Helping Your OTTB Horse To Find Relaxation Under Saddle

In this video, I show you a completely unedited training session with Dale, the OTTB (Off the Track ThoroughBred). You will see that he finds it hard to relax under saddle and once I ask him to move into the trot he moves around with his head in the air and hollow in the back. This is not good for him from either a mental or a physical perspective. I will show you what I do to get him to relax a little and begin to "stretch" his head and neck which will relax his body. If you own a thoroughbred horse this training video may help you. Most OTTB horses will go like this, and it takes time and patience to train them, but they are worth it!
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[@BasicHorseTraining]

Who loves an OTTB 🙋‍♀. Tell me in the comments what you do with your gorgeous horse!

[@balkheidi1436]

I do and have one. Its the relaxation that she can't seem to find under saddle. We have come a long way allready with working on the ground and now i am trying to get her back under saddle. She has had an accident 2 years ago and after she got her healing process we got an oke to ride again but that was downright impossible. I had to build her up from point 0. Now we finally can walk but I dont want her to trot or canter yet cause she lacks stability and relaxation. I want that first before we go to the next step and ppl think i am a fool to do so but they also thought i wouldnt get her this far and yet... I did. So i cant wait for the release! Having my hopes up that you can teach me a lot.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

@@balkheidi1436 You will hear me say that if they can't do it in the walk, why would you try it in the trot. That's setting your horse up to fail 🙁

[@gottasay4766]

I adore OTTBs, have a stellar one. He is one of the calmer ones but can get tense. I finally found a dressage trainer who didn’t immediately tighten the flash and ask me to drive him forward. He threatened to rear. My dressage whisperer did not ask me to put on a flash and she immediately had me open and lengthen the reins. From there she had me ask him to soften to the inside and ask him to move his inside leg over. Once we had achieved complete relaxation in walk, trot and canter on a loose rein, we have started working on a more traditional dressage connection and it has been fabulously.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Tell your dressage trainer that I love them 😆

[@balkheidi1436]

@@BasicHorseTraining So thankfull for this! I knew i was right but the others around us think we are just crazy and that she needs to go to trot lol. I am a stubborn 51 year old horsewoman who dealth with hard horses quite a lot and yet ppl can make you start to doubt yourself.

[@yeehawsharky4043]

Your training is so lovely and soft. Your principles remind me very much of Warwick. It is also very wonderful to see a trainer that understands biomechanics and doesn’t prioritize more trot work over a correct frame

[@dianemcq64]

Josie, I learn so much from you. You’re the definition of a great horsewoman. Thank you for making your videos. You’re a clear communicator and make following along easy for someone less experienced like me.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You are so welcome! I’m glad they are helping you 😊

[@ericgalullo2768]

Please continue this series with the OTTB! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

More to come! ☺️

[@leearellano5303]

I second this!

[@stefanieelderkin7771]

This is just what my ottb and I needed! Please continue ❤️ thanks to you we just had our first ride 🤩❤️

[@viviennebarclay9519]

I have my second Ottb now for a year and he is coming along nicely. It’s 2 steps forward and one step back but steady progress. Completely agree it’s so important to be consistent and clear at all times. They give you their heart and best effort every time. Love them ❤

[@BasicHorseTraining]

They certainly do 🥰

[@wwooley1]

What a cute mover! I bet he's turned into a lovely riding horse by now.

[@MerFlynn]

I just acquired my first OTTB. She is 5 years old, possibly the kindest, gentlest horse I have ever known, but definitely has the go-go-go's! Lots of groundwork has helped. I am going to try the patient, repetitive bend-release tip from your video the next time I ride!

