Ground Training Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Training Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds

Day 23 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Morning feeding: Phil was polite. After haltering Phil I asked him to move up, down, back, right, left to see where his mind is this morning. I felt he was ready for a lesson on leading by the front leg. This morning I secured a soft lead around Phil’s front fetlock. The lead was not tied,…

Day 22 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Morning feeding: Phil was polite. I tacked Phil up this morning and we headed out on the trail for a warm up. I am still working on the ground and will not step foot in the stirrup until I am assured I can direct Phil’s feet and have earned his respect. By securing a solid foundation on…

Day 20 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Side note: I use certain words like “NO” or “BACK” to help me raise my energy and change my facial expression, not necessarily to teach Phil to respond to the words. Eventually, he will make the connection between the words and my actions. These words are always said in the same authoritative tone.

Day 19 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Morning feeding: I exercised Phil’s brain a little this morning. I asked him to back, turn on forehand and disengage his hindquarters. All of this was done with NO halter or lead and I had the distracting temptation of the food bucket in my hand. Phil respected the pressure from just my hand. Now, I…

Retraining Thoroughbreds – OTTBs

These pages are dedicated to retraining off-track-Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) for dressage, eventing, hunter/jumper and pleasure. OTTBs are kind, sensitive animals who want to bond and please their humans.