re-training a TB
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bossmare22
- Newborn
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:12 pm
- Location: Apison, TN
re-training a TB
I am new to this process, in more ways than one! I have just adopted a 4yr old TB gelding from KyEHC and will take posession this weekend. My first question is his initial training. I have bred and trained Arab sporthorses and ridden several different types of schooled horses. I have been told that these guys need to have their brain re-programmed from the get go. Is there a resource for doing this, reading material, etc? I want to make this as positive an experience as I can and would appreciate your input!
I am interested in the breeding and training of sporthorses with an emphasis on dressgae, competitive trail, pleasure riding and cross country.
Two sites that I have found helpful:
http://www.exracers.com/
http://bitsandbytesfarm.com/training_thoroughbreds.htm
There is a book that isn't coming out until May, but I'm looking forward to reading it:
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Track-Retraining-Thoroughbred-Racecourse/dp/1570764026/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199209589&sr=8-1
It isn't so much "reprogramming" as understanding what they know now. They are exposed to a lot at the track, but they may or may not know things like being cross-tied and things like standing still/being mounted from the ground. Once you have an understanding of track training, it gives you a starting point for retraining (working within their comfort level first).
Good luck—let us know how it goes!
http://www.exracers.com/
http://bitsandbytesfarm.com/training_thoroughbreds.htm
There is a book that isn't coming out until May, but I'm looking forward to reading it:
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Track-Retraining-Thoroughbred-Racecourse/dp/1570764026/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199209589&sr=8-1
It isn't so much "reprogramming" as understanding what they know now. They are exposed to a lot at the track, but they may or may not know things like being cross-tied and things like standing still/being mounted from the ground. Once you have an understanding of track training, it gives you a starting point for retraining (working within their comfort level first).
Good luck—let us know how it goes!
Complete retraining is a great thing. It is a refresher course on things they know, and a gap filler on things they don't.
You will probably continually be surprised what your OTTB DOES know, as a green horse, and mystified by what he/she DOESN'T.
On the plus side: most trailer like a dream. They stand to be SPRAYED with a hose. They will pick their feet up in order and pass them under so you can pick them all from one spot on the left side. A LOT of them will change leads if you just shift your weight and tug the other rein.
On the minus side: they expect a jockey to be flung aboard as they walk along and won't stand to be mounted. The reins have no braking effect, in fact on some the harder your pull the faster they go.
Have fun!!
You will probably continually be surprised what your OTTB DOES know, as a green horse, and mystified by what he/she DOESN'T.
On the plus side: most trailer like a dream. They stand to be SPRAYED with a hose. They will pick their feet up in order and pass them under so you can pick them all from one spot on the left side. A LOT of them will change leads if you just shift your weight and tug the other rein.
On the minus side: they expect a jockey to be flung aboard as they walk along and won't stand to be mounted. The reins have no braking effect, in fact on some the harder your pull the faster they go.
Have fun!!
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
Adding to Madelyn, I tried to re-train a Standardbred. Ha-ha! As soon as the bit was in his mouth, he wanted to go. Took me two weeks to walk normally again.
I advise an enclosed space and a martingale, just to be safe.
But that is only my experience.
I presume you have a helmet.
I advise an enclosed space and a martingale, just to be safe.
But that is only my experience.
I presume you have a helmet.
And thou fly without wings, and conquer without any sword. Oh, horse. - The Qur'an
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Vindicated
- Allowance Winner
- Posts: 342
- Joined: Tue Nov 09, 2004 7:46 am
They are all different-honest.
I have had some that have had to be started from the ground again, and some that have been able to show in a few weeks.
If I get one and they look like they are going to be a loon-I let them sit for a week or so, working with them daily on the ground-finding what they will respond too.
Longe w/Bridle-add rest of tack as they relax
I try to make sure that they understand the concept of a verbal WHOA.
If possible ride with someone around the first several times. Take your time with the mounting issue. I have always found that if you take the time to retrain them on this issue-it sets a good precident for the "harder" stuff.
Just as with an Arabian-if you lose your temper-they will remember.
I have had some that have had to be started from the ground again, and some that have been able to show in a few weeks.
If I get one and they look like they are going to be a loon-I let them sit for a week or so, working with them daily on the ground-finding what they will respond too.
Longe w/Bridle-add rest of tack as they relax
I try to make sure that they understand the concept of a verbal WHOA.
If possible ride with someone around the first several times. Take your time with the mounting issue. I have always found that if you take the time to retrain them on this issue-it sets a good precident for the "harder" stuff.
Just as with an Arabian-if you lose your temper-they will remember.
I also think that the Chronicle of the Horse message board has a lot of good info - just do a search on OTTBs.
