tootsietoo
Well-Known Member
Hello. Is there a retraining your racehorse chat thread somewhere around here? I certainly could do with one!
I've just started on my 6 yr old ex flat horse in the last few weeks - been lunging him, got a saddle, tried a few bits. Teeth and back have not been checked yet but will be in the next week. I went up to instructors on Friday for a first go in the school. It was a success in as much as he loaded, didn't spook or go mad and actually went round in circles and I took a contact and he started to accept it. Today I mooched round the fields then did a few minutes in the paddock going round in circles and he was absolutely not having any of the whole contact thing!
I wonder whether I should spend a lot more time working on the lunge to build up balance and muscles, and when riding just keep him forward with a longer rein for, say, a month until he is stronger and fitter. However, instructor made the fair point that if you don't ask for a contact now, when are you going to ask for a contact?
It would be really helpful to hear experiences! How many months of regular work does it take before your ex-racer starts to muscle up in the right places and become stronger and more "schooling fit"? How long did it take you to get him/her to accept the contact in a relaxed way? How much can I expect to achieve by the end of the summer?
I've just started on my 6 yr old ex flat horse in the last few weeks - been lunging him, got a saddle, tried a few bits. Teeth and back have not been checked yet but will be in the next week. I went up to instructors on Friday for a first go in the school. It was a success in as much as he loaded, didn't spook or go mad and actually went round in circles and I took a contact and he started to accept it. Today I mooched round the fields then did a few minutes in the paddock going round in circles and he was absolutely not having any of the whole contact thing!
I wonder whether I should spend a lot more time working on the lunge to build up balance and muscles, and when riding just keep him forward with a longer rein for, say, a month until he is stronger and fitter. However, instructor made the fair point that if you don't ask for a contact now, when are you going to ask for a contact?
It would be really helpful to hear experiences! How many months of regular work does it take before your ex-racer starts to muscle up in the right places and become stronger and more "schooling fit"? How long did it take you to get him/her to accept the contact in a relaxed way? How much can I expect to achieve by the end of the summer?