Ep 9. Horse Tester

In this episode of Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe takes on the task of being a horse tester. He travels to a farm in Kentucky to learn about the process of selecting and testing horses for races.

Mike starts his day learning about the importance of selecting the right horse for racing. He meets with the farm’s owner and they discuss the different qualities that make a good racehorse, including breeding, physical attributes, and overall temperament. Mike also learns about the different types of races and the kind of horses that are needed for each race.

Next, Mike gets a behind-the-scenes look at the process of testing racehorses. He meets with the farm’s head horse tester, who explains the different tests that each horse goes through, including physical and mental evaluations. Mike watches as the horses are put through their paces on a track, and he learns how to evaluate their stride and movement.

As part of his training, Mike is tasked with testing a horse himself. He’s given a horse to ride, and he goes through the process of evaluating the horse’s physical attributes and temperament. He finds it difficult to balance on the horse and keep up with its movements, but he manages to complete the test successfully.

Mike also meets with the farm’s veterinarian, who explains the importance of keeping the horses healthy and in good condition. Mike sees firsthand how the vet checks the horses for any potential health issues and administers any necessary treatments.

Throughout the episode, Mike reflects on the hard work and dedication that goes into breeding, testing, and caring for racehorses. He notes that many people see horse racing as a glamorous sport, but there’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes that goes unnoticed.

In the end, Mike comes away with a newfound respect for the people who work in the horse racing industry. He realizes that it takes a lot of skill, knowledge, and determination to be a successful horse tester, and he’s grateful for the opportunity to have learned about this important profession.

Overall, this episode of Dirty Jobs offers a fascinating look into the world of horse racing and the people who make it all possible. It’s a reminder that even the dirtiest and most difficult jobs can be meaningful and important.