FIRST ride on my UNSEEN EX-RACEHORSE

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

FYI - She had been turned away then restarted for 4 weeks previous to me getting her, I then let her settle with me doing groundwork etc a couple weeks before I got on to pick her up (hopefully) where her last home left off with her retraining. :)

[@patriciaemms1902]

Sadly you won't know how she was broken in, racing yards vary hugely, have you thought about using a breaking bit with keys whilst she is in the box, it can help massively? I have seen lots of ex racehorses like this, they often go from standstill to canter so need to learn the new way of going, she has lovely free movement when she relaxes, can't wait to see progress 🎉 xx

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thankfully she has already made massive progress with her mouth and her canter transition. Yes, I think you may be right that she's maybe had to go from standing to canter/gallop! It makes a lot of sense from how she feels/reacts. x

[@suzyq-zy216]

Like leaving from the starting gate.

[@Janet-ug2iw]

Thoughts from rescuing an ex-barrel horse racer that had great speed but could only be controlled 'out of the gate' with a bit so severe it left permanent gashes on each side of her tongue.....switching to a hackamore only escalated her fears to rear. It took a long time, but by clipping a very fat snaffle bit to her halter before she ate her grain & hay, she eventually re-associated the bit with food-a good thing. Hope this gives you some ideas!

[@blessedfire365xgf]

Excellent thank you

[@Crystal_Clout]

I used to work with racehorses, a big problem when retraining is their tendency to lean on the bit, and their movement is on the forehand, whereas riding or eventing horses need to be balanced and driving from the quarters. Racehorses are often ridden in plain t-bar jointed snaffles, but coupled with grackles or drop nosebands, and frankly i never met a jockey with light hands. So the horses learn to fight the bit and as she's doing, raising her head to try to evade the pain. Looks and sounds like you're working on all of that including the hard mouth, best wishes with your lovely new mount. ❤

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She's very soft and sensitive in the mouth, not hard and doesn't lean.

[@Crystal_Clout]

@@equestrianmelissaeventing wonderful about her mouth, and no, she's not leaning, I phrased that badly. I was reminiscing generally about ex-racehorses and shouldn't have assumed about her mouth, especially when you had mentioned she was sensitive over bits and nosebands. I'm so glad for her that you've got her now. Been watching your other vids, it's great to watch you two get to know each other. Thanks so much for sharing the adventure.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

@@Crystal_Clout I know what you mean but yeah she's very light in the mouth, soft and doesn't lean or pull unless she wants to hold it high but she's getting there :) She has come on so much since this video as well :D

[@janmeyer3129]

We had a local jockey (just retired) with the lightest and gentlest hands in the world. Was a wonderful first ride for babies. Rode to a win in the Melbourne cup. On the other hand, the only way to stop my ex-racehorse from grabbing the bit and bolting off was to drop the contact (and even take feet out of stirrups, if necessary ) = “finished” signal

[@carlarohde942]

Das schöne an den Vollblütern ist ihr Charakter. Wenn man mal ihr Vertrauen hat dann gehen sie für dich durchs Feuer. Außerdem lernen sie sehr schnell. Eines meiner besten, unvergessen Pferde war eine Vollblutstute die als unreitbar galt. Sie bleibt für immer unvergessen‼️

[@bobmatthews8389]

We use a Hackamore with our Ottb’s when they have severe bit avoidance and pain anticipation behaviours. Her mouth ulcer’s before you floated her teeth have clearly caused her PTSD towards any bit contact, poor dear. You are doing an amazing job. So glad she has you to love and heal her. 😊😀

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

In all the photos I've seen of her in racing/training she's always got her mouth open so it is something I think will take a while to work on. Sadly with working towards eventing, we can't use a hackamore due to it not being dressage legal. However, I don't think she would actually be much happier with pressure there either she is very sensitive bless her.