[@user-bz6ii6wh4i]

I have my 2nd OTTB! He is 4. My plan is mainly pleasure/trail. Just got him in April. I had my 1st OTTB for 21 yrs. I love the connection I have with this breed. I like them tall & thin!😊 My new horse, Dash, is 17h! Right now we are doing ground work & a little trail riding

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I love that you love the connection you form with your horses 🥰

[@horseyhils9879]

Love this, thank you! It would be so easy to panic riding a horse like this and you are so calm! :) x

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I had to “train” myself to relain calm in the beginning. 😊

[@evaburgess3648]

Love my OTTB girl. This was her 2 years ago. We have come far but still learning.

[@boslowgreen]

This is just like my horse - a 6 yr ottb. He tosses his head around, walks super fast, is ready to go, trots fast, etc. So we took him back to walking for long periods of time until he is completely relaxed with his head down. We also went through the check list checking for pain, his teeth, etc. I think it may be somewhat of a learned behavior that no one has corrected. He has never had proper training that I'm aware of. So this was helpful video and reconfirmed some of the things we are doing to correct him. On a side not: Can you have your camera person stand in the middle so we can see you and horse the entire time.

[@KwinkyDink1]

I have a 3.5 yo OTTB, I'm currently doing groundwork and teaching him to lunge. He's good to the right, but always stops and turns in going to the left! LOL I thought that would be his easier side. I love watching your videos, it makes me feel like we will get there, even if it feels like forever. Thanks!

[@paliagriffin6758]

I spent some time with an older ladies horse. She had an OTTB many many years retired but would jig anytime I rode her. Not only that but she was a buddy sour mare- it was totally beyond me what I could do to help her (I'm not a horse trainer). I got on a few times and hated that she could never relax...this video reminded me of that mare. Thanks for the video

[@alanahackbarth2547]

We have a sweet lovely OTTB this video helped me so much. Thank you!!!

[@angiethompson-eh9cr]

❤I am really loving watching your videos! I love how much you talk and encourage each horse, it’s easy to see their confidence building under your guidance 👏👏👏🐎

[@meghanking5395]

I have an ottb and do western pleasure. Took awhile to get there but once she got there, she's wonderful at it

[@BasicHorseTraining]

They are such lovely horses 🥰

[@tobiakruger5737]

Josie u 're a GREATTTT teacher. I learn so much from u. Converted an endurence Arab to Western pleasure, trail and little bit of games. The advice from u is priceless. Thank u soooo much. May I ask that u do not say "O my God" I often watch the video's with young riders present, and this does not fall good on our ears. We do have great respect gor u.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Thank you 😊. I am sorry about the OMG comment. I don’t even know I say it. It must be a bit of a habit. I will do my very best to refrain from saying it but until I undo that habit I might say it again. I apologise in advance if I say it unconsciously.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Ps don’t watch the next video released with those young riders as I do say it a few times in that video. 😐

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

I wish i knew al this when i was a teenager and i had my Arabian mix pony, he could never walk, always his jig jog trot, everyday bouncing around always wanting to go go go, he always walked sideways and i was always ready to one rein stop him.oh i remember that he could walk, with a halter without his saddle. He was a great jumper to.

[@graciegirl2572]

I have an OTTB and he is the love of my life. He's almost 7 and so willing and such a quick learner. Loves his cuddles and scratches.

[@nicolagomm2269]

Love how you train. So fair and kind.

[@bsnhilow]

This is awesome! I have a 4yo Saddlebred that I got over a year ago, basically unhandled. Have spent the last year with a trainer learning and teaching her the basics - ALL the basics! ;) I have just recently backed her and last week trotted a little for the first time. Being able to watch what you are doing and how you do it is priceless!

[@user-oj3yn9ut5r]

I have a Tennessee Walker who very forward. Loved what you did with this boy and will definitely be using it with mine. Thank you!

[@tethershield]

This is just what I need for my OTTB!! Thank you so much!! He has a hard time halting under saddle though (does it perfectly in hand) so we’ll see how that goes.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Oh 🤞. I hope it helps you both.

