Training Tip Tuesday:
Starting Over: How to Reintroduce Basics to Horses with a Racing Past
Just because your Standardbred has been there, done that on the track doesn’t mean they’ve learned the same language that we use in the saddle. Many racehorses are handled daily, but their training was focused on one job—racing—not riding cues, mounting blocks, or trail obstacles.
So while you can absolutely “hop on and go” with the majority of Standardbreds, giving them the foundation that they need to have a truly successful riding career, is incredibly important.
When you’re retraining a Standardbred for a new life, don’t be afraid to go back to basics.
Think like you’re working with a green horse:
Practice yielding to pressure
Reintroduce tack, and voice cues to build success
Keep sessions short, consistent, and low-pressure
It’s not about what they used to know, it’s about building a foundation for the career ahead.
Calm leadership and a clear plan can – and will – go a long way in helping your new partner figure out this whole “riding horse” thing.
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