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#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Completly agree! You can't tug or pull or balance yourself on the reins with a OTTB. In my experience they will just flat out bit down and go. They feel everything. If your nervous, they get fast, your relaxed and soft, they will become the same. The ones that I've ridden...get excited when jumping which means they speed up. Just need to ride every single stride to get them under you. Mind you not all are like this. Some are really lazy.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Since riding a couple of OTTB for the last 4 mths...my riding has become softer, lighter and more balanced. Most important lesson I've learned??? Absolutely NO tension in your hands or arms when riding them. I love riding them!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#If you know how to train or are going to get an expert in retraining OTTB's, then I say go for it and buy one. Just make sure that you take someone with you when you go out to look at the horses or go to a reputable place. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#Ruth wrote:#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Like any other "group" of horses some are quiet and easy, others will be more difficult. Some will give you years without soundness issues, others are chronically lame. I used to pretty much ride OTTB's exclusively (and some that were heading back to the track) as a teenager. Most require a sensitive, balanced rider who understands how to stop a horse without hanging onto the reins.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#
#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#lol! there is the 64 billion dollar question!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#pros: they've had more exposure to more things than you can ever dream up.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# They're at least broke - maybe not the same kind of broke that you want, but they carry weight and steer (most do anyways). They know how to go, hopefully how to stop.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#they are great for the vet and farrier (usually). They've learned to load and trailer. Well.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#they know how to ignore the audience and scenery and just do their job.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#They are very seldom whip shy - not that you can flail about with one, but they aren't going to drop you on your head when they notice you have one in your hand.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#They don't have issues with other horses being ridden in close proximity. They very very rarely kick or bite other horses under tack - you'll save on red ribbons when you go to the showring.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Grooming (of all sorts) is simple! They don't dance around for braiding or regular stuff either.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#You can pick their feet easily (usually from one side to save all that walking around to the other side)#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Most have vet records that are very finely detailed.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#cons:#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SOME are more "high octane" than others (like any breed).#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SOME have some leg issues from repeated use (like any breed, and get a vet check)#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SOME are broken properly in anticipation of a short racing career.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SOME are not.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SOME are heavy mouthed or have learned to really pull.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SOME have lousy feet - some are even intentionally trimmed in what seems like a "wrong way" to us. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SOME have, indeed, had various drugs in their system (hormones are still drugs) and need to let down#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#MOST have been in a stall 22 hours a day, while on a VERY high - octane diet, as well as being VERY fit!! this often results in a horse that your average hunterjumper rider may be intimidated by.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#FEW have had access to regular turnout - be careful the first few times you do turn out - use a small enclosure first.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Remember, they are, or have been competition horses. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Often, they aren't really getting warmed up (in physical or mental conditions) until they are sweated - as most horses would be when you start to cool down. These are horses who are used to WORK and need it now.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#EXTREME competiveness is NORMAL. Push them and they are likely to push back - they aren't challenging you or defying you as you might interpret. But you have to push back. If you don't, you are "weak" - at it's worst, something to be used as a doormat, at it's best a human who has no clue and isn't going to help the horse when he's looking for a leader#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#SOME play by odd means. Like you brush their belly, they kick. In some (as with any horse) this is serious. In many, it is a mock fight - play.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#MOST love mints. One of the only treats they can have and no concerns about drug testing. Some come to love other treats as well... experiment!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#My advice? Find someone who has retrained extensively and work with them. Get a vet check (there WILL be issues, you need to know which ones and whether or not you're prepared to deal with them), know that you aren't going to be in the showring in weeks (probably not months either). Know that you have a horse under you that, when you ask for that little bit extra, will always find more to give. When the going gets tough - you've got the horse that will get tougher and dig in for you!#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#**HocusPocus** wrote:#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#FONT face=Verdana color=#0000ff#ed_cl#What are your thoughts about buying off the track TB's??#ed_op#/FONT#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#
#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Oh, we had a Clyde X mare that had obviously never seen a racetrack who used to do that.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#*Southwinds* wrote:#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#my guy still urinates everytime someone steps into the barn) some things will never leave them. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#
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