I really do love the retraining of racehorses. They are so smart and quick to learn new things. As Barqi is only four years old, he will pick up a new way of life very quickly. I have given him a whole month of just being a horse, chilling with his new field friends, Django and Daisy, and being able to get used to his new surroundings.
Over the first week, I spent lots of time in his stable, just chilling and being around him, with no pressure or questions, as he was very suspicious of my presence and always expecting work. He quickly started to see my presence as normal and would pay no attention to me coming in and out, which was exactly the response I wanted. We then moved onto tying up outside the stable and being groomed, as well as randomly popping on his saddle and bridle. I was pleasantly surprised that he wasn’t tack sour, and being tacked up didn’t make him fizzy or excited, but he didn’t overly like being groomed or rugged and would often kick out if you were near his back end. Thankfully, with consistency, this has also improved massively.
During week three, we started to tackle loading practice. Now we had a better understanding of each other, I was keen to tackle this soon, so we could start getting out and about, but not too soon that the loading on top of his new home and routine was too overwhelming! Because he was from the British Racing School and used for students, this means he never travelled while he was there, which is unusual for an ex-racehorse and something I have never had to work on before.
We took it step by step, from just eating at the end of the ramp, to going up the ramp, to coming down the ramp slowly, to being asked to spend longer standing on the lorry with food, and then without food. The progress has been significant and without any force or stress, so I am really pleased, and feel he is ready to start being closed in and go for small trips.
I also started the final week by standing next to him on a mounting block while wearing his saddle, gently leaning over, but asking him to stand when he felt weight. I was so pleased that in only one session he understood what I meant. At the end of week four, and thankfully timed with some sun, I couldn’t resist sitting on him and going for a walk. He was perfect to mount and so chilled about the whole process. I couldn’t be more pleased with his progress being perfectly to plan these last four weeks.
We’ve been a bit quieter the past week or so, as I’ve been tied up with visiting my mum more as she’s unwell and having to go into hospital for an operation. As much as I’ve tried, with all the worry and stress I just haven’t been able to muster up much energy to ride.
I know I’m biased, but I don’t think I’ve ever found such a funny duo as my two boys. They actually make me belly laugh sometimes with the mischief they get up to when they are together.
After a nice winter break, I have finally brought Arnie back into a level of consistent work, and I am so pleased with how nicely he’s going. I really do believe in winter breaks, especially when they are that bit younger, and this one has really done him the world of good.
I really do love the retraining of racehorses. They are so smart and quick to learn new things. As Barqi is only four years old, he will pick up a new way of life very quickly.