R.E.H.A.B.I.T.

Page updated: 26th October 2008

R.E.H.A.B.I.T.
Re Educating Horses After Being In Training

REHABILITATION has come to be the recognised term relating to horses undergoing a course of retraining having been raced either on the flat or over hurdles and fences. However we much prefer to use the term "re-educate".

UNFORTUNATELY not every horse that has been in training successfully makes the transition from racehorse to riding horse in that some do retain a degree of unpredictability or inconsistency in their behaviour, but given the time, patience, correct handling, understanding and training, the vast majority can be directed along other paths.  The re-schooled racehorse can, in the right hands, provide considerable pleasure and fun and be quite capable of competing at levels which suit the vast majority of riders.

WHAT happens to the 4,000 plus horses which come out of training every year is an issue which is particularly close to our hearts is.  Consequently we are only to happy to work with these horses after they have left the track, but we do point out that the thoroughbred horse is not for everyone, so you should take plenty of advice and correctly assess your own abilities both in and out of the saddle before deciding to re-home such a horse.

HORSES that have been flat raced can sometimes be a little more difficult to work with than National Hunt horses because, in simple terms, they have taught to go from A to B as fast as possible, speed being the all important factor; for NH horses the test is jumping accuracy and stamina.

WHEN beginning a programme of re-education we are mindful that we are dealing with a horse that thinks it already knows is required of it, unlike starting with an unbroken horse; Also, the horse is required to change its whole of way life and thinking. It is long process and extreme patience is the criterion for success – even most seemingly simple factors all come into play.

FOR EXAMPLE even the yard routine will be very different to that which the horse has been used to and that in itself can have a very unsettling effect. And remember that mounting from a block is something the racehorse never encounters and it certainly will not be used to being tied up outside its stable! One of the biggest factors though is bitting - the ex-racehorse does not fit in to the normal mould of bitting principles so do not expect your horse to go in a particular bit because "the book" says he should!

Flat horses

REMEMBER that these horses have been broken as yearlings so have had to mature very quickly and this can have a tremendous mental impact which some do not ever satisfactorily overcome or do so but to varying degrees. Thus it is important to be realistic about possible future careers for such horses, in that for example, they may just become too uptight and stressed, however well the physical training has gone, to be able to accept the excitement and activity of a showground, so the less claustrophobic environment of cross country (hunter trials, jump cross, etc.) may be an suitable alternative. Having said that though, many flat horses make a successful transition to the polo field.

"Angie Minor"

ANGIE MINOR was extremely highly-strung and fretful when she first arrived with us; she was very unsettled in the school, wanting to rush about at top speed and 'motorbike' round corners; in the yard she constantly ground her teeth and lunged at anyone who passed near her stable door; in the stable she would put her head in the corner and with ears back present her hindquarters to anyone that ventured in. It was clearly evident that this filly was extremely stressed, lacked confidence and had been hussled and bussled about.

WORKING with Angie has been a painstaking, but extremely rewarding process; she has developed a wonderful, cheeky character and with those she trusts, she is very affectionate. From being a very fussy, difficult feeder with a suppressed appetite Angie now loves her food, the teeth grinding has stopped and she has a confidence that complements her personality.

FROM getting her confidence and developing her technique over small barrels, Angie takes a bigger fence with ease.

"Miss Julie Jay"

SO many of fillies tend to be highly strung and Missie was no exception; the slightest noise or activity would see exhibit signs of extreme stress and tension.   When she arrived here she exhibited extreme anti-social and aggressive behaviour towards people and her fellow equines.   

MISSIE is one of our current projects.  It has been a slow, methodical task to get her settled and build her self confidence and personality; she is making excellent progress and will happily interact with other horses now but there is still along way to go.

National Hunt horses

USUALLY these horses have had a little longer to mature (unless they have flat raced before going hurdling). Increasingly these days more and more NH horses are receiving a degree of schooling as trainers have come to realise the benefits such work has on a improving a horse's jumping accuracy. This of course all helps the re-schooling process as 'a disciplined way of going' is then not quite such an alien experience.

"Leosaid" - Georgie to his friends and family

LEOSAID stopped racing due to a check ligament injury; he required several months of walking before exercise and re-training proper could begin and this did not help his already difficult temperament and behaviour - rearing and then walking backwards was his favourite party trick!

THIS little horse was extremely sensitive, not just mentally, but physically too. His re-training has been a wonderful experience although the road has been a bit bumpy at times.  However he has been a terrific little chap to work with all despite his quirks and phobias – but that's his personality and character. He has been proof of how it is possible to work with a horse in a way so as to overcome what could be an obstacle if you let it become one. From being a horse that would not even step over a pole on the ground without 'throwing a wobbly', perseverance has prevailed and solid timber holds no fears.

"Mr. Bojangles"

"Light the Fuse"

WITHIN 18 months he had found his way into the dressage arena.

"LIGHT THE FUSE" or "Bombie" - as he is  affectionately known to his friends - is now with us to continue his dressage training. BOMBIE is currently competing at both Novice and Elementary level and working towards Medium level at home - currently mastering half-pass! MORE about Bombie can be found by clicking here (although is great need ofupdating!). He is also featured in the "Ridden Work" and "E.M.T. Horses" sections + his story is featured on the ROR website.

Click here to read in full an article from 'Equestrian Life' magazine
featuring our work in the rehabilitation and retraining of racehorses
(256k Adobe Acrobat PDF file)
Reproduced by kind permission of 'Equestrian Life' 

Retraining of Racehorses - Charities

THE R.O.R is the charity responsible for funding the Moorcroft Centre, Greatwood, TRC and HEROES through money raised from the BHA, Levy Board, the Tote etc to help raise awareness regarding the necessary care, attention and retraining ex-racehorses require once out of training.