Pam Ferrazzutti Antiques

The racing of horses in harness dates back to ancient times, but the sport virtually disappeared with the fall of the Roman Empire. The history of modern HARNESS RACING begins in America, where racing trotting horses over country roads became a popular rural pastime by the end of the 18th century. The first tracks for harness racing were constructed in the first decade of the 19th century, and by 1825 harness racing was an institution at hundreds of country fairs across the nation.

Harness racing reached the early zenith of its popularity in the late 1800s, with the establishment of a Grand Circuit of major fairs. The sport sharply declined in popularity after 1900, as the automobile replaced the horse and the United States became more urbanized. In 1940, however, Roosevelt Raceway in New York introduced harness racing under the lights with pari-mutuel betting. This innovation sparked a rebirth of harness racing, and today its number of tracks and number of annual races exceed those of Thoroughbred racing.




OP 6 ALBUMEN PHOTO of MR. LEBERMAN, HARNESS RACER, with HORSE & RIG
Date & Maker c1880-1890 photographer unknown.
Description: According to the penciled I.D. on the reverse of this marvelous photo this is Mr. J. L. Leberman. Nothing else other than "ansly" or "asly" which also appears in pencil. I think I bought it in Upper New York State. Looks like he's posing in a brand new suburb, 1880's style. Note the front hove & knee pads on his fine Trotter. The little kids add balance to the composition. The following was found on this interesting website: http://www.mrmike.com/explore/hrhist.htm The racing of horses in harness dates back to ancient times, but the sport virtually disappeared with the fall of the Roman Empire. The history of modern HARNESS RACING begins in America, where racing trotting horses over country roads became a popular rural pastime by the end of the 18th century. The first tracks for harness racing were constructed in the first decade of the 19th century, and by 1825 harness racing was an institution at hundreds of country fairs across the nation. Harness racing reached the early zenith of its popularity in the late 1800s, with the establishment of a Grand Circuit of major fairs. The sport sharply declined in popularity after 1900, as the automobile replaced the horse and the United States became more urbanized. In 1940, however, Roosevelt Raceway in New York introduced harness racing under the lights with pari-mutuel betting. This innovation sparked a rebirth of harness racing, and today its number of tracks and number of annual races exceed those of Thoroughbred racing.
Condition: Excellent. A few small dents, not visible when viewed dead on. Comes with orig. glass & wooden frame.
Comments The light areas are not the result of fading but of capturing the textures in full sunlight at the time of the exposure.
Size Image: 8.25" x 6" approx. ( 21 x 15.2 cm )
$ 45
Shipping Insured shipping to all points in North America is $9.00 approx.