THOROUGHBREDS IN TRAINING
Yearlings
When yearlings first start training, they are taught to gallop as soon as a trainer believes their body can take the stress. That's why when choosing a thoroughbred racehorse, one MUST look at the leg confirmation, the feet most-importantly! I will explain all about LASIX and how it is used. One vet (doc) explained to me that LASIX is like a human that has diabetes- one must use insulin to keep alive! Same with a racehorse that uses LASIX.
The Initial Weeks
The first six weeks of a colt's (filly's) life are crucial in training! It's vital that a racehorse's training runs smoothly, so they don't develop any bad habits. Your trainer must begin by 'lunging' (short sessions of learning how to breathe during a race); accepting a racing saddle which will take some time to teach (accepting a bit).
Training By Lessons
Training a yearling can develop a colt/filly quickly if done correctly. A yearling that has great ground manners will develop into a fabulous racehorse. While training Assault, a Triple Crown Winner- he was very green! But his trainer and workout boy kept up with him. At the end of his yearling year, he had a practice run of 1:09.2 at six furlongs in December of that year. Usually, trainers don't run their thoroughbreds at a distance until they turn 2 years old. But Max Hirsch was a different type of trainer. Assault only had two victories as a 2 year old; but when he finally grew fully into his body- he was a beast!
Essential Training Lessons
Don't be so tempted to sell (get rid of a yearling) just because he/she cannot gain early instruction. Remember, you'll be getting your yearling ready for the rest of his/her racing life! Be patient. Make sure that this future racehorse knows who is the boss, gently. Never use a whip across their legs and/or body to train. If you do- racehorses remember what has been done to them and then when a jockey wants to use a whip during a race, your racehorse might not accept it?
Actions, the Showing Of
At this point, the feet are the most important part of the body in the middle of their yearling life. Teach your future racehorse to accept farriery work. Your future racehorse will be getting shod every 2-3 weeks from now on, once he/she is training weekly/racing frequently. Make sure they have the correct foundation for success- this starts with the horseshoes. The stride angle is the length between a horse’s front and back hoof, often measured at the push-off point of the rear hoof. Typically, the stride angle is used to figure out how far a horse will flatten out when racing. Often, a horse with a higher stride angle will have a longer stride, resulting in a fast horse. Secretariat holds the record for the highest stride angle at 110 degrees; War Admiral 114; then astoundingly- Seabiscuit at 116! Actually, there are nine thoroughbreds at 116. Next is the rate of stride, which is the number of strides a horse has in a minute. On average, a horse at a gallop will have 120-130 strides per minute. However, a winning Thoroughbred may have 160 or more strides per minute (explain: "Bold Venture"; "Seattle Slew" & "Justify"). Speed Rating is a factor here. Always check the distance a racehorse makes up in the stretch, including if they are in front (expanding their lead). I will explain in detail during our class instruction.
Tack & Apparrel
First off, finding the correct bit for their mouth is extremely important! The remainder of their equipment will fall into place. Practice putting on equipment (racing saddle) as many times as you can. By the time they reach 2-year old status, they MUST feel really comfortable for racing during their 2-year old campaign with the equipment you've taught them with.
All About RACETRACKS and WINNING:
Fabulous Documentary! Please LISTEN to EVERY WORD students..
Chasing the Win (2018) | Full Movie | Documentary | Horse Racing (youtube.com)
Putting Together Thoroughbred Films! Please LISTEN to EVERY WORD students..
Great Thoroughbred Races Volume 2 (youtube.com)