How to Train a Thoroughbred Horse for Flat Racing

Horses seem to love nothing more than to feel the wind in their hair as they run through the pastures. Thoroughbreds in particular are made for running, since their strong, sleek bodies have the ability to propel them forward at remarkable speeds. Of course a lot of effort goes into training a Thoroughbred horse for flat racing, which is the kind of racing that involves a full-speed run on a flat surface with no obstacles to overcome. Typically, this is the most popular kind of racing since it is the most advertised and many people bet on the outcomes. Though it seems like a relatively straightforward practice, training a thoroughbred for flat racing can be daunting if you don't know a few basic tips.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Allow your young Thoroughbred to run free in any safe location as much as possible. This will allow him to develop a sense of his own natural ability, and will give him more confidence when you begin to train him.
2. Ride your Thoroughbred for a minimum of 3 miles, but only about every 3 days. A young race horse must slowly build up the muscle, tone and control to exert the huge amount of effort that flat racing requires. A good session of building up the muscle should be followed by an appropriate period of rest.
3. Invest in equine massage. Massage will help your Thoroughbred develop his muscles in a more evenly distributed and healthy manner. It also helps increase the circulation, which is extremely helpful in reducing any inflammation of the ankle, which is extremely common in horses during this stage of training.
4. Increase the distance you ride your Thoroughbred in steady increments. Be sure the horse can handle the increase in distance before forcing it on him. The key is slow, deliberate building of muscle and body control.
5. Introduce your horse to the race track once he is at least 32 months old, and is ready to begin speed training.
6. Train your Thoroughbred to run at full speed for short bursts. As he improves in speed, he will also improve in endurance and distance.
7. Allow the horse's true speed to evolve and blossom over time. Pushing the horse to train to speed under duress or violence will not only sour the horse to racing, but it may cause serious behavioral flaws as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Never push a horse younger than 32 months into speed training. Before this age the knees have not fully closed up, so you can do severe damage to a horse if you push hard before the Thoroughbred's body is matured and ready.