Strides for Success

Tag: retired racehorse

  • What Your OTTB Believes About Contact Right Now…

    What Your OTTB Believes About Contact Right Now…

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    Contact is something so many riders want to achieve when working with their horses. However, it’s always worthwhile remembering that your horse was not born knowing how to be ridden.  This means that contact is something both of you must learn about and then refine through your work together.

    For many horses, the challenge is made even more difficult when they have been taught something completely different about contact because they had a previous career. Especially if that career was racing. 

    When working with horses, especially ex-racehorses or OTTBs, we need to understand that there will be both training and re-training involved.  And sometimes, the retraining can be a little more challenging than the training due to your horse wanting to ‘revert’.  Especially when they feel stressed or anxious.

    This episode is the first episode in a week of audio horse riding lessons from Daily Strides Premium. You can get all of the episodes and work on this topic with your horse at https://stridesforsuccess.com/dsp

    Start on the Lunge

    Tempting as it is to mount up, I suggest that you first try lunging instead. Lunging is great because it will give you the ability to help reframe the conversation for your horse. And for your horse to give you instant feedback you need to make adjustments that get results.

    Keep in mind, when you’re working with an OTTB, your horse has to relearn or reframe when he learned before – especially when it comes to contact and your seat.

    Both are usually quite different in how you would like him to engage with you when working together. There are a whole host of reasons for this. However, it all boils down to the same thing – you must start your retraining by reframing the expectations and conversations your horse has been having up to this point in his career.

    Re-Educate Your Horse To Your Aids

    One of the most common mistakes riders of OTTBs make is assuming that because your horse has been backed at some point, he knows all of the things. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Being ridden by two different riders practicing the same discipline can be confusing for a horse. When we add changing the discipline into the mix as well, you can see how wires can get crossed when it comes to aids and communication.

    A better way to approach this is to assume your horse knows nothing and start from the beginning again. Again, the lunge is a great place to do this for both of you. 

    And if you’re worried about how long this process will take, don’t. While re-training can sometimes be a little more time-intensive than straightforward training, so much can be achieved in each working session. Especially if you are intentional about what you’re doing and how you’re approaching each interaction.

    How to Get Going with Re-Training

    When you lunge with just a basic bridle, no fancy additions, you can begin to understand & reframe what your OTTB believes about the contact. Have the bit in his mouth. But no ‘pressure’ coming from the reins themselves, he can begin to explore this on his own.

    This is where well-fitted and good-quality side reins can come into their own. You want to get your horse going forward first without any contact. But then, you can simply engage the side-reins so that he can begin to explore the idea of the contact, without any pulling or fussing.

    This will begin to explain to your horse to go forward, on the lunge, with consistent contact that can begin to change what your OTTB believes about the contact. 

    It is also worth spending time here developing your voice aids. These will help greatly when you do mount up and are in the saddle. Your goal is to make things as easy for your horse to understand as possible. Again, the lunge will help you to do this easily.

    Mounting Up and Riding

    Make sure that you’re in a safe area. Again, keep in mind the expectations placed on him up to this point are vastly different from what you are now looking for.  This is why re-training can sometimes take a little longer. Your horse will naturally want to ‘go back’ to the original way of doing things. The original expectations.

    Being consistent with your approach to retraining your horse will help him to understand things have changed. 12 weeks of re-schooling done right can transform things for both of you. 

    There are no ‘quick fixes’ for redefining and overwriting what your OTTB believes about contact. It will take a commitment from you that will include patience, time, and compassion.

    What Your OTTB Believes About Contact

    If you would like step-by-step guidance on how to begin reframing this for your horse, I can help. Inside Daily Strides Premium, there are two weeks of audio horse riding lessons focused specifically on this. Get both the “Understanding Energy Creates Contact” and “Engaging the Energy in a Correct Channel” ready and waiting in there now.

    These 10 audio horse riding lessons, when coupled with the live calls and other training, will help you to transform your conversation with your horse, OTTB or not. 