[@victorianorris7917]

I have an OTTB. I am learning a lot. My horse has a great temperament. I appreciate seeing this as I can relate to the high head. I got my horse in. 2020 and I am still fairly new to riding. We are doing well and he has settled in nicely. He’s 14 yo. Thank you! 😊❤

[@kidstuff44555]

With my current OTTB (9 years old), we also rode him bitless for the first 3 months, because he was so fussy with a bit. He would start tossing his head as soon as he had a bit in, and gaping his mouth and basically totally distracted by it. Without the bit, he could relax and listen. When he decided to reintroduce a bit, we used a Myler I think, it had a non-nutcracker effect, and was just a different feel in his mouth. We also only walked and trotted for the first 6 months. This was so he stopped relating being ridden with go go go.

[@DontBeDumb89]

Why would you go back to using a bit?

[@Cathan1856]

My daughter has an OTT thoroughbred, he’s a sweet horse too. Luckily the trainer she got him from has a wife that does dressage and they school them in an arena now and again while they are in racing. Makes a huge difference when you take them on.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

That has made my day 🥰

[@mcgregorpiper]

You have to train them twice Once to train them to correct all their race training and then the second time to train them to be a “real” horse Mine is good and has a great personality

[@BasicHorseTraining]

So glad your horse has you to help them 🧡

[@benitascott3533]

Oh this sounds like the issues of my horse. Keen to watch.🐴

[@kristin-bz1mv]

my gosh! Wonderful to learn from you... thank you!!! I'm re learning the OTTB. so happy I found your channel

[@geofftrensky9740]

Very interesting and informative Josie - thankyou! Also very helpful to see what you doing courtesy of the leadrope in place of reins!!

[@matches.themusic4357]

Thank you for the video! We've got an ex barrel racer and the 'turn him in a circle' thing only makes him hotter, so this is a good method to try. I also like the method of not trying to steer too much at first, just keeping them relaxed and on the rail.

[@wendylow5748]

What a great video thanks so much, I just got my first OTTB.

[@cherylyingstbartel3345]

Thanks for the excellent video Josie. Good stuff here. I like the bit about patience and time and work with the horse you have. Your video on "nose behind the belly button" and showing a one rein stop in action changed my riding this summer. Helped me visualize sitting back no matter what. Game.changer. Improved my seat immensely. My horse gained so much confidence because I did and he felt it through my properly positioned seat. My formerly spooky horse and I now ride everywhere on the trails around our property. Keep up the great work.

[@barbaraberry8954]

I love OTTBs. My 7 year old is coming along but still gets tense in some situations. He was 5 years old when he retired from the track and raced 23 times. Patience is the key. It takes time to untrain them from racing. Thanks for the great video, Josie.

[@hannahmcilveen]

I loved watching this in real-time with your explanations of everything you were doing. Super helpful and educational! Thank you!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I just uploaded a new one so I hope that one helps you too 😊

[@user-bz6ii6wh4i]

Btw - I love your videos!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Yay! Thank you!

[@leearellano5303]

Hi Josie...I have an ottb (unsanctioned racing so not the best care even on the track, 11 years there) she had some years with another owner but was removed by animal services for starvation. I got her from a rescue. You are helping me a LOT but I am going to start at beginning again so when she lunges I can have a nice walk and trot, but asking to canter sends her off. I'm obviously not doing it right. I would LOVE to see a walk trot canter lunge exercise. Thank you for thinking about it. Peace to you

[@sammisoccer7]

I’m riding a friend’s TWH mare who is quite sensitive and very eager to please. The beginning of each ride looks quite similar to this and we take standing breaks when she starts tensing up and anticipating. Once she takes a deep relaxing breath then we walk on. I love watching the unedited footage, no such thing as too long of a video in my opinion. Thank you so much for uploading and teaching us these lovely tips and exercises! As another commenter said it is so easy to panic when a horse tenses up but practicing my own deep breathing in the saddle has really helped! It’s as much a mental game for the rider as it is the horse sometimes!!

