New VocationsRacehorse Adoption Program

By Dot Morgan


The horse should stand, be yielding to the bit, and giving appropriately to leg pressure before moving into the trot for the first time.

Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds diverge at this point. Standardbreds have a big, rough trot while Thoroughbreds have a smoother, slower trot. During the transitional phase for both breeds the rider needs to post. Thoroughbreds aren’t accustomed to having a rider bounce on their sensitive backs, while Standardbreds are barely adjusted to a rider at all! Have some mercy on yourself, and the horses, and post to their trot. Also, stay in the confines of a ring or smaller paddock.

This stage moves along quickly for the Thoroughbreds. They’ve spent many rainy days jogging around shed rows. After a few sessions of trotting interspersed with walking and standing quietly, the Thoroughbred should be ready to canter. Again, choose a calm, relatively mild day. Work through the lessons the horse already knows. Then when the horse is calm and attentive ask for a canter with a squeeze and a kiss.

Standardbreds can trot or be taught to rack at this stage. The rack is a single-foot gait that is much smoother than a trot. Most Standardbred owners prefer it. To trot, relax any pressure on the reins and “kiss” until the horse moves out. This may mean multiple “kissing”, “clucking”, and occasionally a tap on the rump since these horses are still learning to move forward to leg pressure.
If a RACK is desired, hold the horse in the bridle and drive him forward with legs and verbal encouragement. Many will move right into a smooth rack. Others may take some practice or a heavier shoe behind to help them swing over.
Cantering is not initially easy for most Standardbreds. Many people are so pleased with their ground-covering walk and smooth rack that they never desire to canter. For those that wish to canter, it’s best to have the horse well versed in the basics and then ask for the canter from a state of collection. This is preferable to rushing into a gallop from a 30 mph trot! Often these horses will also pick up a canter if pushed over an obstacle up a hill or taken over an obstacle.

From this stage forward these horses should be ready to go out on trails or be schooled in a variety of disciplines.