If you make it to the competitive circuit, owning and training a horse is a rewarding hobby.It costs over $10,000 to train a horse for racing.It is important to start training when the horse is around 1 year old because they need to be young and fit to race.If you feel confident in your handling skills, you might be able to become a racehorse trainer.
Step 1: Train the horse so it is comfortable being handled.
Don't try riding a young, untrained horse right off the bat, instead use a long lead or rein to guide it around on foot.Get the horse to follow basic commands, like dropping its head and following along when you pull on the lead.It might take a bit of trial and error before your horse learns the basic commands.To train a horse to drop its head, hold onto the end of the lead that is close to the horse's head.Slowly and gently tug on the lead until the horse learns to drop its nose.Pull backwards on the lead to teach the horse to back off.
Step 2: The horse should be taught to lunge.
The training area is large enough for your horse to move around.Stand in the middle of the paddock and hold the lead.The horse can be guided in a circle until it is comfortable running on its own.If it is easier, you can use a lead with 2 long reins.Use a long riding crop to keep the horse moving.It is important to get the horse used to running in a circle early on in their racing career.
Step 3: Prepare the horse for a saddle by placing a roller around their girth.
Measure around your horse's stomach to find a tight pad.The roller should be snug, but not too tight.Use the roller to help your horse adjust.You want to help the horse get used to being weighed on its back.The roller can be used as a stepping stone.You can buy a roller at any shop that sells horse supplies.
Step 4: The horse should have a saddle on its back.
Encourage the horse to run in a circular motion by continuing your training regimen in the circular paddock.Once your horse is comfortable with the roller, switch it out with a saddle pad and saddle.The horse should be allowed to run with the new equipment on its back.Don't try to ride the horse yet.
Step 5: It's a good idea to teach your horse to use a bit.
It works well with your horse's temperament and training level.It is possible to find success with a traditional D-ring bit.If your horse is more ornery, you may want to use a ring bit or a Houghton bit, which will give you more control.If you can't decide which bit is best for your horse, talk to a training professional.
Step 6: The horse can learn to turn right and left by using long reins.
While ground training your horse, slide a bridle and a long set of reins onto his head.Make sure the reigns are long enough for you to stand a safe distance behind the horse without getting kicked.To teach your horse how to turn left and right, tug on either rein.Continue to train your horse in a pen.Your horse will not be able to run and train at a track if it isn't comfortable with the basics.
Step 7: The horse should carry human weight.
You can spend a day or two jumping next to the horse.Lift yourself up onto the saddle and straddle yourself across the horse's back once you're used to it.You should switch to a normal riding position after the horse is used to holding you up.The baby steps will help your horse handle a rider.You could end up getting bucked or injured if you try to mount the horse right away.Different horses change at different rates.If your horse does not adjust well to riders right away, don't be discouraged.
Step 8: The horse is moving in circles.
You can stay in the circle and mount your horse.Make your way around the paddock at a moderate pace if you instruct it to start moving.It's always a good idea to do this with another person around a horse.When riding a horse, be sure to wear a helmet, boots, and proper work or riding clothes.
Step 9: The horse should be taught how to change leads.
Make sure your horse responds to basic steering commands by pulling on either rein.If you want to approach an object like a fence, ride your horse at a slow, steady pace.Place more pressure on the left leg if you want to remove any pressure from the horse's flank.Your horse should change leads at this point.Changing "leads" is a fancy term for changing which leg your horse leads with.You don't want your horse to work the same legs in a race.From a 45 degree angle, try to approach the object.It will be easier to practice changing leads.
Step 10: The horse can adjust to being ridden if it is taken to a larger enclosure.
There is more freedom for your horse to move around in an enclosed area.It can adjust to a larger area.As you transition to this new area, keep your horse at a slow or moderate speed.Don't move to a new enclosure until your horse knows basic commands.
Step 11: The horse should be trained to run in an open area.
