Full Description
Renowned for their amazing athleticism and unparalleled work ethic, and famed for their big hearts and willingness to go the extra mile, Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) have proven to be the ultimate equine partners in a host of disciplines. In this revised edition—which experts have labelled 'breakthrough racehorse literature', 'superior', 'a winner', and the ultimate training manual'—readers learn everything they need to transition an OTTB from life at the track to life out back.
Author, Anna Ford, Thoroughbred Program Director at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, begins with a discussion of the typical Thoroughbred's early years, then explaining: reasons for retirement, common injuries, health issues, basic feeding and nutrition, and safe handling. Ford goes on to provide step-by-step instructions for building the solid educational foundation the OTTB needs to excel in a new career, whether as a highly trained competitor or a pleasure mount.
While hundreds of quality photographs illustrate conscientious and professionally tested training methods, dozens of case studies share how other individuals have successfully retrained ex-racehorses. With recommendations from top equestrians, this book is the go-to reference for anyone interested in pursuing a partnership with an OTTB athlete.
Contents
Foreword by Karen O'Connor
Foreword by George H. Morris
Introduction
Chapter 1: Bred to Run: What Racehorses Know
Chapter 2: End of the Race: Now What?
Chapter 3: Common Lameness and Health Issues
Chapter 4: The Transition to a New Lifestyle
Chapter 5: Developing a Training Program
Chapter 6: Phase One: Starting with the Basics
Chapter 7: Phase Two: Introduction to Longeing
Chapter 8: Phase Three: Longeing with Side Reins
Chapter 9: Making the First Ride a Success
Chapter 10: Phase Four: Riding with Understanding and Patience
Chapter 11: Phase Five: Moving Toward a New Vocation
Chapter 12: Becoming a Success Story
About New Vocations
Acknowledgements
Index
