I got an Off Track TB?

Question

I just got an OTTB from my dad. Ive known this horse for two yrs so the trust is there. But I need some training tips to retrain him. I really need good Bit Ideas and why they would work, Because he is fresh off the track I need to get him outta his race horse mouth.

Answer 1

I love ottb - they will give you the world, if you know how to ask them!

First, have you ever done an ottb before? After hes been "let down" hes going to be a different animal.

Have you ever taken an off the track horse before and started them ?

If not, consider sending him to a trainer for 60 days to start his education professionally - go and take lessons.Starting an OTTB is a bit different than starting a baby.Babies have a blank slate - race horses have 2 speeds  - slow & go - and they dont turn and breaks are questionable.

I like the french snaffles - I second the opinion that they are a really good bit for thoroughbreds sensitive mouths.

TAKE LESSONS,SEEK ADVICE AND ASK QUESTIONS!!!

Answer 2

Well you need to give him time to let down and relax in his new off-the- track surroundings especially if he is racing fit and hasn't been turned out on a farm for awhile. I never used anything more than a medium thickness loose ring French snaffle (2 joints - 3 pieces 2 regular snaffle pieces connect by smaller middle section - not a Dr. Bristol which is more severe) and a flash nose band with my off the track thoroughbreds. The loose ring is good because it will slide and they might not grab the bit as easily. The flash helps keep the mouth closed which also aids in not letting them grab that bit.  The double jointed bit puts pressure in areas of the mouth that they aren't used to so they seem to respond better...different feel, different expectations... The worst thing you can do is keep a tight hold on them because then they just want to go faster, also keep you hands quiet because changing holds on the reins is a signal to go faster when they are galloping. Most of the horses on the track are used to being taken a hold of and the hardest thing for a rider to do is actually use light contact because you are sitting there thinking "If I'm going this fast and I have a good hold if I give him some rein I'll end up in the next county."  But that is what you have to do ..it works. Have fun they are the best horses in my opinion.