Ex-Racer Rehab

[horsedr]

Morning all.

I just want a bit of advice.

I have a 9 yr old ex racer, lovely animal, great to ride, very gentle, great manner. Hacks out alone or in company, practically bomb proof, has brakes, steering, sensitive to weight - he couldn't be better. BUT. Like many ex-racers when you try to trot in company on a hack (not when out alone) he wants to gallop and gets himself fired up switches to 'race mode' and takes some holding back.

I'd like to know what work I can do with him to help rehab him out of this - it's his only problem.

Any advice / suggestions most welcome. I live in Gloucestershire so if anyone has names / contacts of people who could help, I'd also welcome them.

Thanks all,

Jon

 

[Bug2007]

try not picking up your reins when going into trot and keeping a long rein and little contact.
Race horses react to the contact being picked up.
Put on a hunting breast plate or neck strap and hold that instead, the pressure on the chest 'should' slow him down.

We have a race horse still in training that is a fruit if people ride with normal reins, drop them and she is sweet as anything.

You need to remember we go on to the gallops with loose reins and as we are going to go we shorten the reins and then go walk to canter, in most cases.


Give it a try.
Good luck.

 

[Wagtail]

I have reschooled many ex racers, and yes, to them, a contact on the reins means go. The answer is lots of schooling in the arena rather than trying to tackle it on a hack. He needs to un learn what he has been taught in the past and learn to work correctly to a contact. But yes, if you ever do find him switching into race mode, then pulling on the reins will not help. Teach him voice commnds and use your voice and seat to slow him. Good luck.

 

[miss_bird]

1 of my exracers is very sensitive to to contact on the reins and movement out of the saddle, i spent ages getting her used to voice commands, so now when we are on a hack and go for a good blast for brakes it is sit back in the saddle and telling her steady with very gentle pulls on the reins, with this she slows quite happily.
I am hoping eventually i can lessen the amount of times i have to say steady and just be able to to use the reins