About Off Track Thoroughbreds

All too often ignorant judgements are made about our beloved racehorses. After a racehorse's career ends many horse owners aren't comfortable purchasing them as they are deemed "fire breathing dragons". It's time for the stereo-types to be put to rest. Every horse is different in personality and level of energy. Many racehorses are put on steroids and other "drugs" to make them higher strung and boost their energy at the track. Also, many people are turned off by the exracer because some get injured at the track. Some people may find it too risky to buy a horse that may not be suitable for riding, however there is a large number of exracers that would make wonderful mounts with proper training!

Thoroughbreds begin race training at about age 2. This is a very young age for a horse to be worked, as their bones are not even fully developed yet. Some horses may end up with a variety of leg injuries from the track. Some may also develop bad habits and trust issues due to being abused, while others are fortunate enough to be placed in the hands of a kind trainer. I find it very disturbing that some trainers can allow horses who have won time and time again to go to slaughter after they have given their all during the races. It's sad but true, after a horse is not making anymore money, he is considered just another mouth to feed and has to be moved as fast as possible from the track. Alot of really nice horses only live to be about 3 or 4 years old before they are killed at slaughter houses. So, what can be done?

I believe that with proper education, many experienced horse handlers and riders would be very happy with the results they recieve from retraining an OTTB. Most OTTB's aren't sure what a carrot is; they are used to having their hooves picked out from one side to save time; they have been in a fast-paced environment where they are tacked up, walked to the track and jockeys are thrown up on their backs. Some horses are very nervous and unhappy at the track, while others really do seem to enjoy the race! Every horse is different.

When you first bring your OTTB home it is best to give your horse some "down-time" to allow him to become a horse again and graze in the pasture. This gives your horse time to get all of the "drugs" out of his system, get the race out of his mind and enjoy his life in a much different environment. While your horse is on down-time it is very important to do ground work with him, groom him, teach him voice commands and get him familiar with his new surroundings. The new owner should be able to judge the length of time that they feel the horse needs before starting to really work the horse again. Down-time should last anywhere from one week to a month or two depending on the horse's disposition and the experience level of the new owner. Some owners may prefer to lunge the horse and get him familiarized with voice commands (i.e. walk, trot, canter, whoa, back, stand, etc.) before riding. It is up to the new owner to decide when he/she is ready to get on the horse's back. I would suggest that a handler is on the ground with the horse the very first time the owner decides to mount. Exracers are not used to a mounting block being used. They also are not used to having alot of weight on their backs and legs wrapped around their sides. This will all be new to your OTTB, be patient! I'd suggest even having a person on the ground "lead" your horse around the arena for the first ride or two. Remember that although Thoroughbreds are known for being very smart, fast learners it is best to take baby steps and not rush training. You do not want to overwhelm your new horse and you always want to end your session on a good note.

Trotting and cantering-

Be prepared for unbalanced gaits when you first ask your exracer to trot and canter, especially to one direction. All horses, like humans are stronger on one side of their body. Based on my personal experience, it seems that most exracers are stronger going to the left, as that is their "racing direction". Your horse will move better as he puts on more weight and develops muscle. You will probably have to work extra hard with your horse in the direction that he is less balanced in. Alot of bending and strengthening exercises will help. Keep in mind that racehorses are taught to "lean against the bit" while racing. Racehorses have been taught that more contact equals faster, and at the end of a race the jockey throws the reins away and the horse will slow his speed. Just be careful not to grab your horse's mouth with the reins.

In my opinion, basic Dressage should be the foundation of every style of riding. Basic Dressage work will help to get your horse supple and light in your hands. The main thing to keep in mind while training any horse is safety. Both horse and rider should not be pushed into a new exercise which they are not ready for. Always keep in mind that horses, like humans will have good days and bad. Sometimes you may have to go back to square one with your OTTB. If your horse has a tendancy to get a little speedy and strung out I have found that working with the horse on a circle is much more effective than getting into a pulling match with a 1200 pound animal. If at any time your horse get's faster than you'd like, start him on a circle and then when he remains steady at a pace you prefer slowly spiral out of the circle. Teaching downward transitions will help with this as well.

There is so much more that goes along with training. It is just as important to frequently do ground work with your horse as well. Just remember to be patient with your OTTB! In time he will be your best partner!

In the picture below I am taking my old OTTB, Trevor over a low vertical.

Thoroughbred racehorses are registered through "The Jockey Club". Does your Thoroughbred have a tattoo under his lip? He may have been a racehorse at one point in life!