How to Make a Model Horse Tack

Horsetracks frequently have turf in the center of the oval

Horseracing began in England and became popular in France in the late 1700's. This pastime became known as the sport of kings and has maintained its popularity in both Europe and America until the present day. The basic shape of a horse race track is oval and most major tracks are one mile long. A furlong is 1/8 mile and poles are placed along the track at each furlong. Some tracks have a diagonal chute to allow for longer races. Choose a specific track for the model if desired.

Things You'll Need

• Horse race track diagram
• Plywood sheet -- 2 feet long x 1 foot wide
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Compass
• Paint roller, 1 inch wide
• Pie tin
• Brown paint
• Paintbrush
• Green paint
• White paint
• Clay

Instructions

1. Choose a scale for the track. One furlong = 3 inches will create a track 3 inches wide and 18 inches long. Lay the plywood sheet on a flat surface. Measure 4 inches in from the top and bottom of the plywood sheet and draw horizontal lines the length of the plywood. Measure toward the center 4 inches from the left side of the plywood sheet and draw a vertical line the length of the plywood. Repeat the measurement on the right side of the plywood and draw a second vertical line.

2. Set the compass for three inches. Place the pencil end of the compass on the center of the left vertical line and the point end horizontally to the pencil. Draw an arc that connects to both horizontal lines previously drawn. Repeat the process and draw an arc on the right side of the rectangle to create an oval shape.

3. Pour the brown paint into the pie tin. Roll the 1 inch paint roller in the paint. Follow the oval lines previously drawn with the roller to paint the dirt track. Allow the paint to dry. Paint the remainder of the area with green paint, to represent grass. Allow the paint to dry. Outline the track with a thin line of white paint. Allow the paint to dry completely.

4. Roll the clay into 8 pea sized balls. Place the first clay ball on the top left corner where the straight line of the track begins. Measure along the top straight side of the track from the first clay ball and place a clay ball every three inches. Repeat on the opposite straight of the track so that all 8 pieces of clay are placed evenly. Press the clay balls lightly onto the plywood and glue in place. Place a toothpick vertically into each ball of clay to represent the poles on the track.

Tips & Warnings

• Add buildings to the track with cardboard boxes as desired. Add a diagonal to the track as desired. Paint the toothpicks to make them more visible on the track.

References

• The 3D Studio: Model Horse Race Track
• Finger Lakes Race Track: Race Track Diagram
• Princeton University: History of Horse Racing