[@leearellano5303]

Thank you so much for this, these are the struggles I'm having with my ottb

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I have just uploaded part 2 so I hope that helps you too 😊

[@balkheidi1436]

Thank you sooooo sooooo much Josie! Needed this recognizion! Doing almost the same thing while ppl think that i am just crazy for doing what i do.

[@brentonkelly3780]

I like your style of training Josie. Your videos are produced very well, well done to you.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@christinescharf234]

My 4 year old OTTB is the opposite of this guy. He will stand still once you get on, but he behind the leg instead of wanting to go forward so that is what we are working on. He also lifts his head and hollows so lots of circles and bending.

[@jessicaking8485]

This video. Was so informative. We are getting our first horse next weekend and he is a OTTB. And it never occurred to me that we have to teach him how to walk. This video. Was great. Is there any more OTTB training videos ?

[@shelmstedt]

I used to ride an off track trotter. Initially I could only walk and stop, because she would take off on a Trott. After 2 weeks I added the Trott. Funnily the canter was no issue at all. I would let her go race Trott occasionally. She just loved it. And in the saddle a race Trott is so smooth (2-point seat of course).

[@xDarkvalorspiritx]

Thank you for this video, Josie! I am restarting my OTTB in the new year after 2 years off work due to medical issues for both of us (tumor removal in the girth area for him and post-viral syndrome for me). He was quite a bit greener than I expected when I purchased him from an ex-racehorse rehoming agency but has come a long way with his ground work while we have been unable to ride. Under saddle he can be jig-joggy and very forward so this video is going to be helpful when I start schooling him again. Will be keeping an eye out for any other OTTB retraining videos from you in the future!

[@KingsMom831]

He’s a lovely horse. Really interesting for me to see this series and how much horses you have there for training, differ from the ones you’ve had from birth, it from an early age, at your place, who’ve been exposed to you and your training methods for their entire lives. Seems like a common thing with a lot of OTTB’s. Saddle on, or rider mounting = GO. Glad he’s with you!

[@lvcola]

Thank you so much for this video. My beautiful OTTB is the barn favorite. She was saved at the last minute to be sent for slaughter from a rescue. She has the sweetest temperament. She can be a bit forward and the tools you demonstrated will help me correct this. ❤

[@anneconverse3060]

He did amazingly well with so much wind!

[@debdawson4439]

Thankyou..I have OTTB last Aug,very similar

[@anne-grethemichaelsen5789]

Great video - thanks! Best regards from Norway :)

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Thank you very much! 🇳🇴 😊

[@Hillside123100]

I loved this, please 🙏🏻show us more with the OTTB, it’s so informative and very much along the lines of the horsemanship I’ve followed for years now. I have George, He came off the track 3 years ago now. Our riding has been on and off due to my PTSD after a RTA on my previous horse. George is a good fella but does suffer from stifle issues, which isn’t uncommon for OTTB. So any suggestions for ridden exercises would be great, he suffers mostly in trot with his near stifle. Love all your videos and especially your attitude in the saddle, thanks for your content Jules.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I have a friend who has had remarkable result with her horses stifle issues using Rosehip Vital. I’m not sure what country you are in but I’m sure you can find the equivalent and give it a go. 😊

[@Hillside123100]

@@BasicHorseTraining I’m in the UK - you’re far reaching 😁 I shall look it up and see what we have over here, thank you for taking the time to reply 👍🏻

[@lesleyhiddins2067]

Yes, I love TBs they are the stars of the horse world IMO. Once he works out he doesn't have to go fast anymore you may need your spurs 😂. I like to drive and introduce lateral movements on the ground as well. Good job

[@rebekahlaflin3565]

Thank you for sharing. I’m working with my fist very green and possibly never ridden 4 year old. I really appreciate your straight forward method.

[@MSable-fx3yg]

Awesome lesson, Josie!❤

[@staceykrahn]

I don't have an ottb, but I think my ex racking horse will benefit from this.

[@nicoladarter4910]

Josie you are amazing. The change in Dale is amazing. I Love watching all your videos you explain everything so well and I always learn something.