[@brandywineblogger1411]

Good for you! You've got a confident seat and gentle hands. Many, many years ago, my sister got an older Tb off the track. Duc by Right. A beautiful speckled grey. He didn't know leg pressure and was virtually one-sided due to always racing in the same track direction. But given some free time and gentle training, I think you're going to have a great horse. Please take another rider or two when you go out for your first hack. In the U.S. race horses are always "ponied" out to the track with a calm horse (not a pony). Have a great time.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She had already been out hacking in her previous home. I have had quite a few ex-racers and I actually find they're better going out alone...I always have people on the watch for me. :)

[@redmare1746]

So nice to hear you are patient and kind. No doubt you'll establish a great relationship with her. She's a nice horse.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thank you

[@annupton2547]

Wow, you have great sensitivity to the horses emotional feelings , and helping her, gentle hands ,ride with your body ,❤

[@marilynbowe650]

I had a 3 yr old stud colt off the track. Didn’t care to run hard, thus he was on the market. Kindest, smoothest, most balanced horse ever. Would not lean on the bit, so riding dressage I learned to ride him from the hind end forward. Great trail horse, liked to jump, and I could put kids on him safely. Lost him to impaction at 9 yrs. Biggest loss of my life, but I thank God for letting me have him for a while. 🙏🏻❤️. Loosen up those arms and shoulders - soft hands used softly with fingers on reins alternately will soften her. Hard set hands won’t. You’ll get there - enjoy the ride one stride at a time.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

My hand's are defiantly not hard but thanks for the advise. She's changed a lot from this video.

[@marilynbowe650]

I had a 3 yr old stud colt off the track. Didn’t care to run hard, thus he was on the market. Kindest, smoothest, most balanced horse ever. Would not lean on the bit, so riding dressage I learned to ride him from the hind end forward. Great trail horse, liked to jump, and I could put kids on him safely. Lost him to impaction at 9 yrs. Biggest loss of my life, but I thank God for letting me have him for a while. 🙏🏻❤️

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Sorry for your loss. It's a shame we can't keep them with us forever, he sounds like a gent x

[@nkw3157]

Horses off the track are so different. Starting with groundwork would probably be a good place to start. A bit less bridle as suggested would also be a very good idea.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She's already done her ground work thanks

[@nkw3157]

For how long? This girls doesn't know how to bend, she is so stressed, constantly flipping her head, pays no attention to the rider, focused on everything outside the ring. Track horses need a couple of months just doing nothing to calm down after coming off the track. She definitely shouldn't be asking her to jump.

[@tnit7554]

​@@nkw3157👍

[@MarycCanary]

@@nkw3157as a racehorse retrained and steeplechase trainer, i disagree that she needs a couple months off with just ground work. you need to keep them riding. racehorses are professionals who have been in work ever since they were babies. most of them are better schooled than the people retraining them. don’t give them time off. keep their bodies healthy and do your groundwork correctly before every single ride.

[@zoriolson1929]

I taught my tb head down relax que. We wouldn't do anything until her body language was relaxed and dropping her head. Your gal could benefit from a calm down que. Gentle tug on the reins down or if you're riding scissoring the reins. With the word relax and lots of positive reinforcement when she did drop her frame. She also hated jointed bits, did much better in a straight mule bit

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She's already doing so well since this video and works nice and long and low most times, just working on consistency now :)

[@tammyterrell1641]

I would try a bitless bridal. She’s a good girl! Beautiful TB! ❤

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Sadly as we are working towards eventing I need her bitted for the dressage phase.

[@charlottemacdonald4167]

Racing could be considered a form of abuse. Not all of the trainers are abusive, but there certainly are some. I had a beautiful mare that had been raced for 9 years. I began to teach her equitation. She would not canter in her left lead (her racing lead) and would try to buck me off. Otherwise she was fine. She also knew nothing of the countryside, having been in a racing barn most of her life. I could not take her on an outside hack. I came to understand her experience of normal horse life was limited. I needed to take her for walks,, treat her extremely kindly, and understand where her gaps in good training were. They can come up at any time, and they are usually expressed as fear or resistance..They are hot blooded, horses so react very fast. With time she will calm down. Monte Roberts' join up, follow up might be appropriate because it established a new, strong bond of trust. 😊❤️❤️🐎

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Yeah I don't agree with racing.

