OFF THE TRACK

Bred for speed, trained to gallop, extremely athletic. Thoroughbreds can become great horses suited for many disciplines and pleasure riding. They are very versatile in what they can do, although.

Straight off the track, they can be pushy on the ground and hot in the saddle. They are very stiff/one-sided, causing an unsound look when circling or asking for collection. They have an upside-down neck and hollow back. Remember they are raced when they are two years old, this can have a dramatic effect on their bodies when they retire from racing.

The most common problems with OTT's we see are heavy mouths, wanting to get faster or too forward, super stiff, sensitive, gets hot, head flicking, overly reactive.

They learn to be reactive through the Racing industry.

The Racing industry doesn't require the Thoroughbred to be sophisticated, by that I mean.

They haven’t got a Mouth
They have no concept of roundness, collection
They have no lateral flexion
They don’t Leg Yield
Most can’t back up
A lot don't have ground manners
They circle flexed outwards
Their Top line is completely degenerated
90% have Ulcers
Their body is very stiff
Their body is totally one sided

We can fix all of this and make the ex-racehorse a soft, supple, sophisticated horse.

As I said before, Thoroughbreds can make great horses. Their athleticism and mind can be shaped to do well in many disciplines, from jumping and dressage to camp drafting and trail riding.

If purchasing an OTT always check for ulcers. Sadness, stress, diet, long term use of medication are the main causes.

This article is worth a read if you have or are thinking of purchasing an OTT

https://thehorsesback.com/ex-racehorse-problems/

Horse Solutions has helped many OTTs transition from the track to dressage, jumping, and trail riding.