Breaking in a thoroughbred is a process that can impact the horse’s psyche, which can in turn, impact its performance as a racehorse. If done poorly, breaking can cause immense pain and anxiety for the animal. However, if done correctly, it can result in a happier horse and lay the foundation for a fruitful racing career.
In old westerns, cowboys would whip a saddle on a bucking bronco, pop a bit in its mouth, and hop on. With enough force of will, the cowboy would eventually reign the horse in and break it. However, modern thoroughbred breaking methods are far less focused on force and more geared towards persuasion and encouragement through specially crafted training techniques.
Once a racehorse is a yearling, breaking in training can begin at an appropriate facility such as Glenrae Thoroughbreds, where skilled trainers can ensure it is done correctly.
New Surroundings
Firstly, it is important to remember that every horse is an individual. As such, each one has different temperaments, personalities and moods. Therefore, Thoroughbreds need to be treated with patience and care upon arrival, with experienced trainers knowing to pay special attention to the animals’ mental and physical development.
It is important first to ensure that, when the horse is brought to such a facility, it is made comfortable with the barriers, as well as with the people and its surroundings. Training a thoroughbred effectively requires the animal to be in the right headspace, and new surroundings can take a bit of getting used to before it is ready to tackle the breaking in process.
New Equipment
By the time it is a yearling, the horse should already be comfortable with people, stables and grooming. However, breaking in requires stepping it up a couple of notches. Slowly but surely, new pieces of tack can be introduced, and the animal is taught to accept them.
Usually, this progresses from spending a week or two getting used to a bridle and headstall to then wearing a surcingle to help the horse become used to the feeling of girth pressure. After this, a saddle and girth are added for a while until, eventually, the horse is ready to try out the weight of a rider.
It is important to pay attention to the yearling’s behavioural cues as it trains, which lets trainers know when it is ready to move on to the next step.
At Glenrae Thoroughbreds, we offer skilled and caring thoroughbred breaking and pre-training services at our world-class facilities. Contact us now to find out more about how we can help your yearling become a racehorse.
Once a racehorse is a yearling, breaking in training can begin at an appropriate facility such as Glenrae Thoroughbreds, where skilled trainers can ensure it is done correctly.
New Surroundings
Firstly, it is important to remember that every horse is an individual. As such, each one has different temperaments, personalities and moods. Therefore, Thoroughbreds need to be treated with patience and care upon arrival, with experienced trainers knowing to pay special attention to the animals’ mental and physical development.
It is important first to ensure that, when the horse is brought to such a facility, it is made comfortable with the barriers, as well as with the people and its surroundings. Training a thoroughbred effectively requires the animal to be in the right headspace, and new surroundings can take a bit of getting used to before it is ready to tackle the breaking in process.
New Equipment
By the time it is a yearling, the horse should already be comfortable with people, stables and grooming. However, breaking in requires stepping it up a couple of notches. Slowly but surely, new pieces of tack can be introduced, and the animal is taught to accept them.
Usually, this progresses from spending a week or two getting used to a bridle and headstall to then wearing a surcingle to help the horse become used to the feeling of girth pressure. After this, a saddle and girth are added for a while until, eventually, the horse is ready to try out the weight of a rider.
It is important to pay attention to the yearling’s behavioural cues as it trains, which lets trainers know when it is ready to move on to the next step.
At Glenrae Thoroughbreds, we offer skilled and caring thoroughbred breaking and pre-training services at our world-class facilities. Contact us now to find out more about how we can help your yearling become a racehorse.
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