[@samsgirl4138]

She’s beautiful! Love the TB’s!❤

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thanks, she is a beautiful girl and a beautiful soul 😃

[@georgialockyer5850]

😱😱 what a difference compared to the other day mel!!! Xxxx

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

haha told you!

[@Siobhan_Shivaun]

That wasnt bad for a first ride! Ex racers need to get used to a completely different way of doing everything, Pea looks like she'll grasp the idea fairly quickly (fingers crossed!!) 💖

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She has indeed. She improves with every ride, she's amazing :)

[@Siobhan_Shivaun]

@@equestrianmelissaeventing fantastic!

[@emmacache]

We've had luck with Myler Bit Snaffle System. Best regards to you.❤

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She's much happier now, she's in a loose ring comfy barrel by expert bits :)

[@jessetobin6873]

She's lovely and lucky to have a rider who's respecting where she's at and willing to build a relationship up on trust and compassion! Do you know how old she is? I couldn't tell from your jacket, do you wear or recommend wearing a safety vest when getting on horses you don't know and who may need some TLC?

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She's 9.

[@lorrainewilson4002]

Ps... she is stunning , .. and lucky to be with you ... very best wishes from scotland .. 👏

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thank you very much!

[@Naimasuniverse]

I have 2 ex race horses and Im still with ground work and build trust with them ! We should be honest ex race horses are totally different than horses not from a track but they are worth all the work

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

They certainly are. :)

[@wetdewlap8741]

She is a beauty!

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She is. Thank you.

[@julzcarpenter5431]

I used to ride an Arab race horse, she was taught to ride with very loose reins, unless she was expecting to gallop, so then a contact was taken. I’m guessing your mare didn’t like the ‘contact’ on the reins when you were leading her round

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

I guess we will never know! Whether it was contact she didn't like...she's going beautifully in a contact now :)

[@petra...]

Such a nice horse... maybe try a bitless bridle?

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

We're working towards eventing so bitless isn't allowed in the dressage phase sadly.

[@kimburke7825]

Just be patient with her, she will come around😊

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She sure will, she always has. This was my first ride on her, she's come on leaps and bounds since.

[@denajohann4590]

I'm pretty sure it's the figure eight nose band

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Yeah she really wasn't happy with that!

[@charlottemacdonald4167]

She may associate a rider with having been made to race, which she may hate. I used to have former race horses . I would assume they have had practically no training, and start over. ❤. Good luck.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thank you

[@annemariesuter8010]

Riding with neckrain could be very helpful

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

We're working towards eventing so this wouldn't be helpful for her training at the moment.

[@fullerhorsediary]

Blimey you are so brave

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

I'm not but sometimes you have to get on with it. I trusted who I had bought her from.

[@sreynolds1991]

Is this pea that everyday eventer had?

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

No. She's not the same Pea. Shelley's Pea was dark bay I think

[@MiraGabriel9]

Perhaps you could start training her with a bitless bridle.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

We're working towards eventing and she needs to be bitted for the dressage phase.

[@MiraGabriel9]

@@equestrianmelissaeventing That's wonderful - she's so beautiful! Wishing you and her the best life together.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

@@MiraGabriel9 Thank you.

[@riverhayden5550]

She is very pretty.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thank you

[@kippen64]

She's so sweet.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thank you, she really is!

[@terrifiorelli9819]

I want a horse to accept a bit, but also teach bit-less. It has been a game changer for many horses and should be accepted in all disciplines in my opinion.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Yeah it should be accepted in all.

[@LisaHam-kj3sw]

Whats her name ? An what kind of horse is she ??? An how old is she ???

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She's a Thoroughbred off the track. Her full name is Paula's Prayer but 'Pea' for short. She's 9 next month :)

[@Lilligirl319]

I think you gave her a nice ride. Stayed off her face and did not engage her behaviour.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thank you. I tried lol

[@chrisunderwood2524]

Just a word of the wise..never put the same bit style on your horse, that was used in racing....I made that mistake, an old gentleman suggest to use a hack a more...showed me how to train my mare to the hack a more..took a few days but she turned out fabulous, no more bitting down on the bit and off to the races ...from the hack a more moved to a halter bridel..that was wonderful also.... .