There is a lot of room for your horse to roam in an open field.Guide your horse to a canter and a gallop, which are the fastest speeds a horse can run at.Continue training and running in this open area until you and your horse are comfortable moving at fast speeds.You should not go to the racetrack until you and your horse are comfortable running.
Step 12: The horse needs to be cooled down after a day of training.
You can spray or sponge down the horse's back, neck, and legs by setting your hose to the lowest setting.If you use a cooling sheet, your horse will get overheated.Use a sweat scraper to get rid of any extra water after rinsing your horse.
Step 13: Wrap the horse's legs.
Take a polo wrap or other bandage and loop it around your horse.This isn't a requirement, but wrapping can help prevent your horse from getting injured.Wrap can be purchased at any horse supply store.
Step 14: Get your horse in shape with daily aerobic training.
If you want to get your horse's heart rate up, ride it at a walking and trotting pace for several hours around the track.During this training, you want your horse's heart rate to be under 150 beats per minute.As you train your horse, practice walking, trotting, and cantering.The amount of time you train depends on the horse.If your horse is tired and has a high pulse, you may want to reduce your regimen.Put your finger under your horse's jaw to check his pulse.If you want to get the total beats per minute, you have to count its heartbeat for 15 seconds.
Step 15: Each day, ride your horse at different speeds.
It is possible to measure the distance of the race track using a furlong.Depending on the current skill of your horse, you can experiment with different speeds.Start at a slow jogging pace and work your way to a galloping pace, which is about 18 seconds for every furlong.When your horse develops a lot of strength, you can try a 2-minute lick.You could work your way up to a 2-minute lick by exercising at a trot or galloping pace for a few weeks.If your horse is in good shape, you can focus on galloping and 2-minute licks.Don't overwork your horse!It will take time before your racing companion is strong enough to race.
Step 16: A breeze or weekly work is needed to raise the horse's strength.
You can tell a friend or colleague to wait at one section of the track.Guide your horse around the track at a very fast pace, otherwise known as a work or abreeze, and have your colleague record the time of each lap.The breeze pace is about 12 seconds per furlong.Your horse needs a lot of strength to finish a race that is over 1 mile.Works and breezes can be used as a stepping stone.You can get an idea of how fast your horse is by doing a weekly breeze.
Step 17: Gradually increase your horse's speed.
If you are just starting out, don't force your horse to be fast.Start by having your horse go 70% of their max speed, then add a furlong or 2 to the total distance they run.To match the length of the race, increase the total distance.For the first few weeks, have your horse run 70% of their max speed.Gradually add another furlong or 2 to the workout over the next few weeks and months.If you command your horse to run at top speed, it will tire out and strain your racing companion.
Step 18: Take your horse for a walk to cool him down.
At a slow, walking or trotting pace, take your horse around the track.If you give your horse time to lower its heart rate, it won't feel hot, sweaty, and out-of-breath at the end of the day.
Step 19: The horse is being introduced to the stall enclosure.
Your horse can get used to standing in a closed gate at an official racetrack.Every time a race begins, sudden sounds and movements of the electric gate will occur, so help your horse adjust.Trainers will ride and practice with their horses.
Step 20: To help your horse adjust to a crowded environment, train with others.
At a time when other trainers are around, visit the racetrack.If you run next to other horses, your horse can adjust to the loud environment.Your horse can get used to the dirt flying around, along with other sensory changes.Your horse could be overwhelmed if you don't train with other horses.
Step 21: Register for races to start racing.
You can check online for races in your area.There will likely be a registration fee for high-scale races.If you can join a local competition, join high stakes races.
Step 22: Before you join a race, you should post your workout information online.
If they need your horse's workout times, reach out to the administration of the race you've registered for.Take note of your horse's breeze times and the number of furlongs it is breezing for.Send this information to the race administration by way of a digital spreadsheet.You can include the specific track, training date, course, distance, as well as the horse's time.Your horse's rank in the spreadsheet should be noted if they were racing against other horses.