Education

Training

Education

Training

November 20, 2022

Racehorse Vacations

Many owners and trainers give their runners mental and physical breaks from the racetrack routine.…
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July 8, 2026

When a Rider Realizes They Are Asking For An Incorrect Distance or None At All, What Should They Do?

Finding the perfect distance doesn’t happen every time. In this Trainer Tuesday, experienced trainers share their best advice for staying balanced, supporting the horse, and recovering confidently when a jump doesn’t come up as planned.…
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June 1, 2021

Strong to the Core: Groundwork

Apply these techniques to build your OTTB’s second-career strength and agility…
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May 8, 2026

Ask a Trainer: Busy Mouths

Kristina Aaron shares advice for helping settle horses with “busy mouths” under saddle using mental stimulation and practical training tips…
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January 5, 2024

Training Steeplechase Horses

Learn how these horses’ routines differ from those of flat racers…
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March 30, 2026

Basic Exercises For Every Showing Horse & Rider

Reprinted from The Plaid Horse: Each week The Plaid Horse asks trainers a question and gathers their answers for you. These trainers have a range of experience, backgrounds, and focus points of their programs, so the answers have as much…
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February 10, 2025

Ask a Trainer: Conquering Trailering Issues

Professional Lauren Burke shares her whole-horse approach to making trailer loading and hauling a smooth, stress-free process.…
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January 12, 2024

First Rides

Confidence, planning and flexibility can set you up for success when retraining a horse directly off the track…
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January 4, 2024

Ask a Trainer: Developing the Sloppy Jumper

Rosie Napravnik shares some advice for the sloppy horse over low fences.…
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July 18, 2022

The Amateur Owner Lifestyle

How working adults balance busy lives and OTTB ownership.…
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November 20, 2022

From the Racetrack to the Ranch

The transition for an OTTB from the track to the Western disciplines isn’t about speed but patience.…
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January 4, 2024

Ask a Trainer: Asking for the Lead Change

Alice Beckman draws on racing knowledge to explain how to cue for a lead change.…
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May 11, 2022

When to Work With a Trainer

Transitioning a Thoroughbred to a new career is rewarding, but also a massive challenge. Don’t be afraid to work with a professional!…
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March 30, 2023

Bitting Up Your OTTB

How do you choose the right bit with which to restart your OTTB?…
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January 12, 2024

Developing the Perfect Foxhunter

Are you inspired to try your hand at hunting? We’ll walk you through the process of finding a hunt and preparing your off-track Thoroughbred for his first outings.…
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March 30, 2023

Positive Outcomes

Positive reinforcement training can give your OTTB a productive and confident start…
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July 27, 2023

Training Timelines

How to know when you and your off-track Thoroughbred are ready for the next step…
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July 21, 2025

Ask a Trainer: Pairing Juniors & OTTBs

Professional Julia Jesu tackles a common question: how do you ensure that a green OTTB is the right horse for a junior rider?…
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January 17, 2023

Webinar: How to Train When You Can’t Ride

Featuring Dr. Shannon Reed and Kristen Kovatch Bentley. Recorded March 2021…
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January 4, 2024

Ask a Trainer: Going For a Gallop

Jockey turned OTTB trainer Alice Beckman shares advice for asking for an open gallop outside of the arena.…
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