Shadowlea

Out of the thousands of thoroughbreds bred to race on the flat and jump courses each year, only a small percentage are successful enough to go on to breed from after they have finished racing. However, it is possible to train a racehorse for a variety of other disciplines and the usefulness of these horses does not have to end with their racing careers. An experienced trainer can potentially retrain a racehorse to become a successful dressage horse, jumper or eventer. They are extremely intelligent, highly athletic, and can become fantastic partners.

What is important to remember when attempting to train a racehorse for a new job is the past training it has received. For many years, it has only known how to race. Working with an ex-racer requires patience and experience. Retraining a racehorse should not be attempted by inexperienced handlers or riders. These types of horses have only ever been taught to run and can also be highly strung so the combination of an ex-racehorse and a novice rider or trainer can produce dangerous situations for both the horse and the person.

Several months of downtime and relaxation can really benefit these horses before they start retraining. The horse must also adapt physically to these changes. It is no longer being asked to run as fast as it can for as long as it can with a minimal weight upon its back. The new activities required of the horse such as hacking, jumping, flatwork and even pleasure riding require very different muscle groups than racing on the flat. Horses should be given time to adjust physically before they are pushed to perform in their new career so that they remain sound.

Racehorses will also need time to adjust mentally. Most new homes will not have the sort of structure or routine the horse experienced while racing. A big difference will be the length of time they are expected to carry riders, this will be considerably longer when the horse retrains.

There are various charities and organisations committed to taking in, looking after, and re-training ex-racers. Such groups also work to promote racehorses and their suitability for a number of other disciplines within the horse world. The purpose is to find the right horse for the right role, and finally the right owner. Such charities endeavor to train a racehorse in order that it can continue to have a good, successful life even if life on the racecourse has finished.