Thoroughbred Horse Training Tips

Training a Thoroughbred takes practice and experience to pull off, but that is true for any horse breed. Often considered high-strung and hard to handle, the thoroughbred has an athletic build and a spirited demeanor. Thoroughbreds possess long legs, a greyhound physique, sleek head and powerful hindquarters. Training a thoroughbred correctly results in a remarkable English pleasure, equitation, racing and/or sport horse.

  1. Thoroughbred History

    • Around the turn of the 17th century, three men bred three sires -- Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian and the Byerly Tuck -- to native horses. These horses became the foundation of the Thoroughbred bloodline. The goal was an elegant, fast, long-distance runner, and the men succeeded. Thoroughbreds do not suit every rider. Generally, thoroughbreds need a confident, intermediate rider who can handle their spiritedness.

    Off the Track

    • When you decide to adopt or buy a racehorse, the quality of the previous owner will assist in the future of the horse. A good owner treated the horse with kindness, treated the horse's medical problems and did not race the horse when it was ill. Exercise riders ride the horses on the rail counterclockwise when going slow. Faster horses run counterclockwise on the inside. Other horses run medium speed in between. You need to be a strong and confident rider to adopt or buy a racehorse off the track. Take your time introducing it to its new lifestyle.

    Back To Basics

    • Unruly horses might need to go back to basics, particularly if it has spent some time doing one discipline or is new to you. Repetition is key. Taking the horse back through his training, even when it is not the cause, reinforces the training. Spend some time on ground training, which teaches the horse to respect you. Lunge line work will strengthen muscles. If the horse has sore muscles, this helps strengthen them without you on the horse's back. If your horse is just being obstinate, lunge line work will only make it stronger and harder to handle in the saddle.

    Pain

    • Off-the-track horses often have medical problems that may account for some of their antics. A complete health exam by your vet combined with a visit by a horse chiropractor might solve any problems with your thoroughbred. It will at least assure you that the problem is not medical. Check your saddle and equipment for spots where it rubs and presses on the horse, causing pain or discomfort.