The Horse Show Tracker Handicap System Simplified

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360 – July/August, 2024

By Brittany Vermeer

Editor’s Note: This article was written before Ray Trask passed away. The EC family extends our heartfelt condolences to Kathy Trask and Ray’s family on the loss of their beloved patriarch.

Are you tired of competing at a big circuit and placing just out of the points–and the money? You end up going home frustrated, and all you have to show for your efforts is a measly ribbon and a huge tab in the show office.

Well, Kathy and Ray Trask of Horse Show Tracker have a unique solution. They’ve created an innovative side pot payout that allows exhibitors of all levels the opportunity to win cash. It’s called the Horse Show Tracker Handicap, and it works just like a golf handicap.

A handicap is a numerical score that represents a player’s ability. For example, in golf, the handicap is the number of strokes a player is expected to hit above or below par, which is the average. A lower handicap indicates a more skilled player, while a beginner will have a higher handicap.

In this horse show version, an algorithm generates a handicap that’s based on a horse’s past performance. That handicap value is then added to the average judge’s score. The total is then used to calculate the side pot standings and payout.

Click here to read the complete article
360 – July/August, 2024