PetLvr.com - [The Blog]

By OTTB, I mean, of course, an Off the Track Thoroughbred. In other words, a retired racehorse, like my Ember, aka Embrace Reality, pictured below.

OTTBs can excel in most disciplines, are generally inexpensive compared to young sporthorses that are not retiring from the track, and have been exposed to varied environments, sights, sounds, and experiences. If you’re an experienced rider considering buying a young sporthorse prospect, the option of purchasing or adopting a Thoroughbred off the racetrack might be an attractive option. Before you head for the backside to chat up trainers, here are a few things to consider: More →

You’ve managed to make it up on top of your horse and boy, is it a long way down! Now, how do you get him to move? After all, you don’t want to make an animal this big mad when you are on his back. Surely you aren’t supposed to kick him, right?

Actually, yes, people do kick their horses to get them moving, but it is more like a gentle tap of the heel against the horse’s side than a true kick. You will also need to squeeze his sides and you may even need to gently tap him with a riding crop to signal that it is time for him to move faster or prepare to jump over an obstacle.

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