Just bought ex racer... advice on schooling

[morrismob]

We have just bought a 16.2 6 yr old Tb who came off the track last year and has had time to chill and has been back in riding horse work for 6 weeks. He is a sweet but cheeky character. We have owned TBs before at the mo have a lovely ex hurdler who is now eventing but he had been in general riding for a year.

I would however like to know those of you who have taken on such a type and taught them how to be a riding horse. He is a good stamp of a horse who has the most amazing trot and canter albeit no idea on going off on the right leg or working in an outline, nor would I expect him too. He is very well put together with a lovely neck and shoulders, backside is a bit lean but again I would expect this.

He has a cheeky character but in no way nasty. He does not have back shoes on. He arrives tomorrow and would like some advice on how to do the next week or so. Farrier will come out on Tuesday, he's very kind and patient. Will give him tomorrow to settle in a field then in at night with my others. We usually get on them quite early on even only for a 10 mins or so but this guy has never been in a school only ridden in a field or hacked. We are not total numpties but think a lot of this guy so would like to get it kinda of right. All ideas appreciated..... thanks

 

[dressedkez]

I would suggest, lots of hacking, with company and without - and quietly school him whilst out hacking - i.e. half halts, some leg yielding etc. nothing too much to blow his mind, but a bit of aid enforcement / practice transistions etc. Lots of hill work, and gentle trotting up hills to improve his top line. Some pleasure rides, and general fun hacks.
Re the school - maybe lunge first, with side reins, before embarking on serious work ridden. TB's are bright and easily bored - so schooling with some small jumps to encourage the correct canter lead etc. How exciting, I love ex racers.