Racehorse 101: getting out and about

So, you’ve cracked the basics of groundwork and hacking with your ex-racehorse, what happens now? Here’s how to take the next steps in your retraining programme…

All-round education

Every horse learns at a different rate, and their response to new experiences is completely individual to them. One of the best things about ex-racehorses, however, is that they tend to be like a sponge when they come out of training. This means they generally learn quickly and respond well to new things.

During his previous career, your ex-racehorse would likely have been exposed to all sorts of stimuli, from crowds to loudspeakers, and visiting all manner of different racecourses. Now’s the time to build on this experience and push his boundaries a bit further.

Aim to give him an all-round education, especially if you think you might like to do a bit of everything together rather than focusing on a single discipline.

If your horse is ready, it might be at this stage that you start boxing him up and taking him away from home – for example, heading off hacking in different places or going cross-country schooling. If you’re not quite there yet, build his confidence in more familiar surroundings before progressing to the next step.

Out and about

Educating your retired racehorse doesn’t necessitate having outstanding facilities at your disposal. Simply make the most of what you have access to. This may be as simple as exploring different terrains and footings out hacking – up and downhill – to develop his balance and core strength in walk, trot and canter, subject to ground conditions.

Wherever you take him, start steadily and keep things low key to begin with. Remember, you’re trying to show your racehorse that life isn’t just about going fast in straight lines, so keeping his work calm (but definitely fun) from the get-go is a good plan.

TOP TIP

Popping little logs, ditches, banks and other natural obstacles out hacking will help your horse to confidently take on what’s in front of him. It’s great preparation if you plan to go cross-country with him, too.

Check out December Horse&Rider for more training insights to help you move to the next stage with your second-career Thoroughbred. Get your copy today!