basics on re-training my ex-racehorse

Question
I purchased an 8 yr old ex-race horse, who came off the track 2 yrs ago. The person I bought her from only did some cross-country riding with her and very little at that. "Kin" doesn't bend very well to the right ( a common problem I believe) and some issues stopping and being a bit forward. I'm starting to work her around barrels for the bending and one rein stopping, but need to know if these are the basics I should be beginning with. I'm also working on ground work and trust between us to hopefully make the riding work better. TB's are new to me as I've only owned Quarter horses in the past.
Thank you!

Answer
Hi Kelly, yes, trust and respect are the first things to work on.  Many times I think that riding itself is relatively easy ... if we achieved a certain understanding with the horse before we get on.  I also think that the first lesson for the horse would be learning how to learn -- practically it means that we have to show the horse that we are 1. fair 2. consistent 3. both asking respect and respecting the horse and most of all, that we are able to recognize and reward ("mark") the slightest try of the horse to do what we ask.  You are already doing this, I am just reinforcing that you are on the right track :)

With respect to good general training practice, TB's are no different than QHs or any other breed. QH's have quite a bit of TB blood in them anyways.  Sure, some TB's are "hot" but they can be re-trained to be calm.. if they get to a good mental state through good training.

>"Kin" doesn't bend very well to the right ( a common problem I believe) and some issues stopping and being a bit forward. >

Seems like you can help all these issues along by going back to basic exercises.  Pretend Kin a filly who's never been ridden and proceed from there -- of course, you'd be making very fast progress to mounted work (as in a couple of sessions perhaps) .. then just pretend again that she is green as grass and just doens't understand the WHOA.  

Be very deliberate and careful about how you time your cues and aids, for bending, stepping over behind, or stopping with your seat.  I'm not saying you are not, :) just saying I focus on myself being very clear to the horse when riding re-training prospects (whose past training may have been muddled and uncertain ) .  When I ride my old safe horse, I can be more relaxed and less focused.  

Be extra clear in preparing for every transition, with
a) alert the horse a change is coming (reward/release if the horse responds, repeat if not untill you see a change)
b) set your body and her body up for succes
c) ask for the transition at the time fitting where the horse's legs are (for instance, if you go left, you cue for the horse to disengage by asking with your left leg at precisely the moment when the horse's left hind leaves the ground)

>I'm starting to work her around barrels for the bending and one rein stopping,>
Sure, whatever works for you.  Be sure to vary though, practice that one rein stop in various locations.  Also, sometimes just ask for a bend, don't always finish with a full stop.

As to bending to the right, especially at the trot / canter, take it easy at first, her muscles need time to adjust.  Ride lots of snakelines :)

Good luck,
Rena