How to Retrain Off the Track Thoroughbreds

Off-the-track Thoroughbreds are Thoroughbred horses who have either failed at racing or have already retired. Since race horses only run for a few years and only the best are maintained for breeding, these animals need new jobs in other equestrian disciplines. If you have an off-the-track Thoroughbred, you'll need to retrain him from racing.

Things You'll Need

• Hard hat
• Saddle
• Bridle
• Lunge line

Instructions

1. Realize that off-the-track Thoroughbreds are usually very high-spirited and difficult to ride. They require an experienced rider who can handle bolting, bucks, rears and crow-hops without falling off.

2. Understand that it might take several months before you can consistently ride an off-the-track Thoroughbred. Starting with ground work to calm him and to show him you care is the best way, and this can take time. Be patient.

3. Acclimate the horse to his new home by giving him a few weeks to relax in his stall and in his pasture. Groom him thoroughly once or twice a day, give him plenty of hay to occupy his time and let him graze on the end of a lead line. Becoming his friend is the first step toward building a bond.

4. Castrate stallions if you don't intend to use them for breeding later on. This will ensure a calmer disposition and will make an off-the-track Thoroughbred safer to ride in large groups with other horses.

5. Lunge the horse in the round pen for several weeks, particularly to the right. Race horses are trained only to run to the left, so it might take him time to get used to moving in the other direction. This builds the proper muscles and teaches the horse that you are in control.

6. Mount the horse quickly and quietly, getting both feet in the stirrups before you sit down in the saddle. In many cases, it is beneficial to start an off-the-track Thoroughbred in a western saddle because he may feel more comfortable with the extra weight.

7. Spend lots of time walking the horse around the round pen, and then around a larger arena. Work on adjusting the walk from slow to working, to extended and don't allow him to break gait into a trot or a canter.

8. Slowly build up to faster gaits, doing lots of downward transitions to the walk in between stretches of trotting and cantering. Practice circles and changes of direction to the right, and practice halting several times in each session.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get mad if your off-the-track Thoroughbred tries to bolt--it's what he was trained to do. Instead, calmly bring him back to a walk with your hands, seat and voice.

• Try to keep the horse in a snaffle bit, but upgrade if he's too much to handle. Just remember to be soft in the mouth with harsher bits, or they will become ineffective.

• Ask a friend or trainer to help you with an off-the-track Thoroughbred. Having another professional around will be of great use in an emergency.