Retraining ex-racers thread

[RachelFerd]

Would love some advice. I have an ex racer who’s just got no mouth whatsoever. I’m limited with arena and hacking mostly and trying to do what I can, asking him to give but it just doesn’t feel like we are progressing. I have him in a French link fulmer at the moment and his teeth have been done.

He’s so strong in the mouth, like a plank of wood. I’m wondering if there’s a better bit I could try with him to help that he may prefer. Any suggestions welcome!

Simon still has a very strong contact and can feel like a plank of wood. Have had most success with myler comfort snaffles of varying port heights - swapping bits around regularly seems to help him from getting very stuck. But Ive been schooling him for 10 years and he's still planky, so don't expect miracles!

(On the plus side - his strong planky mouth means he is very forgiving when I get left behind over a xc fence...)

 

[LEC]

Another who has had great success with Mylers and a port bit for horses with slightly solid mouths. I even had one I backed myself who had a horrible mouth and I barely touch the reins when they are 4 so some horses are born with slightly numb mouths.

 

[humblepie]

Can someone please convince me that buying a horsebox is worth it? I promised myself once I got a new job I'd treat myself to one but now I'm getting cold feet parting with so much cash! One of my goals for this year was to get out more so I'd probably use it at least 4 times a month.

So far I've made do with hiring but:

1) There's only one box for hire within a 30 minute radius of me, which is an annoying 2 hour round trip just to get the thing and drop it off.
2) I clean it to within an inch of its life every time I use it as not to incur charges, which is often the last thing I want to do after a long day.
3) Hire is £120 for a 24 hour period + returned with full tank (I usually use about £70 worth of fuel). Which means I'd be spending £570 every month on a box I have no equity in.
4) It's often not available when I want it so have to very carefully weigh up events. If an event is cancelled I can't just not pay for the box.

+ I REALLY want this box because it's pink and amazing!

Go for it just check it thoroughly checked before you buy, and get the weigh bridge weights done to check the payload (apologies if teaching you to suck eggs and you have done all that). It will give you so much more freedom to do what you want when you want to do it and at short notice. And if you are tired, you can leave the pristine cleaning a day or two.

 

[Squeak]

Can someone please convince me that buying a horsebox is worth it? I promised myself once I got a new job I'd treat myself to one but now I'm getting cold feet parting with so much cash! One of my goals for this year was to get out more so I'd probably use it at least 4 times a month.

So far I've made do with hiring but:

1) There's only one box for hire within a 30 minute radius of me, which is an annoying 2 hour round trip just to get the thing and drop it off.
2) I clean it to within an inch of its life every time I use it as not to incur charges, which is often the last thing I want to do after a long day.
3) Hire is £120 for a 24 hour period + returned with full tank (I usually use about £70 worth of fuel). Which means I'd be spending £570 every month on a box I have no equity in.
4) It's often not available when I want it so have to very carefully weigh up events. If an event is cancelled I can't just not pay for the box.

+ I REALLY want this box because it's pink and amazing!

If it's any help a well built, well maintained horsebox should hold it's value well. I've had mine five years and I reckon it's now worth more than I paid for it - at one point it was worth 1.5 times the price I paid. 3.5t prices have come down recently so it's a good time to buy.

Having your own lorry makes things so much easier and means you've always got one for an emergency.

Hope I've helped

 

[JBM]

How do you help an internal worrier?
Gloria is foot perfect and always keeps the leadrope loose and keeps a nice distance but you can tell when I take her from the herd she’s tense. Can’t stand still, poops often, looking back to them (no noise just looking) tense in the face.
I’ve been taking her out and just doing some ground work with plenty of treats for short sessions 10/15 minutes or just a groom and a fuss and letting her back into the field.
She never rushes back and is being a saint but I want her to enjoy our time together a bit more instead of worrying about where her friends are. She does walk up to me in the field, comes when called and stands for me to put the headcollar on which Im hoping means she likes me
Is what I’m doing ok and just continue with that? Or is there more I could be doing.
She’s absolutely thriving in herd turnout tho which I love
I have to drive 40 minutes to her and 40 minutes back to get her into a 24/7 herd turnout yard but so worth it to see her happy. But also means I can’t see her everyday unfortunately

 

[humblepie]

@JBM How long has she been there - is she still getting to know her new routine. I would say it is just time and building up the time she is away from them. She may not be used in general to doing things on her own/away from others. She has lovely views from her field. Others may have better suggestions.

 

[JBM]

@JBM How long has she been there - is she still getting to know her new routine. I would say it is just time and building up the time she is away from them. She may not be used in general to doing things on her own/away from others. She has lovely views from her field. Others may have better suggestions.

Just about 2 weeks, which I know isn’t long and I’m happy to give as much as she wants. Just curious if I’m doing things right for her as I’ve had more external worriers before this and don’t want her to think she can’t express herself.
She spent 2 years with just one other horse and seemed to have 0 attachment to her what so ever. The other mare was attached to her but Gloria didn’t seem to give a hoot.
Yeah she’s right on the beach which will be lovely

 

[spacefaer]

A quick update on my two. My lovely little Flemensfurth chestnut has gone to a friend of mine who was down on her luck, horsewise. He's had the winter off and she's bringing him back in slowly with lots of groundwork and long reining.

