You should know that working with off-track Thoroughbreds can be dangerous. Because they aren't used to human-equine interaction, they can be slower than other horses to form a bond. Furthermore, retraining race horses constitutes a significant time commitment.
If you are sure this is the route you want to take, however, working with an off-track Thoroughbred can be a rewarding experience. Once you establish trust and build a foundation of security, a race horse will slowly begin to forget his former training and develop better habits.
Start on the Ground
You should never work with an off-track Thoroughbred by jumping on his back. A rider signals to this type of horse that it's time to run, and regardless of whether or not he's on a training oval, he will try to accomplish that goal.
Instead, spend a minimum of six weeks working such race horses on the ground. Teach him verbal commands (walk, trot, canter/lope, whoa), and practice as many downward transitions as possible. When he seems quiet and responsive, proceed to riding him in the round pen.
Work to the Right
Race horses are trained only to run to the left, which means that their right-side muscles are comparatively underdeveloped. A significant amount of your time spent working with an off-track Thoroughbred should focus on work to the right.
Additionally, start asking him to move correctly. By using aids, such as side and draw reins, you can retrain race horses to use their muscles in a more effective way. This also signals to the horse that you won't be running pell-mell around a track, but will instead be working on what you want to do.
Avoid Other Horses
Trainers instill in race horses a desire to always lead the pack. Regardless of where you are riding, your off-track Thoroughbred will want to get his nose in front of his companions. This is why, at least at first, you should ride alone. This minimizes the danger to you and will help ensure your training doesn't get thrown off-kilter.
If you do ride with others, keep a firm rein and talk to your horse constantly. If he shows signs of agitation, position him in front of the other horses so you are the leader. The goal here is to train your race horse that it's acceptable to be part of a pack rather than a leader.
Pay Attention to Your Body
Horses are very sensitive, and they can feel even slight adjustments in your posture in the saddle. When you ride off-track Thoroughbreds, focus on what your body is communicating to the horse. Sitting forward, for example, communicates to a race horse that you want to go faster. Alternatively, sitting back and deep in the saddle tells him to slow down.
If your off-track Thoroughbred gets excited at the trot, slow your posting and shift your weight back on your hips. At the canter, slow your rocking and keep your knees pressed gently on the saddle swells. These seemingly insignificant changes will make a world of difference.
Retraining an off-track Thoroughbred isn't the safest or fastest way to get places in equestrian sports, but it can be done. Simply take your time and, if you start to slip backward, hit the ground and start your training over.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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