Landers has written Career Guide to the Horse Industry and Insider's Guide to Horseracing. He resides in Floral Park, N.Y., about four furlongs (a half-mile) from Belmont Park.

Tell us about your background of working at the racetrack. When did you start working as a groom? As a trainer?

My career with Thoroughbreds began in 1960 as an employee of Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky. I was employed as a groom/rider and worked exclusively with the yearlings. My duties included the yearlings’ general care and handling as well as educating them to a rider. During summer vacations I worked as a groom for David and Frank Whiteley Racing Stables. I had the opportunity to work with famous Thoroughbreds like Forego, Honorable Miss, Coastal, and the immortal Ruffian.

I began training Thoroughbreds on the farm in the ’70s and obtained a New York Thoroughbred trainer’s license in 1987. I am still an active trainer today.

How did you get into teaching about grooming and horse management?

My teaching career began in 1972 in New York. I was awarded a teaching certificate and a position for a New York State Vocational High School Equine Science Program in Suffolk County, New York. I received the teaching position on the recommendation of a close friend, Bill Ardito. Bill was the official farrier for the United States Equestrian Team at the time and a part-time teacher of equine science. I began teaching equine studies to adults at the college level in the ’80s and I really enjoyed the experience.

I retired from teaching high school students in 2002 and took the position as lead instructor for the Groom Development Program at Belmont Park. I continue teaching in that capacity today.

Did your experiences as a groom and trainer lead you to write Professional Care of the Racehorse?

As a professional teacher of equine science, I was amazed as to the limited amount of books available to students addressing the proper care for horses, especially the racehorse. I wanted a reference book for my students and found there really wasn’t one available. There was a definite need for a good textbook for students interested in horse care and the care of racehorses. So I decided to write one myself in order to meet the needs of my students.

What need do you think this book fills for aspiring horsepeople?

The book is an excellent source of information for the novice horseperson as well as the experienced caretaker as it deals with all the skills necessary to properly care for horses, especially the racehorse. I simplified each skill with step-by-step instructions along with detailed photographs and illustrations. As an educator I felt that this would allow the reader to understand the subject matter completely. The book also stresses the reasons why certain skills and methods are performed on horses to maintain their well-being.

What do you think is the most important aspect of horse care that novices need to remember?

The horseperson whether they be a novice or a professional should fully understand that the horse is solely dependent on its human caretakers for its daily well-being. We must be capable of maintaining horses’ health through good nutrition, exercise, first aid, grooming, and sanitation. It should be understood that the care of any horse is a full time commitment of time and knowledge. Horsepeople should continue to pursue the best possible education in horse care available.

This book has numerous step-by-step instructions for various grooming and handling tasks. How important is it to show the step-by-step process?

The step-by-step instructions are very important to the novice as well as the experienced horseperson in that they make any skill easy to understand. It also provides the proper sequence and equipment necessary to perform a specific skill in a safe manner. The end result is that the horse receives the best possible care affordable.

This book is not just for people who work on the racetrack. How is it useful to the everyday horse owner?

Although the book is focused on the Thoroughbred racehorse, the skills and information provided are applicable to any type of horse. The book is based on sound, acceptable equine management practices, which have been in existence and improved upon since the domestication of the horse.

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