Do you think an OTTB could be a good trail horse?

Question

It seems like most OTTB's wouldn't make good, calm trail horses. Do you think it's possible to train them so that they can be fairly relaxed on the trail- either alone or in a group?

Answer 1

Sure it could. Just like Human athletes are good at many sports so are horse athletes. If the horse is broke properly it can become a great trail horse.

Answer 2

It's possible but a lot depends on how difficult or competitive the horse is by nature.  Some make great trail horses.  Others never quite get over being on the track.

Answer 3

normally it takes a long time to retrain them it's mainly to do with the fact that for the first part of their lives they are not let out to explore and kept in boxes and small paddocks. so they lack a lot of trail necessary experience. i have ridden a few that have turned into a good trail horse, my old mare holly was a good trail horse, but she was 15 and still did the odd spook and she tripped a lot due to the fact that her first years were so pampered she hadn't grown accustomed to rough ground.

i prefer standradbreds as trail horses, they spook at nothing, quiet as and have stamina to burn.

Answer 4

If you put enough time into it yes, some of them can become amazing trail horses, others have a hard time getting over the racing.

We had a young OTTB that someone gave us because it was to much horse, after working with him for a while he became an awesome trail horse that one of our neighbors bought for themselves. They ride him over to our place all the time to show us how well he's done.

It just takes the time and willingness to work with it and you can train nearly anything.

Answer 5

A lot of thoroughbreds are great trail horses.  Being trailered to races exposes them to life outside the barn as well as loud noises and strange goings on.

Some thoroughbreds still prefer being in the front and I would not take a horse directly from the track to the trail unless it is with a well experienced horse.  But that is true for any future trail horse.

Answer 6

Yes!!!!! Most definitely!!!! It is all about the training!!!!! A lot of OTTBs are calm & make for good trail horses. Of course there are some that are not. Do a lot of ground work.

Answer 7

Definitely!!!

It's best to go on short, easy rides first, with an experianced horse/s with you. Don't over do it the first time- they can't handle too much at once. Be sure your horse is calm and listening. If they are too excited, leave it for another day or handwalk them while other people ride to get him used to the idea. It does take a little time, but a good first experience is key. Nearly every horse can become a good trail horse, if you go at their own pace and don't overface them. Good luck!!!

Answer 8

It is possible with the right dedication and training. It takes a lot of hard work with everyone involved, but an OTTB can make a fine trail horse.

They must first be extremely responsive in an enclosed area alone. Then I would work in an enclosed area with another horse. Let the horse get used to being in a group without competing. Then I would take trail rides alone (with all the right safety precautions). Take it slow and let the horse get used to the idea of trail riding. Then you can slowly start introducing more horses.

Answer 9

Oh yes, its what we did all the time with them when dad would bring these half crazed off the trackers LOL I have one now a 17 hand mare, as soon as i get the weight on her we will be trail riding.

Answer 10

You bet!

Answer 11

Sure, with proper re-schooling.

The biggest mistake people make with OTTB's I think is they forget that the horse has to "un-learn" its race training to learn its second career.

Also remember that horses who have never seen a starting gate have different preferences on the trail.  I think it's part of the personality stemming from herd instincts and such, but that's just my opinion.  Some horses are a pleasure, so long as they are in the lead, and you'll fight them every step if they aren't...others are content to follow along behind, and still others prefer the rear, without another horse up their butt.

Answer 12

Absolutely they can.  The first horse I rode when I  came to Fl. was an OTTB mare.   She didn't neck rein but she was willing, comfortable to ride and calm.

Once they get away from the track scene and into another type of environment, they start to let down and relax.  They're no dummies.  All it needs is some quiet, intelligent handling and a little time.