Retraining the ex-racehorse to go Eventing

Retraining the ex-racehorse, coming from Australia, really is something I feel qualified to talk about as in my day the only chance we had of a horse for competition was an ex-racer. We had to retrain them for everything: showing, eventing, show jumping and dressage. There is no doubt the ex-racehorse can be much more flighty and sensitive than the average warmblood or sport horse etc but plenty of these breeds also have their tension issues as well, so in my opinion the training basics are still the same.

More often than not when acquiring our ex-racer we sadly have to put them back together again. Often they are in poor condition, having come out of training and been race fit, on lots of hard feed – then suddenly it all stops, and very quickly they can just look like skin and bone. Also the feet are usually in need of a lot of attention. The feeding can be a problem as there is no doubt some thoroughbreds are indeed fussy feeders. Gradually introduce lots of little and often feeds that will help you to put the calories into them, to turn condition into muscle. Feeding is a whole other article, but suffice to say as many little and often feeds of non-heating but conditioning food the better.

Many people buying an ex-racer have not experienced their flightiness and spookiness before. It?s important in the training, especially in the beginning, not to restrict the ex-racehorse too much, as it?s in their blood to go forward, and in the racing stables 90% of their work is forward and fast. Rather than hold them back in the arena when they want to go faster and faster, within reason keep control but try to do lots of small circles and bends as this always helps break the tension. Lots of small walk circles and serpentine loops will help the ex-racer relax and walk correctly as sadly many of them have learnt to jog. The trot will need to learn how to relax and swing, so again lots of bending lines and small circles – slowing down too much can create more tension, especially in canter.

A lot of riders will be surprised at the power in an ex-racehorse?s canter and try to hold it back, but they are not used to this so try to allow the canter forward and not hold them back too much. Lots of trot-canter transitions are the key here, and again they will not be used to having to do any sort of quality trot after the canter so lots of bending lines and circles to restore suppleness in the trot and then, when ready, try the canter again. This all takes time but gradually he will learn not to try and go faster and faster in the canter, and the trot will slowly become more supple as well.

I think that one of the hardest things with an ex-racer is taking him out in company. All your training will seem like it has gone into outer space! The feeling of him on grass, other horses, loud speakers etc all bring back racing memories – this is the hardest thing to overcome but you will. It?s difficult with fuel prices etc but if at all possible (and permission has been granted), go to a few competitions without competing, and just work him, in taking care to avoid the ‘real’ competitors. Take him back to the lorry/trailer, settle him down with hay and water and perhaps later on take him out and work again. He will learn life is not all about galloping as soon as he hits the grass.

Personally I think that ex-racers can make fantastic event horses. ‘The Thomas’ and ‘Bakala Beaver’ were two of my mounts who made very successful transitions from the race track to eventing.  They both competed successfully at 2 and 3 star eventing, and Bakala Beaver went on to compete at Prix St George , and trained through to Intermediaire level dressage when his eventing days were over.

Words: Amanda Brewer

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