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Owners will have a chance to talk to other professionals about the horses 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Metamora's Equine Gatherings.

"People have such low opinions of the horses," Jaskiewicz said. "I think 75% of racehorses don't make it to the racetrack. They wash out. People should know we take care of them. They're athletes. You don't hear about us. You hear about people who abuse them."

Jaskiewicz's racehorse is named Mystical Speed. Currently, the horse is going for its fifth win at Northville Downs. Races start at 1 p.m. Sunday.

She explained her horse gets exercised, bathed, massaged, shoed once a month, and cared for. Jaskiewicz has been involved in standardbred racehorses since the 1980s. "They compete and know they're competing against other horses," she said. "They've got heart and it's exciting. You raise them from babies and go out and they do everything for you.

"I hate being told I abuse my horse because I don't," she said. "I'm trying to get rid of the misconception."

Mike Sweeney will talk Thursday evening about training standardbred racehorses. He is a fourth generation trainer and currently a board member of the Michigan Harness Horseman's Association. If the weather cooperates, he may bring his Grandpa's horseracing buggy that was used in the 1800s.

Another speaker will be Ginny Benson of Sassasfras Farms in Oxford, who will talk about the Michigan Standardbred Breeding Program. She's had four state of Michigan champions, one being from the 2007 season.

Carol Yunkes, owner of Equine Gatherings Tack Store said the evening is part of their Thursday night Talk to the Pro series. "It's an opportunity for people to learn and pick professional's brains," she said. "This is a world of horses and I like to facilitate learning."

Information will be available on owning the standardbred racehorse, amateur racehorse driving clubs, and adopting the standardbred from the racetrack.

Other owners, trainers and drivers will also be available to explain how rewarding the sport can be.

An RSVP is encouraged, but not required.

"Come with questions, comments, and concerns," Jaskiewicz said. "It's a lot of fun."

Equine Gatherings Tack Store is located at 3957 N. Oak St., Metamora. For more information call (810) 678-8000.

For driving instructions go to the Web site www.equinegatherings.com.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com