BY ANNA FORD WITH AMBER HEINTZBERGER AND SARAH E. COLEMAN
For the early days of training an off-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) under saddle, choose mild days with little to no wind, when the arena or paddock is quietest and without external distractions. And, if your schedule allows, work your horse around same time each day with the same feed, turnout, and grooming schedule as you’ve already established. Always reserve plenty of time to groom your horse and tack up as it can be a relaxing preparation for ridden work.
Spend a few minutes longeing your horse before mounting to loosen up muscles and joints, as well as get any bucks out.