Have you ever followed a plan/program/method and felt like you weren't seeing progress? Where it felt like 2 steps forward and 2 steps back?
I see this a lot in the OTTB community at large, where the best intentions, coaching, and planning are implemented, but there always seems to be some obstacle in the way.
You might have the best plan for your horse, but if your horse does not have the building blocks for success, they will not be able to grow.
Here is what you need to ensure so your OTTB can achieve a transformation:
Your horse must be sound
Releasing tension and creating new neuropathways will always improve your horse; however, they cannot heal acute or chronic lameness and injuries. Here are some areas to look at to ensure your horse has every possible chance of embracing change:
"No hooves, no horse": Your horse must have healthy hooves or a holistic plan to rebalance their hooves. Discomfort in the lower limb will radiate into the body, causing compensatory behaviors and movement. We cannot release tension in the body if the tension is what is holding the body together.
Body soreness: Many horses coming off the track or struggling in a second career have some form of body soreness or misalignment. While the techniques you are going to learn in this program will help, they will not replace the role of a licensed practitioner in equine physiology. There are a lot of modalities out there to support your horse's body; do your research and find the ones your horse responds to the most.
Fitted tack: The fastest way to ruin your retraining is to put the horse in equipment that causes pain and avoidance. Horses, like humans, will always do everything they can to avoid pain. Carefully and objectively evaluate these areas:
Fitted bridle: The browband should allow for comfortable space behind the ears and over the poll. The cheekpieces should be below the cheekbones. The noseband should be soft and below the points of the cheekbones. The bit should rest softly in the corners of the lips, offering stability but not pressure.
Fitted bit: We will discuss bit preferences in this program as well as reintroducing contact in a way that promotes relaxation.
Anatomical saddle pad: Many thoroughbreds have more pronounced withers. The saddle pad you use must allow for this so there is no acute rubbing or pressure over the withers.
Fitted saddle: Honestly, this one scares me. There are so many ways to make expensive errors in this area. All I can say is educate yourself. Follow non-brand promoting saddle fitters on social media. Do your research and do not blindly follow the advice of a single trainer or brand representative. Remember you are your horse's advocate, and should the horse reject the fit of the saddle, you are the one who will suffer for it.
Ensure your horse is healthy
A balanced diet is a big part of this. If you want more information on building out a balanced diet for your OTTB, check out the FEEDING THE OTTB Masterclass.
You will also need to consider deworming, vaccines, dental care, and blood panels to ensure your horse has no internal health barriers that will hinder its ability to bloom and grow.
Once you've ensured all barriers are removed for your horse to progress, the Restart Online Program will help you remove the tension patterns and habits that were created by those barriers and limitations.
I can guarantee your OTTB will transform in the Restart Online Program.
The secret to a healthy, happy equine athlete is a holistic approach to health. If you can remove the obstacles impeding your horse's progress, it will transform in front of your eyes.
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