It's been a few months since she's been racing and she's still a bit high strung, so will it just take a little more time? It seems like the sounds of motors or anything like that freaks her out...Is this normal?
2007-01-10 14:39:03 · 4 answers · asked by Brittany A 2 in Sports ➔ Horse Racing
Re-schooling a racehorse is one of the most ambitious undertakings. Lots of patience required and you must also accept that you have a hot blooded former athlete looking for something to do. I am a little suprised by her jumpy reaction to motor noises. All the ex-racehorses I have worked with are pretty good about noises, being hosed, vets etc as they experience so much in their life at the track. She has likely had a bad experience. Again, be patient ans expose her to the noises in a safe, comfortable place - home - and reassure her that she will be fine.
I would get her into the arena and do lots of upwards and downwards transitions, walking on a loose rein if she will. This lets her stretch her neck and relax her frame and mind. Once she is settled try her over some ground poles for variety and maybe a tiny cross rail. Nothing too big and if she explodes over it and gets to excited go back to rail work. PATIENCE.
If you can, find a trainer or advanced rider willing to get on her a few times. Lunging can take the edge off a horse prior to riding but it also increaes fitness and energy and that may not be what she needs anymore of.
There are some books and videos on the market that cover this re-schooling the racehorse specifically though I have never read or viewed any of them. All of my race horse re-schooling was done when I was in upper level pony clubs as a teen. Young and ambitious in those days. Good luck and enjoy her.
2007-01-10 23:46:09 · answer #1 · answered by digitsis 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A few months is too early to be getting worried, you are retraining a horse that has been under a lot of stress for a long time.
After about 3 years you can start to worry.
The sound of motors freaking her out can be worked out by using a technique used on police horses, have a motor around her constantly she will soon realize it is not going to hurt her.
2007-01-11 06:58:18 · answer #2 · answered by gg 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A former race horse still needs a purpose. Are you riding or training? Enrol yourself and the horse in dressage, it will be good for both of you. Stable the horse at a school, and allow use as a student horse, first with advanced students, then as the learning progresses, with less experienced riders. That will also defray some of the training and stabling costs.
2007-01-10 16:02:43 · answer #3 · answered by Fred C 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have taken many race horses and trained them to be ridden the thing is they are not used to life on a farm and it just takes time she will calm down but it takes time some horses need more time than others
yes her being scared of those things is normal they are things she has never sen before probable noises she has never herd she will get used to them like any other thing that is scary to a horse at first once she getts used to it those things wont bother her anymore.
dont worry she'll be fine
2007-01-11 02:18:09 · answer #4 · answered by luv4horses 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