Barn test on Kentucky trainers test

Question
What does the barn test of the trainers test consist of?Do you have to apply rundowns,standing bandages,ect?If so, do they take you to stable area to a live horse or do they have some other way of testing you? Thank you,Galen

Answer
Galen,

It has been many years since I took the barn test, but generally, the stewards set you up with a trainer on the backside, who has a set list of things to have you do, and then a few optional ones to choose from, too.
They will usually test you out on a stable pony,  but always on a live horse.  You will need to know how to apply various kinds of bandages, usually including run downs and standing bandages, and it used to be that you needed to run a spider as well, but with all of the other options available for wrapping knees, today, I'm not sure that anyone includes that one anymore.  Anyway, you'll probably have to apply a tongue tie, and a jock's saddle with over and under girths, too.  Many trainers will break a bridle down and have you put it back together, and will quiz you down on various bits and types of equipment.
As long as you have a good well rounded knowledge of racing and the mechanics of taking care of a racehorse, the barn test should be no problem.

Good Luck!
Stephanie Frost
www.AlchemyBloodstock.com