    You can get all the details about Daily Strides Premium and join over at https://stridesforsuccess.com/dsp

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Other OTTB & Contact Episodes to Help You

    Online Training to Help Your Riding

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  • Setting Boundaries that Work with Your OTTB

    Setting Boundaries that Work with Your OTTB

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    It can seem like a strange topic for many OTTB riders and owners. One that, initially, may not seem all that important.  And yet, for many OTTBs, the lack of boundaries is the number one frustration.  And, it is something that can eventually undermine the whole relationship between horse and rider.

    Setting boundaries requires that both you and your horse are part of a conversation about what is acceptable and what’s not. 

    And, it is important to consider all aspects of your relationship with your horse when setting your boundaries.  From working together on the ground to lunging, and then to riding.  All areas matter.  Strong, well-thought-out boundaries are similar to having a great measuring stick to use when it comes to developing your partnership and relationship together.

    Having strong boundaries allows both you and your horse to know what is ‘acceptable’ behavior and what is not. 

    What is a Strong Boundary?

    Weak, hastily applied, or ‘wishy-washy’ boundaries do not help horses or riders.  And, over the long term can negatively impact all areas of the relationship and conversation between horses and riders.  Many riders fail to see the relationship between less than desirable behavior on the ground and rides that fail to inspire good feelings!

    In order for boundaries to work for you and with you, they must be well thought out before they are enforced. 

    Start by asking yourself a few simple questions such as… What do you want your horse to do?  Are you happy with what he is currently doing? If not, what would you like to change? This is a good place to begin deciding what is allowed and what’s not.

    There are no right or wrong boundaries when it comes to what you want and what you don’t want. Your ‘acceptable behavior’ may look very different from other riders. 

    Be as specific to your unique situation as you can in order to create a relationship you want to be a part of with your horse.  However, also keep in mind that, if you do want to sell or lease your horse out further down the road, there are basics that most riders expect.  Standing at the mounting block.  Or not running away when faced with an open field are a few that spring to mind ;)

    Boundaries on the Ground

    Start with what happens before and after each ride.  Often frustrations here can have a huge negative impact on the ride itself, so it makes sense to deal with them first and ahead of time.  I personally become irritated when a horse begins to ‘dance around me’ while I’m grooming and tacking up.  I think this is probably something many riders will take issues with.

    Therefore, my expectation when working with horses on the ground is that they stand still until I ask them to move. 

    Once I have decided on this clear expectation, it now becomes my responsibility to effectively communicate this to my horse in a way he understands and can follow. For many retired racehorses, this may take time.  Many have been allowed to ‘walk in circles’ while at the track.

    However, by remaining committed, consistent, and neutral (not becoming irritated or tense), I can continue to correct my horse until he understands the new expectation.  Boundary set :) 

    Being open to correcting your horse is a key part of this process.  It may initially feel like you are doing nothing but correcting.  But it is important to stick with the process.  Don’t become annoyed.  Just reinforce the behavior you want by rewarding it, and quickly without fuss correcting what you are not enjoying :)

    Boundaries on the Lunge

    Just like when you are leading your thoroughbred, boundaries are equally as important when you work your ex-racehorse on the lunge as well.  I think this is particularly important as I recommend using lunging as a tool to re-train or re-school OTTBs.

    Boundaries can be as simple as remaining focused, as much as possible, on you during the session. 

    As opposed to the other horses in the paddocks, arena, or stables.  Boundaries on the lunge can also encompass remaining on the circle and not cutting in at every opportunity.  Or halting on the track without turning in.  You can even think of ‘speed’ as being a boundary; what is allowed and what is not during your lunging session together.

    Boundaries While Riding

    This is often where riders want to begin the conversation with their horse.  However, I don’t actually recommend this.  I think it is far more beneficial to have made certain decisions regarding boundaries before you get into the saddle.

    These ‘pre-riding boundaries’ will help to set the tone for the conversation you have with your horse while actually riding. 

