As Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses come off the race track in the Fall, many of them are pulled from the race string and sold as prospects for new jobs. Race horses are trained to run, not stop and turn. They are fed for optimum energy and are not necessarily disciplined when that energy causes them to be rambunctious.
When I get one of these ex-racehorses, the first thing I do is teach him to give his head. I wear that step out until there is no question in his mind that when the reins are pulled, he should flex either to the side or down.
Next, I ride at a walk or trot, from time to time asking for one rein stops. To do this, I sit down, say whoa and pull on one rein, waiting for the horse to circle to a stop and then flex. It is very important not to release the rein until the horse is completely stopped and giving to the rein. This diffuses the horse’s impulse to run.
Some of the circling may take time. One horse I had this summer took 30 to 40 minutes the first few times I stopped him with one rein. Don’t give up; wait him out. As soon as he accomplishes one rein stops, practice gathering both reins and expecting him to flex while moving forward. When your horse is moving forward and flexing with the reins loose, release and walk a few steps. Ask again. Never release when the horse is pulling on you.
Expose your horse to anything and everything. Get him outside, let him relax, make him work and then relax again, all the while asking for flexion.
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