Retraining of Racehorses

A racehorse hasn’t had a poor education — they’ve had a very specific one.
​Retraining is about helping them understand what comes next.

Racehorses lead a very different life to most leisure and competition horses. From a young age they become accustomed to professional handling, travelling, busy environments and consistent routines, with their training understandably focused on preparing them for racing.

When they leave racing, we aren’t simply teaching them a new discipline. We’re helping them adjust to an entirely different way of life and develop the confidence, relaxation and understanding they need for their next career.
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Our GRH Retraining of Racehorses programme takes the individual horse back through the foundations, giving them time to understand a new set of expectations without assuming that the skills required in their racing career will automatically transfer to life as a riding horse.

Husbandry & Routine

Leaving racing can mean significant changes to turnout, feeding, routine, environment and management.
Rather than overlooking this transition, we recognise that these changes can have an effect on how a horse feels and behaves. Giving them time to settle and become comfortable with their new routine is an important part of the retraining process.

Focus

Racehorses are accustomed to busy environments and external stimulation, but their new career may require a different type of focus and communication with their rider.
We help horses learn to bring their attention back to the person working with them while remaining relaxed and aware of what’s happening around them.
The aim isn’t to make a horse less aware of its environment, but to help them feel confident enough to stay connected and responsive within it.

Energy & Relaxation

Thoroughbreds can have plenty of energy, and trying simply to contain that energy doesn’t necessarily create relaxation.
We work on helping the horse regulate their energy, find a calmer response and learn that forward movement doesn’t always need to mean greater speed or intensity.
Developing this ability to come back to relaxation is an important foundation for whatever their future ridden career may be.

Yielding & Body Control

Racehorses have been taught to respond to a set of aids appropriate to racing. Their next career is likely to ask for something quite different.
We introduce and develop the responses they’ll need as a riding horse, helping them understand rein and leg aids, changes of direction, transitions and how to move and position their body with greater balance and control.
Rather than assuming the horse already understands these new expectations, we take the time to teach them clearly.

Preparing for Their Next Career

There is no single destination for a former racehorse.
Some will go on to dressage, eventing, showing or jumping, while others will become much-loved hacking and leisure horses. Our role isn’t to train every horse towards the same outcome, but to establish the foundations that allow them to progress confidently into whichever career suits them.

Owners are encouraged to be involved throughout the process so that they understand the training their horse has received and feel confident continuing that education at home.

The aim is not to change who the horse is, but to give them the understanding, confidence and skills they need for the next chapter of their life.

Training Packages

The length of stay depends upon the individual horse, their previous experience and your goals for their future.

Packages from £385 per week.
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To discuss your racehorse and current availability, please contact us on 07876 033028.