How Do You Train Off The Track Thoroughbred?

Use the time on the lunge to train your horse to your voice. Simple commands such as Walk, Trot, Canter, Steady and Whoa, will go a long way to helping him understand your new seat and leg aids when you do mount up on him. Lunging also helps divide his past life and his new life.

What is an off the track Thoroughbred?

“OTTB” stands for off-track Thoroughbred. An off-track Thoroughbred is a horse that was bred and trained to be a racehorse and is now not an active racehorse. Many OTTBs are registered with The Jockey Club. The Jockey Club is the breed registry for Thoroughbred horses in North America.

How do you reset an off the track Thoroughbred?

5 Tips for Restarting the OTTB

1. Background Check. It can be challenging at times to learn the full history of an ex-racehorse, as many exchange hands throughout their careers.
2. Know What You’re Working With.
3. Downtime.
4. Find the Diet that Works for Them.
5. Know That it Takes Time.

How do you keep a Thoroughbred calm?

For most hot horses, it’s a good idea to avoid spending too long going in straight lines. With few exceptions, a better tactic is to keep them occupied with plenty of changes of bend, pace, and direction. This helps to keep their attention and focus on you, and gives them less chance to get strong or too fast.

Is a Thoroughbred horse good for beginners?

Largely bred for racing, a thoroughbred might turn out to be more horse than most beginners can handle. For the most part, pass on a retired racehorse that is trained to bolt at the crack of a starter pistol. However, non-racing thoroughbreds can be quiet and steady and may make great first horses.

How often should you ride an OTTB?

At the beginning, I want you to ride seven days a week. Don’t ride for long, 30-45 minute is plenty. During that period, you will have to experiment with your training pattern, to find out what works best for you and your horse.

What do you feed an off the track Thoroughbred?

OTTBs tend to thrive on diets that are higher in fat and protein than carbs and sugar. Offer at least 2% of the horse’s weight per day (or about 20lbs) in high-quality forage. Supplements, like salt and biotin, can be great additions to your OTTB’s diet, as can canola oil, if your horse needs to gain weight.

How long does it take to retrain an OTTB?

If your horse has minor tendon problems or low-grade tendonitis, you’re most likely looking at six months to a year of rest and rehabilitation before you can put your horse to work again.

Are thoroughbreds hard to train?

The OTTB has a sensitive and quick mind and because of this, they do will under the guidance of riders who are careful and mindful of what they ask and how they ask for it. The thoroughbred also has fantastic athletic ability and are wonderful animals to train because of how well they can use their body and brain.

How far can a Thoroughbred run without stopping?

Fun fact: racing trotters have been recorded at over 30 miles per hour! What is this? If a horse is in great condition, the average distance they could travel in a day (without stopping) is 20 to 40 miles in a day. But, again, that’s if the horse is in great shape.

How do you bond with a Thoroughbred horse?

Here, she’s come up with seven ways to spend time with your horse.

1. Try mutual grooming with your horse. There are many things you can learn by watching your horse.
2. Try positive Reinforcement.
3. Go for a walk.
4. Play with your horse.
5. Try agility with your horse.
6. Chill out.
7. Try online showing.

What issues do Thoroughbreds have?

Common racehorse health problems

• Fractures and musculoskeletal injuries. The bodies of these incredible creatures really are tested to the utmost in their competitive lives.
• Sacroiliac damage.
• Knee damage.
• Tendon and ligament injury.
• Respiratory problems.
• Foot problems.
• Horse insurance with Equesure.

Do Thoroughbreds spook easily?

Being a hotblooded breed, Thoroughbred horses are usually spirited, and individuals may be easily spooked if of timid temperament and not adequately trained. However not all Thoroughbreds are of timid temperament and Thoroughbreds are usually intelligent and very amenable to being trained not to spook.

Is it hard to ride a Thoroughbred?

Generally, Thoroughbreds don’t make good trail riding horses, especially for beginner riders. They spook easily, are high-strung, and aren’t surefooted. A typical Thoroughbred is athletic, intelligent, and a willing horse, but it’s also high-strung and sensitive to the slightest pressure.

Why are Thoroughbreds hard keepers?

Generally, horses bred for racing, like Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, tend to be hard keepers. This is due to having a more active metabolism than other breeds. These horses often burn more calories each day compared to a similar sized horse, like an American Quarter Horse.

What are 3 fun facts about thoroughbred horses?

Read the following fun facts and see if any of them surprise you!

• #1 – The breed was developed from three stallions.
• #2 – The foundation mares were all owned by English Kings.
• #3 – Many of the “Greats” in racing have enlarged hearts.
• #4 – Thoroughbreds hold more World Records than any other breed.

How long should an OTTB let down?

On almost every OTTB forum or article you’ll find an opinion about when to start transitioning a newly retired racehorse into a sport horse. “I give my horses at least 6 months of turn out to let down from the track,” many people say.

What to Know Before Getting a Thoroughbred?

Thoroughbreds have very fast metabolism compared with the other breeds, thus they require that you feed them more so they can maintain their weight. Aside from that, you will also need to supplement them with very important electrolytes and other trace minerals so they can maintain healthy bodily processes.

At what age do you break Thoroughbred?

Thoroughbreds mature slightly earlier than quarter horses and other similar breeds. They are broken to ride starting around 18 months of age so that they are ready to race as 2 year olds. Warmbloods and draft horses mature later than average and may not be broke to ride or pull wagons until they are 3 to 4 years old.

How do you build a Thoroughbred topline?

Hill work is an excellent way to build topline under saddle. Riding up and down hills increases the activity of the muscles in the hindquarters, the back and the abdominal muscles. A slow trot or walk is going to be most beneficial in the early stages.

How much is an off the track Thoroughbred?

An OTTB horse will cost on average between $1,000 to $3,000. The price of an off-the-track Thoroughbred will vary based on its race pedigree, temperament, height, and bloodline.