Ideas for ex-racers flatwork schooling programme?

[Saxon_Jasmine]

I'd like to get my ex racer to the next level with her flatwork schooling, now that she is up to weight and fit. She raced, got re-schooed (badly, if at all), went to a dealer, then we bought her.

She can now walk, trot and canter in a school, do a 20m circle in canter and trot and a 10m circle in walk. I took her to a unaffiliated DR (basic PC test) and she scored well, mostly 6/7

However, she is still very green, very lazy and completly disinterested in flatwork. How do I make it more interesting for her? She also doesn't listen to my leg at all so I'd like to teach her to do that too.

I'd like her to start coming into a contact in trot and canter as she is currently doing giraffe impressions. She is starting to become rounder in walk which is good I'd also like to start doing some lateral work, etc.

I'm planning to event her (BE pre novice) next year so any suggestions on what to do with her, DR wise, in preperation for this?

Thank you

 

[maggiesmum]

Lateral work is a really good way to go and I always like to work ex-racers on long reins, I think it helps them learn to carry themsleves and also gives you a good insight into how they're moving and what else needs to be worked on.

 

[kirstyl]

I also have an ex racer who is proving to be on the laid back side! Have you got an instructor that you trust? Get yourself some regular lessons and start to feel inspired with your flatwork. That way at least you have plenty of exercises to work on and keep her mind interested and her body working correctly and you also have somone to turn to if things aren't going as well as you would like! I agree with maggiesmum that it is good to work horses long and low, but it took my last TB 2 years to confidently take the rein forward and down in a relaxed manner, he was far happier in a contact. They're all different!

 

[toomanyhorses26]

Lots of transitions helped mine as he was very long(think titanic proportions) and lazy and loads of school shapes eg loops,serpentines,squares etc. Poles also helped mine when he realised he didn't have to jump them altogether