Neck Reining for OTTBs
So our first "Q and A" answer for Casey: Her question was "Is it difficult to re-train a horse to neck rain?"
ANSWER:
ANSWER:
It's no different than teaching it to any other breed of horse, but for some reason, a lot of people think a "race horse"
is wired differently from other horses.
Teaching neck reining is a natural progression that can be broken down into simple elements, as any other skill a horse learns. A Thoroughbred coming out of race training is accustomed to direct rein cues from a snaffle bit, but is typically weak on responding to leg cues, as the shortened leg position of an exercise rider or jockey inhibits the use of leg as an aid. The horse has to learn to work off leg pressure, combined with direct rein, before he can move on to understanding rein pressure across his neck.
Simple bending while working on a visual project helps the aid makes sense to the horse
One problem we avoid is trying to retrain an OTTB that's in race fit condition. In our program, we try to turn a horse fresh off the track out for several
months. This also helps freshen his attitude and get over any body soreness or hoof issues. It's difficult to train any horse that is on the muscle, as there is a window of time in any training
session when the horse just tired enough to relax and learn, but not so tired his mind shuts down and he becomes resistant.
Hope this helps and keep in mind, patience goes a long way toward obtaining results!
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We answer your questions about retraining Thoroughbreds for off-track careers and share the stories of the horses on the ranch.
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Gate to Great
Newell, SD 57760
Preferred Method of Contact:
Phone: 605-569-2249
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