I have always had horses in my life so I feel that have 'horse sense' but thoroughbreds have taught me even more. The OTTB is a horse with a huge heart but it must be earned. Once a TB knows that you are on their side and that you 'get it', they will give you everything. They will, of course, have a moments where they think they know it all and then get irritated when you do not completely agree but the key to resolving this conflict with an OTTB, as I have found, is to let them have their 'moment' without reacting negatively. Just ride it out and in a few seconds, when they get no reaction from the rider, they forget all about what they were trying to prove. And continue as you were. The problem that I have witnessed with riders is that they cannot just 'let it go' and continue on. They react which causes the OTTB to become more upset and then really explode! Thus the OTTB is not for an inexperienced rider nor a rider that cannot set boundries. Even though it is good to let the OTTB have their tantrum or 'event', it is best to get them back on track ASAP but do it in a way that does not use force, rather an explanation of what is being asked. Then there will also be days where it is best just to try another day! I have scratched my OTTB from a show in that his brain was just not there that day and I was not going to get it back anytime soon! Better to just stop and try again later than have a real bad day! OTTBs, if treated fairly, do not hold a grudge. In fact, they are very forgiving, which is good since I have know I have had less that stellar days of riding!
Anyhow, with all that said, here is the start of my OTTB blog.
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