[@lobardin]

I admire good horsemanship so much. Thank you for your fine work.

[@benitascott3533]

Hi Josie, great video, thankyou! I love your training approach! Always!! I have an out of the paddock 16yo ArabX not an OTTB! But my horse has all these very same issues. I fell in love with dressage - when I learned to understand it, 18 mths ago. And I love to the specific techniques you use, as it affirms that I'm on the right track, & add clarity for me & some extra tips - like adding the backup, when circles are not enough. I actually went back to more structured groundwork & used bitless for about 4 mths, just as you suggest. We're making good progress but she's still struggling to accept the contact. I'm still trying to manage my own body too - working on my hands & rider position. Thankyou for all your wonderful content! I'll be watching for Dale's progress!! 💚🐎🙏

[@michelekanefsky7511]

This is amazing! My favorite vid of yours yet! I love seeing every detail & ALL of it! Also love you are showing the time & patience it takes. Well done! What a smart boy & lucky owner!! Best of luck!

[@cakedesigner]

This is the type of horse I'm working with right now. I don't know if he's OTTB but he has a similar personality to Dale. I have finally got him to stand still in the arena for about 3 minutes after months of working on it, but still the walk off when I get on is not fixed. I gotta say I am kind of frustrated with the walk off from the block but we work it every time I get on. I have tried different ways to get the stand but nothing had worked so far.

[@maggsm3392]

This is so informative although I haven't owned a horse for many years now. We can really see how much better he's getting towards the end of the video. I used to ride OTTB's in my English riding lessons and sometimes trail riding. Miss riding thoroughbreds now that I do Western and ride quarter horses!

[@emilysamanyika507]

I absolutely love you Videos-I was wondering if your could give some tips/make a video on bit less bridles and how to school properly. my horse had some problems with his teeth (we didn’t know at the time because I had just bought him and he was only ridden in a head collar) and he really dislikes a bits now :/

[@sydniecoffelt1700]

This is amazing! My ottb is the same way and I just love seeing how someone else handles these situations so smoothly so now I know what to do. What kind of ground work did you do to achieve how sensitive he is to the halter because I love the idea of the halter but mine is like pulling on a brick wall.

[@camillecauble3062]

I’ve been waiting for this video all week😆 I’m planning on getting an OTTB hopefully in the next year and have been riding a couple of different ones and this video is certainly gonna help loads!!! And I do have a question about your opinion on •licking •chewing • blowing ….. I know it’s controversial but I’ve always been taught that it’s a sign of release but watching different videos I’ve seen people say it can be a sign of tension…. Thoughts?

[@Krinsta1]

Thanks Josie. I still don't have a horse of my own but I do volunteer at Save A Horse Australia where we get a lot of OTTB. I love them all but don't get to ride them. I think more people should get OTTB especially from rescue places. They are all retrained before they are rehomed. They are so good to handle they pick up their feet and you can do anything with them. We always get good reports back.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

That is fabulous 😊. I would like to ask you some questions regarding SAHA and wondered if you would be happy to contact me on FB Insta or email?

[@Krinsta1]

Yes, that is fine. I'd love to have a chat to you. I'll try to find you on Facebook

[@Jess_therat]

Do you possibly have a video on a horse who gets nervous with mounting and wont stand and when you ask him to they rear? He is absolutely perfect once your on but the getting on part is where im steuggling

[@heyimreck]

I just got a pretty green OTTB and im super excited to try these tips, for horses that do throw their heads with a bit, besides using a halter or bit less bridle what are some other tips to help with that with groundwork or even undersaddle?

