by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: March 15, 2009   Last Updated: June 26, 2009

Horse training is a good deal of common sense, a lot of patience and a respect of the animal. A thoroughbred is a great specimen of a perfect athlete. Given all of the right tools a thoroughbred is an easy horse to train. Treat them with the respect of an athlete and they will respond.

*Meet the physical needs

*Meet the emotional needs

*Basic Training

*Keep the animal healthy

*Reward the animal for performance

~Meet the physical needs

Food and shelter are physical needs. The diet of a thoroughbred is important. The barn veterinarian will be happy to outline a diet that will keep the horse in tip top shape as for as nutritional needs.

A horse does well with the right kind of shelter and bedding. A race horse travels from track to track and the most comforting thing may be the familiar smell and feel of the bedding. A well rested horse is important and the thoroughbred needs to feel relaxed enough to rest.

~Meet the emotion needs

A young thoroughbred needs a safe place and time to run free. A horse comes into his own and discovers nature ability and style during this play time. The horse with develop more confidence and will be ready for training when more serious training comes.

Learn the temperament of the horse and work with that. The goal is not to change the thoroughbred, but to learn the strengths and train to those strengths.

~Basic training

Basic training of the horse as far as halter training and such is no different for a thoroughbred. The difference comes in the race training.

Begin by riding the horse three miles a day, every three days. The thoroughbred needs to gain muscles and strength. This happens with slow and steady work to develop muscles. A good workout and then enough rest to build up the muscle and begin the training again.

The distance can be increased in steady increments as the horse is warmed up and has the body mass to run farther.

At thirty-two months the horse should have fully developed knees and be ready to begin speed training on the track. Training to run full speed for short bursts works best for the animal. As he improves the speed in these short bursts he will naturally develop more speed and endurance.

Allow the horse to run with other animals on the track. Having a sense of another animal will help prepare for races in the future.

It is important that a thoroughbred learns to get out of the gate. A good start is essential. However, thousands of injuries happen around and in the gate. So when training this aspect be sure there is plenty of help around to make sure safety is the number one key.

~Keep the animal healthy

Have a stable veterinarian for the thoroughbred. The horse is an investment and the veterinarian is going to make sure the investment stays well.

Equine massage is more than a luxury. Message helps to form the way the muscles develop and it increases the circulation. It also trains the horse to be handled and the horse learns trust.

~Reward the animal for performance

Never train a horse under duress or with violence. It will sour the horse. The horse will develop behavior flaws that he will carry the rest of his life.

Any jockey can tell you that the temperament and trust a horse has been trained to display is evident upon meeting the horse. They like praise and good attention and seem to demand a note of respect.

These magnificent animals respond well to humans when their needs are being met. Enjoy the thoroughbred and the horse will enjoy the experience as well. Every thoroughbred wasn't meant to be a race horse and if that is the case find another application for the animal. Trainers will tell you to follow the heart of the horse. It is sound advice.

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