My new horse is an ex-race horse. Even though he is a good horse and appears calm, people have been scaring me into believing he will be very dangerous to ride. What steps should I take with this horse prior to riding him?

I have trained many thoroughbreds off the race track and I refer to them as project horses. Race horse training is almost the total opposite from pleasure or show training. For example, race horse training is mainly focused on; building muscle for speed, an attitude to compete for the lead position over other horses, a negative response to bit pressure, and fast forward motion.

While training a pleasure horse, speed and competitiveness is usually never encouraged, response to the bit for stopping and control is taken very seriously, we try to expose horses to as many situations as possible to bore them from getting excited, and we definitely do not want them to challenge people or any other horse.

So if you are looking for a challenge, willing to learn how to teach a horse, and have the patience to wait until your horse understands his new role. Then go for it and have fun! If you are looking for a horse to "just to do everything right" and to go right out on the trail you may not be happy. Every horse is different; some horses dislike racing so much that slow trail riding would be right up their alley. While other horses love the competition. Whatever you decide you must teach your horse to BACK OFF PRESSURE. This means while you are leading him on the ground and when you are riding. Spend a lot of time backing your horse on the ground. Once you know you can lead and stop your horse in any situation start riding in your arena. Carrying a rider is one thing that race and pleasure training do have in common. So you will not have to train your horse to accept a rider, spend most of your time training him to slow down and relax. This is accomplished by starting your horse from the beginning. You may move quickly through some procedures, where other sections you may have to take your time. This is way nothing is taken for granted and both of you will have the chance to understand each other. If you ever have any doubt seek professional help. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

<< Back to articles

Gordon Adair is a professional horse trainer and riding instructor with over thirtyty-three years of experience. Gordon's specialty is instructing owners with their horses, the philisophy of teaching and communicating. The ability to teach and communicate can then be used with the owners own discipline and personality. Visit Gordon's web site on the Internet at www.adairmag.com/gordonadair for more informtion.

© All rights reserved. reproduction of this site in whole or part without permission is prohibited.