Riding ex racers .... Advice please ....

[Pluto]

I have a gorgeous 16.2 10 year old ex racer . He has been out of racing a year now due to my pregnancy and also some tendon issues. He is completely rested and whilst only ridden briefly when we got him in Jan 2011 he has done nothing except live in the lap of luxury and be groomed, turned out / brought in daily. I have visited him as much as u can and have a bond with him In as much as he now calls to me when I come to the yard. I plan to begin riding him again 3-4 times a week from January but would like some input as the best course of action to take with him.

I had thought walking initially with a group and just take things slow.

He's had back, teeth, etc and although he's unfit hes in great shape and I am excited about spending next year getting us both back in shape.

 

[Maddie2412]

racehorses definitely tend to prefer to work in a group as this is what they are used to. I would start in walk and try and keep you reins as relaxed as possible as shorter=faster and in walk slowly get him used to taking up a slightly shorter and shorter rein whilst not increasing speed then start some trot work if he respects you when and if he starts to take the piss lay down the law firmly and he should respect your commands. also just try and ride as light as you can on his back as this will make more sense to him. hope this helps!

 

[Miss L Toe]

I would start off with long reining, then you can build up the bond, the [new] mouth, and the back muscles before you jump on him, also is a good re-training technique as it will be a very long time since he has done this. Remember he will not be used to standing still and mounting as per the BHS method [considered madly unsafe in the industry], so use a mounting block and someone to hold him, in training the rider is either legged up "on the move" or has to leap from the ground and slip leg over and into the stirrups in one [easy] move, only easy if you are fit, athletic and well practised.

 

[maxapple]

Nice long reins is often the way forward. My TB is 19 soon - and never actually raced (must have failed the training miserably bless him as he was in racing stables!) - but he associates shorter reins with going faster. He doesn't do anything - just sticks his head in the air and chomps on the bit!

 

[Miss L Toe]

Nice long reins is often the way forward. My TB is 19 soon - and never actually raced (must have failed the training miserably bless him as he was in racing stables!) - but he associates shorter reins with going faster. He doesn't do anything - just sticks his head in the air and chomps on the bit!

Yes learn to bridge the reins and rest your hands on the withers, just in case he decides to bomb off one day, at his age he will probable be content to go with the flow, but just in case!!!

 

[maggiesmum]

I would start off with long reining, then you can build up the bond, the [new] mouth, and the back muscles before you jump on him, also is a good re-training technique as it will be a very long time since he has done this. Remember he will not be used to standing still and mounting as per the BHS method [considered madly unsafe in the industry], so use a mounting block and someone to hold him, in training the rider is either legged up "on the move" or has to leap from the ground and slip leg over and into the stirrups in one [easy] move, only easy if you are fit, athletic and well practised.

^^^^ This.

Long reining is a great way to help them learn to carry themselves in a less stretched outline whilst giving you the opportunity to see how they move, IMO its better to get them balanced with some top line muscle before jumping on board, they should have been long lined during the breaking process (most are) so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.