Where to start?? ex-racer and flat work...

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My dad has got a 6 yr old ex racer, he only raced a couple of times and was rubbish so that career ended pretty quick! My dads a happy hacker now but he wants me to help him get him doing some competition type stuff...

Problem is his flat work is really bad!!! The trainer he came from isn't the best and I don't think he was broken very well with regards to his mouth. I've had babies before but I can't remember then ever being so green!! He doesn't have to be a dressage pony but to be able to canter a circle would be helpful if we want to do any SJ etc..

So I was just wondering if any of you clever lot had any advise?? I don't have a clue where to start!!
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Yea, I guess it's just lots of hard work!
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Problem is I don't have much time and my horse gets priority, my dad is very capable so he'll have to get his arse in gear - I'm sure he can manage a bit of schooling!
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Thanks. I don't think he's scared of the bit but just feels like he hasn't been mouthed properly? He's not that strong but doesn't feel to accept the bit properly and steering is a bit of an issue..

He's just in a cheep loose ring snaffle at the mo so I think we need to experiment a little.
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Try speaking to the Racehorse rehab people - they should be able to help. Also Your Horse (am I allowed to mention anotehr mag on this board?) did a feature abt retraining a racehorse a few months back.
 
Start as you would with something that has just been broken in.
Lots of work in walk- persistant little asks until you get a yield and then soften. Once you've got more softness in the walk you can trot very slowly. Control the ryhtym with your seat and repeat the ask/yielding process.

Canter will come in time. You'll be suprised at how quickly he picks it up I suspect.
 
Well my new pony is very much the same, she is 5 but is more like a just broken 3 year old. We are taking the approach of totally going back to basics and doing what Boss says, taking it slowly and make sure I keep her rhythmical and balanced.

Good luck!
 
Go right back to basics, I started mine again literally from scratch and spent a lot of time long reining before I even sat on her. After that it was walk for about 2 months, then gradually introduced trot, always with lots of transitions as others have said... I wouldn't even think about doing any canter work until walk and trot are perfect. I also found a french link suited mine, it gave her a bit of play and the confidence to take a contact. But I think the key is just take it slow! Good luck
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The best possible advice is definately to go back to basics! How well racehoreses are broken in in the first place varies enormously, and essentially they only need to be safe to ride, stop, start and go in straight lines! I am being very crude with the level of requirement, but they are not broken in in the same way/or to the same degree as a 'riding horse'.
Lunging regularly is probably the best route to go down, as done correctly and with the right equipment it will help the horse learn to work correctly without fighting a rider, whilst at the same time improving the right muscles and making it easier/more natural for the horse to work forward in a good frame and into a steady contact. N.B. Long reining is also a good tool, but only if done by someone that is proficient at it - if not then don't try.
Someone has also said get the walk and trot right first before worrying about the canter, and they're right - don't run before you can walk! Again, work on the canter on the lunge first - with and without side reins, Pessoa, or whatever you choose to use- as he will learn to balance and carry himself.
I bought my ex-racehorse May 2006 as a project to sell on to event or dressage, but he's still with me as he has such a good brain, and is soooo rewarding - TB's/ex-racehorses create the wrong impression in too many peoples minds!
Good luck and enjoy!
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