Story: Horse and greyhound racing

Trotting: saddle trots (1st of 2)

Trotting: saddle trots

This photograph from around 1940 shows a saddle pacing race, with the riders seated on the horses' backs. Saddle trots were the earliest type of trotting race in most parts of the world, but by the time trotting became popular in New Zealand in the late 1880s, carts or 'sulkies' were commonly used. Some early races allowed either method in the same race. The occasional saddle trot or pace was held as recently as the 1960s.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Making New Zealand Centennial Collection (PAColl-3060)
Reference: MNZ-2375-1/2-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Mary Mountier, 'Horse and greyhound racing - Development of harness racing', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/39000/trotting-saddle-trots (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Mary Mountier, published 5 Sep 2013, updated 1 Nov 2015