Bringing on an ex racer to jump?

[Spotndot268]

Hi! I’m looking to view an ex racer tomorrow who ran only a few times over hurdles. She’s been in retraining for a year doing 50/60cm events. I want to bring her on to showjump, maybe event, at 1m, higher if possible but just depends on her comfort zone! I’ve heard people say ex hurdlers are taught to jump flat so I was wondering peoples experience with this? Will it be a sensible idea? Mare definitely has scope but obviously doesn’t have a picture perfect bascule, but nothing awfully flat! How smooth sailing did training go, how long did it take to get to this level etc. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I’m looking to compete at about 80cm for the rest of this year which the horse is very capable of doing, but understandably they haven’t rushed her. Want to hear about everyone’s experiences and tips, thank you

 

[Bonnie Allie]

Very doable. Best advice I heard years ago by an international SJer who was running a clinic with 5 of us in the class on ex-racers……..

”Remember these horses are bred specifically to go fast in straight lines”. “To create successful SJers out of an OTTB/ex-racer you need to spend 80% of your time on your flat work to allow you to create pace changes with a gait, balanced corners and a connection with the horse that will allow you to over ride the switch in the brain that is set to go fast at everything”.

 

[Carrottom]

Flat work is definitely the key. I had an ex hurdler and it took me a while to get an adjustable canter.