Flatwork with an ex-racehorse

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thinkitwasjune

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I've just bought a five-year-old ex-racehorse and while his flatwork is already fairly well established, I would love some advice on achieving consistency and softness. He has a tendency to chuck his head about to avoid the contact, especially at the start of a schooling session, but when he relaxes he can go really nicely. I'm a fairly experienced rider but have lost a lot of confidence and developed a few bad habits through self-preservation with my previous horse so I'm currently feeling a bit lost! I realise I'm being a bit vague but hopefully someone can help - any advice, tips or exercises would be really welcome :)
 
Obviously first comes first (as always) teeth, back and saddle should be checked by professionals if they have not already been done.

Try and video a schooling session, see if you can change how you warm up to encourage a more settled head carriage.

What bit are you using? Make sure all the tack is fitting, and bit is the correct size/bit in general for the horse.

Make sure you warm up in walk for long enough, but try lots of circles and schooling/halt to walk transitions to keep their concentration. Also, are you using any gadgets at all?
 
My ex-racer has stopped head flinging now I've added a sheepskin nose band to his poll (I'll get him a comfort bridle eventually but for now this will do!)
 
Hi
It is not unusual for an ex racer not to want to take the contact as they are not used to being ridden like that. How long has your horse been out of racing? I would recommend a rubber snaffle, and lots of patience!
Lots of transitions will help, but don't make them abrupt, give plenty of preparation before you ask for a different pace. Good luck!
 
Lots and lots of circles. 10m circles will really get him bending and he should eventually start to lower his head
 
I've just bought this book and it is brillant. Re educating racehorses A life after racing Anyone with an ex-racer should read it.
 
What bit is he in?

If in a single jointed stainless steel snaffle, I would consider trying a softer bit - perhaps happy mouth or sweet iron material, with a lozenge or a french link rather than ss. My experience with fussy mouthed tbs is that they often prefer a bit with a milder action and will settle more easily to it.

In terms of schooling I would just keep a still, consistent (but elastic) contact and keep riding him forwards into it - don't worry too much if he is flinging his head around, just keep riding forwards (in a nice active trot or canter) and he should start to settle as he warms up.
 
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