Schooling Racehorses

[Tills Garton]

Hi there, I am attempting point to point racing, but had my first ride and fell off due to balance and strength issues, and have been having jumping lessons since, and schooled my racehorse on Saturday for the first time since then. My big issue is my hands, and keeping off my horses mouth so he slows down and jumps slower to avoid getting yanked in the mouth. I seem to ride very defensively and am trying to think forward and use my core, but didn’t work when I actually did it, and kept catching his mouth. Any suggestions of what I can do with to fix this as it is a major problem for me?

 

[Carrottom]

Are you bridging your reins? That can help until you get the feel.

 

[Carrottom]

Is there an older or retired jockey who now trains, that you could ask to school with and get advice from.

 

[humblepie]

Have a chat with the British Racing School about lessons or equicisor lessons. Good luck.

 

[Tills Garton]

I always bridge my reins when on the racehorses, and we don’t have many professional jockeys in as I’m at a point to point yard, but I find it hard to understand when they say it as it doesn’t seem to work in my head. I know I can improve my strength and fitness, but I seem to have a mind block.

 

[LEC]

I would definitely get yourself a mentor or jockey coach. There are quite a few out there now. Pay for sessions. It sounds like a lot is going on - mind, balance, skill and strength.