#OTT TIPS 1
Off-The-Track Thoroughbred Training
This is a very broad topic that is made easier by following a system of training used by many successful trainers. One way to look at the principles is to develop a background and fill in the details later, like painting a landscape; put in a sky, the mountains, and the foreground. Finish it with the detail of a farmyard, garden, or village scene in the front. Similarly, establishing fundamental ideas and applying them progressively to the OTT’s training is easy if you follow the training system pyramid. Horses aren’t very different in any use we have for them, but this works well particularly for training the Olympic disciplines.
The diagram encourages focus on the first three principles of the training System Pyramid. This is where the initial training starts and a plan to help simplify the approach for retraining the OTT.
The OTT retraining focusses on the first three layers before progressing to the top three. It is important to do this for the wellbeing and longevity of the horse. I think Tom Roberts summed it up perfectly.
‘If you are fond of a horse and wish to do him a real favour – train him well. Teach him good manners, good habits, both in the stable and under the saddle. You never need worry about the future of such a horse if for any reason you may have to part with him. You assure him of friends wherever he goes. Perhaps the greatest kindness you can do any horse is to educate him well.’
Tom Roberts – The Young Horse.
The initial work should be about finding rhythm. Whether you are choosing lunging or under saddle as a starting point, rhythm and forward movement are king. Don’t be focused on the head position, that comes in the training system’s progression as rhythm and looseness open relaxation of the horses back and allow connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection to be accessible to the rider’s aids.
Aim for rhythm > looseness > connection from a balanced rider’s position. Notice the even diagonals and the expression of the horse toward his training with this communication. This is a 7yo OTT having professional training preparing for sale.
Make it a point to develop communication through pressure on, pressure off and positive reinforcement while focusing on the bottom levels of the training system. Find a rider position that stays in balance with the horse’s center of balance. Expect this to be slightly more forward than a trained horse or more flexible between your deep dressage seat as the horses balance and strength progress.
Although this is not an OTT the training of all young horses is much the same. This illustrates the light dressage seat on a lovely 4 year old showing all the signs he’s ready for his first competition season.
Think regular foot falls in all paces, bending in the direction of travel, left, right and straight and the elastic connection of the hand and leg. Don’t progress past this point till there is a true communication between the rider and horse. Then add your disciplines’ easiest basics to help develop connection, with interesting pole work and leg yields. Experiment with your communication during trails and outings to venues. These activities will build strength in the horses’ muscles, coordination and understanding of their work.
Take time at this stage to notice the strength and understanding that your horse is developing. This is where his confidence and future training base is. Once you are sure this is established you can start to add the details and move into the specifics of the chosen new career and progression further up the training pyramid can continue. The horse can be given more responsibility, and pressure can be applied both physically and mentally to a measured degree.
When adding basics of the new career be careful to keep the same rhythm > looseness > connection rules to develop muscle strength and confidence.
Using an experienced set of eyes on the ground is part of successfully re-educating an OTT. Queensland Off-the-Track Thoroughbred program makes 10 free lessons available to OTT riders from approved coaches. Message me about getting your free lessons to help navigate the training system.
