6 Essential Tips for Retraining a Former Racehorse

Taking on a former racehorse is increasingly popular in the UK, offering a more affordable alternative to warmbloods. With the right approach, these English Thoroughbred horses can excel across many disciplines beyond racing.

The transition requires patience and experience, as thoroughbreds are sensitive and accustomed to a high-energy, regimented racing life. Understanding their unique needs ensures a positive retraining journey for both horse and rider.

1. Important Considerations Before Retraining

Begin by appreciating the racehorse’s background. They thrive on routine and group turnout, often handled in busy yards by multiple people. It's wise to allow a rest period—anywhere from weeks to up to a year—before retraining, giving the horse time to mentally and physically adjust.

Prior veterinary checks are essential, including worming, dental examination, and a saddle fit assessment, adjusting feed to a low-energy diet with appropriate cooling mixes. This foundation supports a healthy retraining start and ongoing wellbeing.

2. Starting with Groundwork

Groundwork is an ideal first step, helping your ex-racehorse accept new cues and the feeling of a saddle without rider weight. Aim for daily sessions to maintain muscle activity and mental stimulation, respecting the horse’s pace.

Lunging Safely

Wear gloves and a helmet for safety when lunging. Use a bridle with the lunge rein attached to the bit via a coupling for better control. Introduce a saddle with a roller to simulate added weight, promoting suppleness.

Start in walk and trot with frequent transitions and keep sessions short (~10 minutes), increasing duration gradually. Teach voice commands to prepare for riding and observe any physical stiffness to tailor training.

Long Reining Techniques

Long reining further develops suppleness and introduces schooling movements without rider weight. Position yourself safely behind the horse, with an assistant to reassure him, as rein pressure feels unfamiliar at first.

Keep exercises simple – walk in figures of eight and serpentines, progressing to trot after comfort is achieved. Avoid halts initially, as standing still can be challenging for former racehorses.

3. Introducing Riding

Mounting Practice

Racehorses aren't used to standing still for mounting. Use a mounting block and an assistant to hold the horse calmly. Praise your thoroughbred for standing, rewarding calm behaviour as he learns.

First Riding Lessons

Limit initial rides to 10–15 minutes, focussing mainly on walk and trot while gradually increasing duration up to 35 minutes. Avoid using short reins and leaning forward cues that signal "go faster" for racehorses.

Employ clear, low and wide hand positions, simple figures, and schoolwork like serpentines and circles paired with vocal aids. Introduce gentle lateral work as confidence grows, including turns on the forehand and leg yields, maintaining variety with groundwork.

Start cantering only when trot work is confident, using a two-point position to encourage correct balance and back movement.

4. Hacking Out Safely

Only begin hacking once your horse responds reliably to basic aids and you feel secure in the school environment. Initially, ride alongside a calm companion horse, gradually increasing rides in duration and solo confidence.

5. Introducing Pole Work

Pole exercises improve balance, rhythm, and strengthen back muscles. Lead your horse over single poles or use them during lunging and long reining. Begin riding over poles at walk, progressing to trot, spacing poles for one trot stride to discourage jumping.

6. Beginning Jumping Exercises

Progress slowly with jumping, starting with a small cross pole after a line of trotting poles. Canter after the jump to help maintain balance, then return to trot to repeat.

As your horse gains confidence, incorporate grids to teach body awareness and rhythm, advancing to small courses. Patience during this phase helps build a trusting, happy partnership.

Throughout the journey, consistent, gentle training and respect for your thoroughbred’s unique past will lead to a rewarding new chapter together.