Why do they do that?

Ex-racehorses are notorious for certain foibles, but what lies behind these behaviours and how can they be overcome? Stephanie Bateman finds out

- Stephanie Bateman

WON’T STAND STILL TO BE MOUNTED

Reason: “When they are in training, racehorses are led around while the jockeys are legged up, so they are never taught to stand still to be mounted,” explains showing producer and retrained racehorse specialist Katie Jerram-Hunnable. “They’re not being naughty by not standing still. They simply have never been asked.”

Solution: “Start by encouraging the horse to stand by having someone at his head feeling him treats while the rider mounts at a mounting block,” advises Katie. “This will teach them to stand in a kind and positive way, because you don’t want it to turn into a negative issue that takes longer to resolve.

“Be aware that if they do go to walk forward when the rider begins to mount, don’t snatch at their heads as this can shock them and push them into rearing.

“Don’t expect them to learn in one session – gradually build it up until they have learnt that standing still is the best option for them.”

TAKES OFF IN OPEN SPACES

Reason: “Racehorses spend a lot of time on the gallops and these can be both all-weather and grass,” explains Katie. “They learn that being on the gallops means it’s time to canter and this can transfer to any open space.”

Solution: “When we take on an ex-racehorse, we start by doing lots of roadworks and controlled work, so I avoid cantering in open fields and on tracks to begin with until I have built up a suitable level of control,” says Katie. “We do a lot of schooling work to educate them to sit back and listen to the rider, rather than taking a hold and running away.