by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Thomas Pontone has seen the view from atop the sport, having been among the owners of 2009 Horse of the Year Muscle Hill. In two months, he will see it from the rear.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Thomas Pontone will participate in the 2012 USTA Driving School.

Pontone, who with his father Louis make up the TLP Stable, will be among the “students” in this year’s U.S. Trotting Association Driving School. The program, which for the first time is being held in the Goshen, N.Y., area, is May 30 through June 3 and offers a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction from some of harness racing’s biggest names.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Pontone, who lives in northern New Jersey. “I’ve always wanted to do it, but never had the time. When I saw it was going to be in Goshen this year, I decided to make the commitment and do it. I’m excited about it. I’m more than excited. I think more people should do it. I think more owners should, just to have the feeling of sitting behind a horse. A lot of people have never sat behind one.”

Pontone, who would like to get involved in amateur racing in the future, has been behind a horse before. A little more than 10 years ago, Pontone participated in a program at Garden State Park that allowed him to jog horses and compete in a race.

“It was a tremendous adrenaline rush,” Pontone said. “I enjoyed it. I feel bad I enjoyed it that much and it’s taken me this long to get behind another horse. It was a thrill.”

Pontone has experienced plenty of thrills as an owner, as well. In addition to the magical ride with Muscle Hill, he was involved with standouts including Shark Gesture, Art Major, McArdle, Metropolitan, and Red Bow Tie. One might think there is not much more for him to learn.

“I know just enough to get me in trouble,” Pontone said with a laugh. “We’ve been very lucky.”

The hands-on aspects of the driving school attracted Pontone to the program.

“That’s the part that excites me,” Pontone said. “I want to learn more about the day-to-day work. I want to get the whole inside experience. That’s where the education comes.”

Pontone also sees his participation in the driving school as a chance to help promote the sport to newcomers.

“From an owner’s point of view, I want to help the game,” Pontone said. “Whenever I get the chance, I want to get my message out. I think it’s an obligation of the owners to promote the sport.”

The 2012 edition of the USTA Standardbred Driving School will be conducted, May 30–June 3 in the Goshen, N.Y., area. Classroom instruction will be held at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame with all stable work taking place at the Mark Ford Training Center and Goshen Historic Track.

Full details and registration information is available at the following link.