By Joe Takach

7---EARS

A runner’s ears offer many clues to his mental disposition toward his upcoming race.  These invaluable signals are readily visible to any handicapper willing to keep his eyes on his satellite monitor even if offered only a “5 second glimpse” in the post parade.

The most desirable ear position is pricked upwards and straightforward.

This positive position shows that the horse is interested in his present moment activities and unless momentarily distracted by something behind him, his ears will remain in this position until loading into the starting gate. 

Pricked ears are the normal position of a “ready horse”.  Any deviations from this “norm” suggests that something could be amiss for any number of reasons.        

There are a few negative ear positions.

“Pinned ears” are surely a “no-no”!  This ear position suggests anger.  The ears are swept back and flush against the head. 

Horses with pinned ears simply don’t want to be where they are at the moment for any number of reasons. 

If sore, imagine yourself being asked to run a half mile as fast as you could even though your enlarged right front ankle is bothering you or your left hip is a bit tender.  You’d pin your ears in anger as well if you could move them like a horse.  If a horse is simply tired and sound asleep in his stall when he gets awakened by his groom and a lead chain is thrown on him, he’ll pin his ears---at least for a while.  He doesn’t want to go thru this whole “racing thing”.  He just wants to take a siesta and do so alone and undisturbed.

Accompanying pinned ears that remained pinned for extended periods of time are many other indications of not wanting to race.  Signs of irritation would include things like erratic head tossing in every direction in an attempt to break free from his handler.  His tail is most likely going in a constant east/west direction.  If more fractious, he could be rearing up and trying to break free. 

Angry horses waste precious energy needed for the upcoming race. 

Even if a horse calms down after receiving a solid pre-race warm-up before loading, he probably “left his race” in the paddock.  

“Flickering ears” are also a “no-no”!

While less angered than a horse with pinned ears, a horse with flickering ears is distracted by something.  It could be nothing more than not wanting to race, to mild or aggravated discomfort from a prior racing injury.

The ears flicker because he isn’t preoccupied with his upcoming race.  He could care less who wins.  This can be seen by the way he often falls to the rear of the pack though strongly urged forward by his rider.   

Usually accompanying this negative ear position is a lack of energy when entering the paddock area.  These horses often shuffle along while kicking up the loose dirt as they make their way to the saddling stall.   

They look like “also rans” and run the same.

“Flopped over” ears are evidenced in horses with total lethargy.

This negative ear position can be brought about by sickness, serious soreness, or extreme exhaustion.

These runners enter the paddock with their heads low and bobbing as they walk, often not getting them above their shoulders.  Zero energy is apparent as every step appears to be an effort.  Absolutely nothing about them suggests readiness of any kind.  Their color might be poor and they are likely walking short suggesting an extension problem. 

Horses with flopped over ears are easy to spot soon after the break in any race.  They are the ones playing caboose.

“Pricked ears” are the only acceptable position.  They signify both good health and a willingness to compete.  Horses with pricked ears win countless more races that horses possessing any negative ear position.  And again, even if you’re offered little more than a “5 second glimpse” via your racetrack feed, ear recognition can be seen in a heartbeat and you can move on to other physicality traits.

As with everything in life, a caveat is in order.

Momentary ear movement away from the pricked position on a “ready horse” is totally acceptable from a betting standpoint.  If a ready horse hears something unfamiliar, he could be distracted and turn his head and/or ears until he satisfies his curiosity.  Or he might turn his ears slightly backwards when he hears his rider trying to communicate with him or talk to the outrider.  His ears will quickly return to the pricked position once the momentary distraction is gone.

Pricked ears are the “winning position”-----look for them!