Your OTTB should know how to wall tie (rather than cross tie). It actually relaxes them to be wall tied IME, so you may want to put a hook-eye in the back of the stall at around head level (for the horse) and put a non-bungy tie in there. This is good for grooming and tacking until you get him cross-tie trained, and it also helps to settle him down if needed.
Most have been taught to stand for a bath, clipping the blacksmith and should swing their butt over when you have them wall tied in the stall (just a "move over" usually works as you walk toward the side of the stall you are trying to get to).
As for time off - depends on the horse and on the person. I think a little time off is good (turnout), but you need to do ground work or at least handle the horse (grooming etc) IMO. Also, watch what you are feeding - they can blow weight fast because of all of the high-powered feed they were on. You want a good feed that will keep the weight on, but not keep him high.
Remember, most TBs really like to have a job - I find that the people who do best with them are the ones who work/handle the horse just about every day, and people who have a matter-of-fact attitude when they do something silly. If you over-react to their high spirits, they will over-react as well.
Good luck - they are wonderful horses!
Your OTTB should know how to wall tie (rather than cross tie). It actually relaxes them to be wall tied IME, so you may want to put a hook-eye in the back of the stall at around head level (for the horse) and put a non-bungy tie in there. This is good for grooming and tacking until you get him cross-tie trained, and it also helps to settle him down if needed.
Most have been taught to stand for a bath, clipping the blacksmith and should swing their butt over when you have them wall tied in the stall (just a "move over" usually works as you walk toward the side of the stall you are trying to get to).
As for time off - depends on the horse and on the person. I think a little time off is good (turnout), but you need to do ground work or at least handle the horse (grooming etc) IMO. Also, watch what you are feeding - they can blow weight fast because of all of the high-powered feed they were on. You want a good feed that will keep the weight on, but not keep him high.
Remember, most TBs really like to have a job - I find that the people who do best with them are the ones who work/handle the horse just about every day, and people who have a matter-of-fact attitude when they do something silly. If you over-react to their high spirits, they will over-react as well.
Good luck - they are wonderful horses!
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lucalucaluca
- Weanling
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:15 pm
- Location: USA
I also bought one book at Amazon.com on the subject, but it didn't arrive yet...I will also look at the one recommended above.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1861260881
My ex.racehorse raced four times on a 6-month career as a 3 year-old and I want to train him to become a showjumper. He has the looks, the gait, and passed the initial test: ridden with an English saddle and free-jumped very well, and most importantly (for me), he's very calm and gentle.
Even being so lightly raced, I gave him a full month off just to rest, gain a little bit of weight, unwind. He' now working every morning - just trot, gallop, learning the basics. Since he's only 3, I will go very slowly and try to follow his timing, try to feel whenever he's ready to get to the next level.
Good luck with your OTTB! I go crazy every time I go to the racetrack to watch the cheap claiming races because I want to claim all of them...!!! Here in Brazil we have really cheap claiming races and it's very hard to resist. I keep wondering about their destiny after the races and how good they could become in other sports.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1861260881
My ex.racehorse raced four times on a 6-month career as a 3 year-old and I want to train him to become a showjumper. He has the looks, the gait, and passed the initial test: ridden with an English saddle and free-jumped very well, and most importantly (for me), he's very calm and gentle.
Even being so lightly raced, I gave him a full month off just to rest, gain a little bit of weight, unwind. He' now working every morning - just trot, gallop, learning the basics. Since he's only 3, I will go very slowly and try to follow his timing, try to feel whenever he's ready to get to the next level.
Good luck with your OTTB! I go crazy every time I go to the racetrack to watch the cheap claiming races because I want to claim all of them...!!! Here in Brazil we have really cheap claiming races and it's very hard to resist. I keep wondering about their destiny after the races and how good they could become in other sports.
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bossmare22
- Newborn
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:12 pm
- Location: Apison, TN
Re-training a TB
First, thanks so much for the info, I really appreciate it! I guess I am lucky in that my guy has been out to pasture for over 6 months, I guess it was apparent right away that he was not cut out for the track, he is big boned, has a great butt and a very nice shoulder angle. What really sold me on him was his demeanor. I walked up to him just after turn out and I was able to run my hands all over him, touch Mr. weiner, fingers in ears, check teeth and he just was ok with it. That's not to say he did not put on a show for me later when properly motivated, but given the lack of handling he has had for so long this made a big impression. I plan to take it slow, ground work for a few weeks - adding paraphernalia as the days go and his acceptance grows. I am going to invest in a crash vest - something I have not had to wear but at 54 am overdue for! This has been an eye opening experience and a gut wrenching one as well when you see the number of young horses that are available from fantastic bloodlines! Once again, thanks, I will be in touch, no doubt!
I am interested in the breeding and training of sporthorses with an emphasis on dressgae, competitive trail, pleasure riding and cross country.