Riding ex-racehorses, tips please.

kerilli

kerilli

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i have found a lovely horse, and am buying her subject to vetting. she's an ex-racehorse, and i haven't had one before. she's very laid back to handle, and very sane, but there's certain things that obviously bring back memories... i noticed that when i shortened my reins before coming to a fence, she got very tense and tried to accelerate, and was fine next time when i left them a bit long and brought my shoulders back more instead. i'm no novice (produced mine to Advanced eventing) but if there's other pitfalls i could avoid, i'd be very grateful! thankyou.
 
I had the same thing, as soon as you pick any kind of contact up he was off ! i found grid work really helped me and gave me more control ! also hacking was a big downfall with him, and still is, but as long as he is with a horse that walks his pace and he is slightly in front he keeps calm !

Do u have any pics ?
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I've ridden a couple of ex-rachorses that were very raw od the track, and I foud to begin with that bridgeing the reins helped in canter especially in open spaces as it kept them calmer.
Good luck with her though, I love exx-racehorses
 
it will just take time and practice for her to understand. You'll find if she gets excited that you start taking your legs off her side to calm her, but don't let her con you - she'll be quite capable of learning a new style of riding with a bit of patience. I find using my voice works wonders with my ex-racer. Somehow explaining things verbally helps him understand if the physical aid is a bit confusing to him. (I sound like a chattering moron frequently!). Oh and slow patting calms them incredibly well.
 
it all depends on her really, how long since she raced? and if she's been reschooled all ready she shouldnt be too bad.

my friend had one that ever time she was in an open field she went mental! she spent months schooling in fields to help her get over it. and recently we went xc, her recent horse is an ex racer and we were cantering along side each other, although hes pretty sain u could see he was thinking it was race time and was picking up the pace rapidly!

i think as long as you are calm you wil both be fine! i hope all goes well for you and your bringing her home soon!! how exciting! good luck
 
i find that with my ex racer she needs schooling about twice a week to keep her busy and sane. the shortening of the reins and accelerating thing is because when a jockey wants more speed they will shorten the rein and hold them low, and lean on their neck. so in racehorse speak it means were off! my mare always goes steadier and slower with a nice gentle contact. schooling for dressage helped me alot even though i dont compete i will try a do a few tests when schooling. good luck.
 
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i know better than to be conned into taking my legs off... been there before!


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Ha ha - you're obviously a wiser soul than me! It took me a long while to realise he didn't have to be treated as a special needs horse! as someone else said, dressage really helps - teaches them not to be afraid of the contact. Really excited for you - fingers crossed re. vetting!
 
The bay in my siggy is one, he's great, he also thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread! Best horse I've owned. Jumping wise he was terrible at first but using poles he's really calmed down and I can even touch his mouth to a fence now with him hollowing and going into hurdling mode.

He's sharp to hack but that could be the line because I know KB always said Five boys was a sharp horse, but he never bucks or rears.

Good luck with the vetting and please post piccies
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