Retraining the ex-racer

Question
Hi there. I recently have acquired a free project OTTB. He's 4, and stands at
about 15.2. I took him on because he is RIDICULOUSLY athletic and think he
will make a stellar jumper.

I have worked with OTTBs in the past, but have never started from scratch.
He wasn't at the track for long, but apparently he was very fast, huge strided
etc, but injured himself. He then came into the care of my friend, who was
told to give him 6 months off. She gave him a year off instead, giving him
extra time. We've x-rayed him and his legs are totally clean and better than
ever, and he is ready to start going to work. All I have done so far in the week
that I've had him is work on basics such as learning how crossties work
(which he picked up very quickly), walking him around the barn and
sometimes into the arena to look at and sniff jumps (he walked over poles no
problem the first time, sure picked his feet up high though!) He LOVES
clippers and ear rubs (which in my experience with OTTBs is odd because
none have liked getting their ears touched)

My question is pretty non-specific. I have high hopes for him as a fantastic
jumper, but obviously won't be jumping anytime soon. I want him well
schooled on the flat before he even looks at anything other than ground
poles. Where do I go from here? I have access to a round pen with walls to
lessen distractions. At what point do I get on? I know I'm taking on a lot... he
is a lot of horse, even being as small as he is (though his size does make him
at least slightly less intimidating) I have LOTS of patience, passion and
determination. He trusts me almost completely already and looks at me
whenever unsure of something, I pat and talk to him and then he looks
forwards as if to say "Alright, mom.. I trust you.."

Any advice on where to go from here would be GREATLY appreciated. I am
super excited about this horse. He is really special. Thanks!

Answer
I am not sure of your level of riding... so assuming you have trained jumpers and broke horses.....

Treat him like any other horse you would train. Most thoroughbreds that are high strung off the track are this way because they are so fit and "jacked up" on high energy feed, it's hard for them to be "normal". Forget the fact he is a race thoroughbred. He should be like any other horse at this point since he has had so much time off and has been off the corn and oats. I would first tack him up, lung him in the round pen to see if he has any bucks in him. Do this for a few days to get him used to doing some disciplined work and get on his back when he seems to handle all this "going back to work" stuff.

As in training all horses... Do everything with total confidence and without hesitation or your equine student will sense this nervousness and lose trust in your leadership. It goes without saying that if this becomes the case, then things will become very difficult and possibly dangerous.

Good Luck!


Christopher Crocker

Crocker Racing Stable Inc.

Thoroughbred Horse Racing Partnerships

http://CrockerRacingStable.com