    Once you then transition into the saddle, boundaries can have to do with aids.  For example, when I ask with my leg, I would like you to respond ‘this’ way.  They can also do with responsibility.  This could be that when we are on a circle, your horse continues on the circle without falling in or out (as much as is possible for the level of training).

    Being clear on what your boundaries are before you mount up, will allow you to more effectively communicate these to your horse from the saddle. 

    It will also allow you to do the ‘groundwork’ in order to prep your horse from the ground as well before each ride. Contact boundaries can be redefined in this way.  So too can attention and focus boundaries.  All contribute to you and your horse having a more enjoyable experience together.

    Explaining Boundaries to your OTTB

    Start by understanding that whatever your horse is doing right now, is something he has either been trained to do or has been allowed to do. Horses, for the most part, are not really ‘naughty’ or ‘bad inclined’.  There is usually a training (or lack of training) issue going on.

    What does your horse understand at this moment?  How can you use this to begin to, or better, explain what it is you would like?

    I personally find that the voice is a great tool for this type of work. I love how you can use the tone, pitch, and speed of your voice to enhance this aid.  It works to focus your thought and actions.  Your voice can help you ‘explain’ things out loud, which is often more beneficial for the rider than the horse.  It will also help you to continue to breathe and remain relaxed.

    If your horse does not understand or misunderstands you the first time, look for a different way to express the same thing. Tweak one small part of your communication and try again. 

    Finally, make sure you reward generously (again, I use voice for this), and promptly.  Your horse must make the association between your ‘ask’ and his ‘response’.

    Remain calm, commit to consistency, practice patience and compassion, and remember to have fun while introducing or reinforcing boundaries to your OTTB.

    Keep well
    Lorna

    Extra Help for Riders

  • Starting Off on the Right Hoof with Your OTTB

    Starting Off on the Right Hoof with Your OTTB

    Starting Off on the Right Hoof with Your OTTB

    Starting a new horse or pony is exciting. Getting started with your OTTB is the same. You have this golden opportunity to have a huge positive impact on this horse, which will hopefully filter through the rest of his life.

    However, for many riders, the itchy feeling that is ‘let’s get started already’ can cause them to overlook a couple of things, which can often result in setbacks later down the line…

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1108-Starting-Off-on-the-Right-Hoof-with-Your-OTTB.mp3″ title=”Starting Off on the Right Hoof with Your OTTB” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Are you starting on your journey to reschooling your OTTB? Here are a few helpful ideas…” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    For many of us, we source our OTTB’s or retired racehorses straight from the track. They literally ran their last race where they, usually, found themselves watching the winner romp home from more than a few lengths back. This may have happened just one time too many, and either the owners or the trainer will have decided that this particular horses talent must lie elsewhere…

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast, I want to dig in a little to a few things I suggest you pay attention to when starting working with your ex-racehorse. Hopefully, they will help you to avoid some delays later on in your training with your OTTB.

    Not All OTTB’s Need ‘Down-Time’

    There is a big adjustment period for your horse when he is changing careers. Most of the rhythms, routines and things he was familiar with at the track will now change.

    However, rather than your horse ‘learning to be a horse again’, he must rather learn to adjust to his new life. His new lifestyle and career…

    In my experience, many horses do quite well, and even thrive, when they go straight from race-track to civilian life. They adjust quickly to a quieter pace of life. Keep in mind that ‘how things are done here’ is also an adjustment they must cope with.

    That being said, there are horses who are just completely stressed from their track experience. Obviously they will need a longer and ‘softer’ introduction period where their new career is concerned.

    Feeding & Condition

    It is important to recognize that there is a vast difference between ‘fit’ and ‘thin’. Fit, or lean, is when your horse does not have a lot of body fat but does have muscle. Thin is when he has neither.

    In essence, thin is when you have a ‘Skinny Malink’ on your hands; and this needs to be taken into consideration when planning anything for your horse.

    Your horses state of mind plays a huge part when putting together a suitable feeding program. A feeding program him in a way that will help him adjust to his new life.