My French horse us going from strength to strength. He's recently moved riders and is blossoming under the new regime. She has a softer, more allowing approach and he's lovng it. She's moved him from a cheek piece lozenge snaffle to a Trust innosens (sp?) with a micklem and he's moving bigger, softer and with increasing amounts of power.
She's done a few competitions with him to get the feel of what he's like and been xc schooling- apparently big open fields mean gallop - who knew?
Anyway hoping to enter his 1st BE shortly - not sure which she's aiming for yet but I'll keep you all posted!

 

[spacefaer]

 

[ponyparty]

Lovely to see everyone doing well with their ex racers.

Meanwhile here’s me, feeling very frustrated because we’ve had one thing after another preventing me from cracking on (hole in hoof, NPA needing remedial shoeing, cellulitis, lost shoe, broken finger… the list goes on ). Took her out today after finally getting 4th shoe put back on, and she felt back to square 1. All that groundwork over that awful winter feels like it was for nothing hope it was just a bad day. Feel like I’ve let her down as haven’t been consistent enough - but we really have had a bad run of luck!

I’ve finally decided I need to move from my very basic yard. I need people to ride out with while we both get our confidence up, and a school so I have somewhere to work with her when I’m short of time and just to build on our relationship in a bit of a safer space with less distractions. Current yard just isn’t cutting it (and there’s a whole heap of other stuff going on there, I want out).

Going to view somewhere tomorrow that sounds brilliant, it’s a bit further away but still only 15 mins so

On a more positive note - is there anything more stunning than a thoroughbred in their summer coat, all shiny and gleaming?

 

[Cloball]

@IrishMilo just a warning with pink boxes check how easy it is to source the paint in case you scratch it (if that bothered you) my boss had a pink one you had to get permission to buy the specialist paint/special shade and it was extortionate.

 

[IrishMilo]

@IrishMilo just a warning with pink boxes check how easy it is to source the paint in case you scratch it (if that bothered you) my boss had a pink one you had to get permission to buy the specialist paint/special shade and it was extortionate.

Thank you, I wouldn't have even thought of that!

Today we scratched the itch - both of our favourite things!

 

[ycbm]

30 miles an hour! Woohoo!
.

 

[AandK]

I wish I had switched mine on when I went to the gallops the other week! Will try to remember next time we go... Such fun!

 

[IrishMilo]

30 miles an hour! Woohoo!
.

I wish I had switched mine on when I went to the gallops the other week! Will try to remember next time we go... Such fun!

It's an indescribable feeling to gallop a racer isn't it? There's no other horse I've ever sat on, even at full gallop, that comes close to the torque you feel underneath you from a TB.

It's rare I think horses are enjoying being ridden but my god does he love to run! (I might enjoy it a fair bit too ). The fastest I've been on him is 35mph when we were galloping 3x a week and he was fitter!

 

[AandK]

It's an indescribable feeling to gallop a racer isn't it? There's no other horse I've ever sat on, even at full gallop, that comes close to the torque you feel underneath you from a TB.

It's rare I think horses are enjoying being ridden but my god does he love to run! (I might enjoy it a fair bit too ). The fastest I've been on him is 35mph when we were galloping 3x a week and he was fitter!

I have not yet got to full tilt on my guy yet, I still have another gear or two to go but the feeling he gives just at the speed we have done is unreal, so effortless! Just wonderful! My guy loves to run too, I think he will also love XC which I am hoping to get to try with him in the not too distant future

 

[Hannahfs]

Some beautiful horses on here!
Thought I’d best have a nosey to see what everyone is doing with theirs having sulkily accepted an enforced break with my lad after finding and treating a very sore SI joint.
Three weeks into rehabbing it and looking much stronger and straighter so hopefully will be back on board and out and about soon.
Intro pics to show his journey in the one year I’ve had him…

 

[ycbm]

It's an indescribable feeling to gallop a racer isn't it?

Oh yes! There is just nothing like it.
.

 

[humblepie]

@ponyparty that sounds very sensible to look to a move to help develop your partnership

@Hannahfs what a gorgeous horse. Good luck with his rehab.

@IrishMilo fun to have those stats

 

[ponyparty]

This is nothing to do with retraining, but I had a very sweet moment (half an hour!) with my girl on Sunday morning. Meant I then didn’t have time to ride as I was on a really tight time schedule, but this was worth it. She was dreaming at one point, making little noises and her legs going very, very cute!

 

[Squeak]

Some beautiful horses on here!
Thought I’d best have a nosey to see what everyone is doing with theirs having sulkily accepted an enforced break with my lad after finding and treating a very sore SI joint.
Three weeks into rehabbing it and looking much stronger and straighter so hopefully will be back on board and out and about soon.
Intro pics to show his journey in the one year I’ve had him…
View attachment 139856
View attachment 139852View attachment 139853View attachment 139854View attachment 139855

What a really smart horse. I love seeing everyone's exracers. Hope you're back out soon.