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She doesn't bite down on the bit and go she's just fussy about it being there. She can't go in a hackamore, she's being trained for eventing and the dressage phase requires her to be bitted.

[@LeEffect]

I suggest the saddle is not hers for the future? Dont look like it fits her very well. Think she just needs time to get over the race drama and you looked chilled enugh to do it

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

This was her first ride with me, she's come a long way since. Yes, it was just a temporary saddle for a couple of rides until the saddle fitter came, she has a new one now.

[@Phillip-p1e]

The video footage was good, but as some who as been with horse since I was a child, please don't lead your horse with your body next to a.wall , have seen too many accidents, keep us updated with your progress 👍

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Thank you

[@Phillip-p1e]

@@equestrianmelissaeventing have you tried taking the reins off the bridle then remove the noseband, leaving the headpiece.and bit on the horse whilst he's eating his feed and hay, this might help get him used to pressure around his jaw Pls don't think am telling you what to do, just something that I tried with my x jump racer.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

@@Phillip-p1e No but she's been ridden in a bit for a long time so I can't really seeing it making much difference to be honest. I see where you are coming from though :)

[@joannesmartens9442]

You're lucky that she seems all what you were looking for. But for me i think it's a mistake to buy a horse unseen. Because that means you did'nt went to see her to check if you would have like a click or bond with her. And more important is whitout a complete vetcheck. Because you don't know about her legs, feet, hoofs, walk.... I recommand always a complete vetcheck with Xrays and echo. I know it cost a lot, but investing in a horse who has some problems at the beginning can give big problems. Never believe what owners are telling, because mostly they want to sell. It's same for auctions, but at least you can see and check the horses, you can see how they walk....Luckely she seems in good health. She's brand new in all this, and i can see You're patient and you love her, so she will learn very fast. And maybe she can do dressage, or showjumping. I saw alredy exrace horses do very well in jumping and crosscountry. At least they have the benefit of speed.🥰

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

I see where you're coming from. I am however very happy with my unseen purchase. I am aiming to event with her - just low level but so far she's proving to be heading in the right direct even if we don't I will still love her and keep her safe, happy and healthy to all my ability.

[@joannesmartens9442]

@@equestrianmelissaeventing l feel happy for you, and hope you will succede in your dreams. It was a risk, but it turned out to be a succes

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

@@joannesmartens9442 Thank you. It was a very big risk but she's absolutely everything and more than I could ever ask for :)

[@debbiefrost5738]

What a lovely video, nice to see a sympathetic rider. She's beautiful, sure you both going to have lots of fun together x

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

@@debbiefrost5738 Thank you so much :)

[@kimburke7825]

You never know she could have had something happen to her as far as a bit with her mouth. Most racehorses are treated meanly

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

Hopefully not.

[@Jan-k1c]

Trust you did heaps of groundwork first! And they are trained to go forward into pressure from the bit!

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

I didn't get on her for 2 weeks, did some getting used to each other first and we still do groundwork even now she's ridden. :)

[@sandralogue1774]

She's a lovely lady,once she moves past her reactionary stage, she'll be a terrific hack.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

I don't do showing, I assume that's what you mean by hack....I aim to event but for now just going to have fun trying a bit of riding club etc with her. :)

[@BeautifulLife000H]

All the life experience she's had, has been bad and painful. I would work with no mouth contact at all in a round pen for months. Just sit and let her stretch and move. After six months she might be receptive to training. I hate racing.

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

I really don't think they have. She just had some big changes and now she's adapted to her new lifestyle she is doing very well and working in a lovely contact

[@charlottecanalle2621]

Try the dentist! She is acting like she may have some sore teeth! She is a cutie!

[@equestrianmelissaeventing]

She's had her teeth done thanks