    The horse’s actual physical condition, temperament and present state of mind will be the key indicators when working out a suitable feeding program. Bear in mind that this will constantly evolve and change as your horse develops.

    Tack & Equipment

    One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding OTTBs is that they are already fully trained and ‘ready to ride’… Hmmm…. Not actually! What they have been ridden and worked in up to this point is going to look different to what the average pleasure horse ‘wears’ on a daily basis.

    The other common mistake riders make when it comes to tack is falling into a bit of a rut. You find something that, for that instance, works; so therefore you use it ALL THE TIME!

    It is also worth noting that what fits your horse starting out probably won’t fit so well a few months into his ‘re-schooling’. When your retired racehorse comes off the track, he is a lean mean running machine! An extremely ‘racing fit’ horse is conditioned and shaped a lot different to a ‘of average fitness’ pleasure horse.

    Remember to re-assess all tack regularly for fit. Equally as important is for what is needed and ‘working’. Bits, nosebands and martingales in particular should be re-evaluated as your horse develops.

    Don’t Assume Anything…

    It seems so obvious, and yet it is something that trips so many OTTB owners up before they ever really get started. Particularly the assumption that because he was in ‘regular work’, he’s good to get started with your particular discipline.

    The simple fact is that most OTTBs don’t have much, if any, basic training when they come off the track. They just don’t understand…

    You should also be aware that what was allowed or even encouraged at the track might be different than what you want. In fact, it might even the exact opposite! This is especially true where certain behaviours are concerned… Standing patiently still while waiting for you to mount up is just one!

    Your Versatile OTTB

    So, it goes without saying that I am a big fan of the wonderful ‘retired racehorse’. Your OTTB really does have the potential to turn his hoof to almost anything.

    How you approach your initial training or re-schooling will play a huge part in how successful he is throughout the rest of his riding life…

    With this in mind, it is so important to invest a little time up front to make sure all the ‘nitty gritty’ details are taken care of. This has the potential to really make an impact later on in the journey.

    I have created a free ‘Checklist’ you can use to help you get started on the right hoof. It contains a ‘healthcare journal’ as well, which will ensure that you don’t forget or overlook any of those important dates and checks. You can get your free copy by CLICKING HERE

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Other episodes or resources similar to this topic:-

  • Setting Your OTTB Up for Success Off the Track

    Setting Your OTTB Up for Success Off the Track

    Setting Your OTTB up for Success off the Track

    What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-

    • Starting from the beginning
    • Relaxation is worth taking the time to nurture
    • Sometimes it is better to ‘allow’
    • Developing your leg and seat aids

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1044-Setting-Up-Your-OTTB-for-Success.mp3″ title=”Setting Up your OTTB for Success Off the Track” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Do you have a special OTTB, retired racehorse, in your life that you want to work with?” hashtag=”equestrian #podcast #OTTB #RetiredRacehorse” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Are you part of a special group of riders, which includes me, from around the world who have taken on the responsibility of helping a OTTB, a retired racehorse, get started on their new career?

    This episode is focused a brief overview of how I suggest you can get started with them on this exciting journey.  It is worth noting that all horses are different, and being a sensitive soul, your OTTB may take more or less time than others to make the transition to ‘riding horse’.  Give him the time.  It will be well worth the investment in the end. 

    Starting from the Beginning

    Before we go any further, it is important to recognise that some OTTBs need more ‘down time’ than others in order to make a successful transition. 

    I feel it is your job as the rider, person in charge, to assess each horse on where they are and make decision based on this.  Some horses do better with a few months of just ‘being a horse’.  Others, enjoy work and can easily cope with coming straight from the track and starting their new career.

    The horses welfare should always lead your decision here.  Do what is best for each unique OTTB you meet.  A cookie cutter approach will rarely work in this situation!

    Finally, before you start working with your horse I strongly suggest a visit from all the relative professionals.  A farrier who can help you work towards some longer term goals with your horses feet might be essential.  A dentist.  A chiropractor.  A vet…  Many people have the horses bloods done, but again, you know you and your situation best.

