Training Strategies for Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds: Preparing for Your First Competition

So you have had your first few rides and are starting to get to know your new off-the-track Thoroughbred and you want to consider getting out and about and setting some competition goals.

Putting some strategies in place at the beginning will set up a good foundation for you and your Thoroughbred, and a bit of extra time spent will make a difference in the long run. You always want to put as many calm and confident experiences in the bank for both the horse and rider.

Be certain you are confident handling your horse and that you have required control of your horse on the ground as well as under saddle. If you are having difficulty with your horse at home, it is likely this issue will be exacerbated in a new environment., so spend a bit more time so you feel thoroughly prepared to head out.

Remember that Thoroughbreds are bred for speed, stamina, and to be able to keep finding extra reserve to gallop. Respect this, and do not punish them for it. They may get excited, or sweat up when travelling, they may be a bit overzealous when they arrive at their new destination. This generally settles with time and more exposure so be patient!

Consider the life your horse has had and what he knows. Thoroughbreds that have had a successful and often lengthy racing career have done so for a reason. Often the best racehorses make terrific mounts post-racing as they have proven to be able to handle huge environments and atmospheres.

Thoroughbreds that have only trialled or had minimal starts have had a lot less exposure. Take into account where your horse was trained and raced: in the country, city, interstate or overseas; did they work on the beach, on the roads; were they stabled next to the track, or were they often transported? There are many variables.

Choose your first outings carefully and allow time to have a number of days “out” before you plan for your first competition. Set yourself up for the long-term win! (and not just the ribbon).

It may be in the first instance, you take your horse just for a day out with no expectation of riding. Choose somewhere with permanent yards or an enclosed space you can use so you don’t have to tie him to your float in an open paddock. His requirement for the day is to be unloaded, stand in a yard, maybe go for a walk around, go back to his yard and go home. Have someone help you load and unload. Ideally, travel with another horse to a venue where there are a few horses about. How your horse copes with this will give an indication of what you should expect going forward. And all horses are very different, there is no magic formula that works the same for each horse.

If the first trip went well, plan your second trip somewhere quiet with the aim to have a ride. Have a good ride the day before; don’t take out a fresh horse or increase feed, etc. Be consistent and use the same gear on your horse that you have at home.

Have somewhere safe to mount. A yard or fenced area is good.

Things to think about and avoid where possible for your first day out with your OTT could include loudspeakers, harness horses, lots of flags and bunting, and situations where there are children, ponies and people who are not used to green Thoroughbreds. Don’t make your first outing an AG show.

These things can be introduced in time; however, try to keep it simple and stress-free initially.

We make good use of local pony clubs and riding clubs, or you may feel more comfortable having a lesson so you have someone on the ground you trust to help you along.

For your first competition, choose somewhere you feel comfortable. If you have ridden or trained there before, that’s a bonus. Again, plan for success. Arrive with plenty of time and be prepared. You may have some nerves, which is totally normal; Thoroughbreds are sensitive and intuitive, so be aware they may pick up on this.

Thoroughbreds come in all different shapes and types, and there is a big range within the breed of height, type, bone, conformation, temperament and attitude.

Take into account what you hope to do with your horse. Physically, you can assess a horse from their type to be suitable for your chosen pursuit. However, it takes a little longer to assess their mind, and while they may look the part for what you want if their heart isn’t in it, it may not be the best avenue.

I believe that the horses, if given the opportunity, generally tell us what they like to do most. And if we work with them, they will have the chance to be the very best versions they can be! I was playing polocrosse when I acquired a little black Thoroughbred. He tried to kick everyone and hated horses close to him. I jumped a couple of showjumps and realised he was a jumper, and he is still jumping with a junior rider now at 22. Another big Thoroughbred I showjumped. However, he wasn’t very nimble in a jump-off. He loved XC, so I took him eventing where he was a star!

Listen to your horse; don’t overload him with too much too quickly. The more time you spend with your horse, the more you will get to know him and the things he enjoys more than others. The best horses are those who are doing what they genuinely love!

Thoroughbreds are clever and quick-thinking. They often thrive on variety in their work.

Hacking out is of great importance. It’s terrific for the horse’s brain, strength and fitness, and it’s also a great way to get for you to get to know your horse really well. Get in tune with your horse. If they are getting tense and uptight working on dressage in the arena, they may need to do something different: go out for a hack out, mix up your exercises. Thoroughbreds are naturally incredibly willing, and often try hard to please. Keep the questions or exercises simple, provide a lot of praise when they get little things right. Remember much of this new career may be also quite new for them.

Be realistic with your goal setting. Think long-term and what sort of horse you hope to have for many years. Celebrate all of the wins, big and small! If approached with the right mindset working with off the track Thoroughbreds can be incredibly rewarding. Be prepared that you will face different challenges from time to time. Enjoy the journey!

Article: Louise Abey, 2023 Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year

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Starting Strong: The Initial Phase of Off-The-Track Thoroughbred Transition
Transitioning Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds: Effective Strategies for Bringing Them Back Into Work