 

[IrishMilo]

Had the bit specialist today which was really insightful. I can really recommend Olivia Turner if anyone else is in the East Anglia area. She made lots of really true comments, and felt that the issue is 80% him shuffling along and not working correctly vs. 20% what's actually in his mouth. He dawdles along like a child off to the headmaster's office so my take away is to stop letting him do this!

We tried loads of different Bombers (in order of Koby's preference):

- Lock Up eggbutt Ultra Comfy
- Loose ring ported barrel snaffle
- Moulded mullen eggbutt
- Loose ring Elliptical Ultra Comfy
- Happy Tongue hanging cheek

And one he felt best in? One of those old school single joint eggbutts that she dug out from the bottom of her box, are a dime a dozen, and cost £5 off eBay...

 

[IrishMilo]

Kobes went to his first show today, really friendly training place which was perfect. Decent amount of horses there but not so many it was stressful. I entered the 70 and the 80 but ended up just doing the 80 as I didn't want to stand around in the hail! He was a total dream the whole day, you'd have thought he'd been doing it for years. Had a great confidence giving lesson the day before which really helped, I feel like we're getting into the swing of it now and looking forward to the next one!

 

[Gamebird]

So where is everyone? I went to an RoR clinic today. SJ and/or XC on grass, every height from 75cm up to, well anything really. BE accredited coach, £40 for 90mins. I was THE ONLY person booked on all day . We had an amazing time, I loved the coach (will deffo go back) and she was very complimentary about the horse and my retraining efforts. I learned loads, and was thrilled with my horse's trainability, genuineness and want to try, and also how happy he was to be alone in a strange place in a huge grass area. We are a very happy pair tonight!
I have booked on an RoR camp later in the year and am now concerned there might not be anyone there!

 

[IrishMilo]

So where is everyone? I went to an RoR clinic today. SJ and/or XC on grass, every height from 75cm up to, well anything really. BE accredited coach, £40 for 90mins. I was THE ONLY person booked on all day . We had an amazing time, I loved the coach (will deffo go back) and she was very complimentary about the horse and my retraining efforts. I learned loads, and was thrilled with my horse's trainability, genuineness and want to try, and also how happy he was to be alone in a strange place in a huge grass area. We are a very happy pair tonight!
I have booked on an RoR camp later in the year and am now concerned there might not be anyone there!

Looks great! Where is the camp?!

 

[Gamebird]

Some beautiful horses on here!
Thought I’d best have a nosey to see what everyone is doing with theirs having sulkily accepted an enforced break with my lad after finding and treating a very sore SI joint.
Three weeks into rehabbing it and looking much stronger and straighter so hopefully will be back on board and out and about soon.
Intro pics to show his journey in the one year I’ve had him…
View attachment 139856
View attachment 139852View attachment 139853View attachment 139854View attachment 139855

He looks lovely. Can you give a bit of background - what he did in racing, when he retired etc? You look like you're familiar with racehorses!

 

[Gamebird]

Some beautiful horses on here!
Thought I’d best have a nosey to see what everyone is doing with theirs having sulkily accepted an enforced break with my lad after finding and treating a very sore SI joint.
Three weeks into rehabbing it and looking much stronger and straighter so hopefully will be back on board and out and about soon.
Intro pics to show his journey in the one year I’ve had him…
View attachment 139856
View attachment 139852View attachment 139853View attachment 139854View attachment 139855

He looks lovely. Can you give a bit of background - what he did in racing, when he retired etc? You look like you're familiar with racehorses!

 

[Gamebird]

Looks great! Where is the camp?!

I'm going to Epworth, but I think there are also camps at Swallowfield and Somerford.

 

[humblepie]

View attachment 140548
So where is everyone? I went to an RoR clinic today. SJ and/or XC on grass, every height from 75cm up to, well anything really. BE accredited coach, £40 for 90mins. I was THE ONLY person booked on all day . We had an amazing time, I loved the coach (will deffo go back) and she was very complimentary about the horse and my retraining efforts. I learned loads, and was thrilled with my horse's trainability, genuineness and want to try, and also how happy he was to be alone in a strange place in a huge grass area. We are a very happy pair tonight!
I have booked on an RoR camp later in the year and am now concerned there might not be anyone there!

Our area has always been very hit and miss, but other RoR areas seem to get great support for things.

 

[ponyparty]

Successfully moved my girl to a lovely new yard today she loaded without too much trouble, had to move the trailer strategically but once we’d done that she went straight on. Sweated buckets on the journey, it was literally in a pool under her at the other end poor girl. She’s settling into her new field, next door to the mare she’ll eventually be sharing with once they’ve got to know each other over the fence. I’m so excited to have a school, and people to ride out with hoping this is the start of some proper progress for us now!