    Relaxation is Worth Nurturing

    When we ride, we tend to look at relaxation as being a physical aspect of our riding and our horses way of going.  However, relaxation is often more about what is going on mental and emotionally.  This is especially true when it comes to your OTTB.

    Use groundwork to begin increasing the relaxation in your horses mental state.  Start with short intervals and build up slowly; only doing what your horse enjoys. 

    When in the saddle, try to use you horses natural instincts to help promote relaxation throughout the ride.  OTTBs are used to working with other horses.  Having another, calm schoolmaster, in the arena with your horse while you work him will help him to feel more secure. 

    Relaxation is very much built on trust and confidence.  Until you have built this with your OTTB, allow another horse to help you first.

    Confidence and It’s Direct Impact on Relaxation

    This ‘head chatter’ can also have a direct impact on your confidence and your horses confidence.  I want you to think about something you do, which you are good at.  You have a level of confidence about it, which leads to a physical ‘ease’.  The task itself might not be easy, however you are almost flowing with it.

    The fact remains that very often the confidence issue can often be introduced by the rider.  Perhaps you are thinking about yesterdays ride.  Or maybe you are thinking about what ‘could’ go wrong.  Every time you get into the saddle, it is a whole new ride.  A clean slate.  Keep your focus on that fact and allow it to help you build confidence.

    Sometimes it is Better to ‘Allow’

    During your initial rides with your OTTB, the first three months or so, relaxation might be difficult to sustain.  You may find that your horse can become anxious or stressed when new ‘ideas’ are introduced.  Alternatively, your horse might just enjoy being ridden and excitement causes a little too much excess tension!

    Often ‘allowing’ your horse on a little can be a perfect remedy to this. 

    Keep in mind that this is done in a safe area, where you are confident of the outcome.  If so, allowing him on a little can help to relieve pressure from him.

    It also allows you, the rider, to ‘disengage’ with ‘controlling the situation.  You cannot control everything; all you can do is control yourself and hope to influence the horse. 

    As you both learn to understand each other more, you will find that overall relaxation increases.  Your OTTB will be reassured in other ways, and you will feel less of a need to control everything!

    Developing Your Leg and Seat Aids

    This understanding comes from better communication; meaning clearer aids.  Many riders when they first get on their OTTB focus too much on their seat aids, and too little on establishing their leg aids.

    Your OTTB needs to learn what your legs are.  He needs to learn that they are not to be feared or run away from.  The program in his head needs to be reset. 

    Again, this cannot be achieved without relaxation being present.  Perhaps taking a walk with your horse out of the arena will help your horse relax, while you introduce your leg aids.

    Using Your Voice Aid to Help You Both

    I already mentioned ground work, and one the reasons groundwork can be so powerful when it comes to your riding, is through your voice.

    Talk to your horse.  He probably won’t know what you are saying, but rather, he will pay attention to how you are saying it.  Your Tone.

    When your horse becomes used to your voice, working with him on the ground, it makes the transition to using all your aids in the saddle a much easier one.  ‘Woah’ and ‘Walk On’ now have a new aid to back them up.

    The plus side of this is that because you are talking, you are breathing.  Meaning that you are getting all important oxygen to your muscles, keeping them supple and soft.

    Breathing releases tension in the rider, which has a mirroring effect in the horse. 

    What You Are Saying is For You

    Like I said, he won’t really understand what you are saying, but how you are saying it.  What you are saying is for you.

    Talk out what you want to happen.  Tell yourself, out loud, the story of how this ride will go.  It will help not only focus you, but also keep you relaxed. 

    Over time, this added aid will help your OTTB to build trust and confidence in you as a rider.  It will help the transition over to this new ‘Balance of aids’ you are now asking him to communicate through.  And, it will help him trust you more each and every day.

    OTTBs require consistent dedication.  They require compassion.  But most of all, they require someone who is committed to helping them transition to their new career.

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Links mentioned in the episode:-