[@lgarg73]

Josie what are your thoughts on a German Martingale for your boy? I used to ride a very sweet but zoomy OTTB. Once we put on in the German Martingale, he stopped zooming and he stopped throwing his head around. Not sure what your thoughts are on that but would love to know!❤ Great channel!🎉

[@rachhuggo9745]

i have a rising 5 ottb mare & she's a bit horrid, she goes along nicely then in the canter she like kicks out & then bucks, & rears when I ask her to stand, so doing one rein stops

[@katiewashington7338]

I rescued my OTTB in January and we’ve been on a mission for weight gain now we are at the weight that he needs to be at so we’re going into muscle building conditioning but I still don’t want to push him. I’m just riding him bareback and bitless because I do more work on the ground he is definitely a head tosser and a horse that will just stop and refuse to move forward. He’ll leave bunny hop with me on him. I would love a suggestion for an exercise to help with correcting this.

[@AmraK-ft5ti]

Hello. Thanks for the great video ma'am. I ride a 9 year old TB and he is a very good boy. He seems to be unbalanced on two specific places. On the left rein, he drifts to the outside in one corner and on the right rein he seems to be drifting into the circle and moves inwards. Can you please help me with that. And when i ask for a transition from walk to trot, he puts his head up. Can you please help me with that too? I will be very grateful if you do.

[@amynissley7182]

When you back him up- what aids are you giving and how did you teach that from the ground? I have a saddlebred that often likes to break into the trot. Circles don’t seem to fix it so would like to try the back up but likes to pop up when he feels blocked so want to make sure I’m asking correctly? Thanks

[@lunettathedemonwolf7805]

Hello, I'd like to ask you a thing. My friend has a horse gelding ex race 19 yo thoroughbred. She has a problem with him pulling on the reins and losing complete control of him when he gallop or canter and he rears up everytime when she don't want to run and pulls back. How would you fix the problem? Otherwise my friend is scared to ride him anymore. Thanks

[@traceyheps]

May I ask a question please. Is there a length of time you typically spend on groundwork? ie days or weeks. Or just until uour horse seems to understand what you are asking for? I have an OTTB that raced for 5 Yesrs!!! Trying to start him from scratch. Been following you for a couple of years now and have learned so much! Thank you from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Of course you can ask a question 😊. I teach them groundwork until they understand what I am wanting. All of these “aids” (Eg slow down and lower your head when I turn you) we’re taught in the groundwork before I get on his back. This boy had about a month of GW before I got on his back (I think 🤔). I did get on him and then thought he is not ready so went back to GW.

[@jacquiebodger6229]

I had an OTT THB just like this one. I owned him from 11 years to 33 years when he passed away. However, I now have one that is opposite and was retired because he did not want to go. He likes to follow. He dumped me when I asked him to 😢 warmed up in walk. He was bitless in a Micklem that can be used with or without a bit or with both. Great for training. My Q. What do you do with the ones who try to get rid of the rider. I was not nervous and loose in the saddle, giving him his head to start the trot. Have been looking for answers and have bought a TCS in case the saddle was an issue. Xrays show no back problems. Would appreciate any tips.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You need to start with groundwork and explain to the horse what is expected of him and what the “aids” mean. A lot of OTTB’s didn’t have much explained to them when they were started under saddle 😢. It is far too much to explain in a KZbin comment sorry. I do have a foundation course in Basic Horse Training Academy. It is the same one I put Dale through before I rode him.

[@thesewingequestrian382]

My Arab does this too.

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I hope you find this helps 🧡

[@thesewingequestrian382]

I’ll try and watch it today if I have time.😀

[@thesewingequestrian382]

My Arab was a halter horse, so keeping the head high is a hard habit to break. I will start working on the bending his neck exercise.😀

[@evaburgess3648]

Wish I’d had this video when I got my girl.

[@horsesafarimarwad4314]

Meet you

[@anneconverse3060]

He stops to check himself out in the mirror 😂

[@prettyshirabu6450]

Atm I ride a semi greasy Ottb and he try’s to gallop with me a lot

[@horsecare.skincare]

Ha. I have an ottb who is the opposite. He falls into a stop. 😂 he loves standing still and walks the speed of a dead sloth! My guy goes better at trot than walk because he is moving at trot. Walk is a battle even in hand! He plants and checks out of life.