Bianca and Jett
First of all I would like to mention this has been my first experience with an Off the Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) as a Young Rider, but it definitely won’t be my last. The past two years have been full of ups and downs for me but in the end, the feeling of self-satisfaction I’ve gained and the rewards have make it all worthwhile. It’s hard to explain really but I have learnt a lot and I am still learning along this journey with my off the track horse, Jett (High Commands).
Based on my limited but rewarding experience so far, these are my top 10 personal tips on not only re-educating but enjoying the time with a thoroughbred off the track.
1. Background check
Jett was sired by Commands, a sire I had never really heard of, but after doing some research online I liked what I saw and read. Talking to the trainer is always a great way to find out a little bit more about a horse and, if you can take it a step further and source someone that works with them or knows of someone who does, that’s your best bet. I was fortunate enough that Jett had no underlying or previous racing injuries but a vet check is always a good idea. That way you always know what you’re dealing with, or could be dealing with, in the future
2. Creating a bond
This to me is the foundation and one of the most important tools when re-educating a thoroughbred off the track. I think people forget about having a relationship with a horse, and how important it is. It takes time to form a partnership; these horses aren’t really used to the lifestyle we give them at first and it takes them a while to understand and wind down. I found once I had achieved this with Jett we were taking bigger steps forward in our training and we were enjoying it more and more.
3. Ride in a jumping saddle
Riding in a jumping saddle, as annoying as it can be, is the best way to get balance from yourself and from your OTTB. It is easier for them and will be easier for you - I had no idea about this and put my dressage saddle straight onto Jett but when I converted back to my jumping saddle it was so much easier!
4. Attitude
A rider’s attitude and emotion will always reflect onto the horse on and off the ground so always try and keep a positive attitude around your thoroughbred.
5.It doesn’t happen overnight
Former track horses only know how to do one thing, and that is track work. It is important you have clear communication and patience, because at the end of the day you’re stripping them back from what they know best in order for them to learn three new disciplines - crazy!
6. Focus on the positives
This is possibly the easiest thing to do when re-educating, you will always find yourself appreciating the little things. I love when I have a good day or weekend away on Jett as it means I’m doing something right in my training and it’s an awesome feeling. Everyone has bad days, it’s inevitable, but it’s just important to remain focused on the positives.
7. Feeding
Most racehorses are on a high grain diet, creating a hot, anxious type horse. I like to keep Jett’s feeds really simple and I have found low starch feed is best, along with all the vitamins and minerals needed to help keep him healthy and nourished. Good quality grass hay is also important.
8. Building Confidence
Jett was only three years old when he came to me and I learnt that it’s a fine line between pushing too much and not pushing enough. This is just something that comes to the rider as they progress with their horse. I used to float out to Tooradin Estate a lot with Jett as it is sandy and there are plenty of trails and smaller logs to play over. I have always made sure that riding cross country was fun for Jett and this way, when he sets out on course at a competition, he enjoys it and it’s a positive experience for both of us. As for show jumping, I did a lot of pole work and small cross rails, again making it fun and enjoyable for the horse. I always had to remind myself “he has never done this before” and that he was still a young green horse. Dressage was just a matter of working on straightness, forwardness, softness over the pole and exposing him to the arena type environment, trying to avoid and reduce TPA’s (also known as “Thoroughbred Panic Attacks”)
9.Talk and take advice
Especially from someone who has been there before, you have everything to learn, plus more. My coach Robyn Brown has helped developed my skills even further to allow Jett to grow. Lessons are a great tool to add a little bit of extra pressure for horse and rider.
10. Enjoy it
It’s a learning experience for those who haven’t done it before but I think it’s a great opportunity for young riders to have. You get a great sense of achievement knowing that it’s all your hard work and effort that has gone into re-educating a horse. Thoroughbreds off the track I believe have the most to give.
Jett has been the most wonderful horse for me, I have learnt so much and continue to do so every time a ride him. I think it was great that Melbourne International 3 Day Event had the Best Preformed OTTB in each division. I’d love to see this happen at most events throughout Victoria, and hopefully throughout Australia in the near future.
I’d highly recommend anyone considering trying a horse off the track, to do so. I’m proud of not only my own efforts, but Jett’s too, and it’s always nice to spend time with horse you enjoy being around. Jett is currently competing Prelim, and will be ready for Pre Novice shortly, we have set our goals for the next year so now it’s time to work hard and achieve them!
Bianca Souter is a young rider from Victoria who competed at 1* level with her horse Sebastian. When the time came to retire Sebastian, Bianca decided to try re-training an off the track thoroughbred called Jett and, after a slow start due to VCE commitments, their first EA competition was the M3DE Fundraiser in July 2012. Their hopes of competing at Melbourne International 3 Day Event in 2014 are currently looking promising
