Traing and Flapping

Question
QUESTION: Hi there first of all i would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this question.

I am the owner of two ex racers and live in scotland uk i have just heard about flapping for the first time.

My 4yo ex racer has raced in the past and is whetherbys registered unfortunately for him he was deemed not suitable for racing as he couldn't be held. He was raced over 2 mile 6 furlong nearly every time he raced. I have watched videos of him racing and he fought the jockey for his head the whole way which meant by the last 6 furlong he had nothing left to give and tailed off. His previos trainer has said he was not suitable beacause of this.

Since i have bought him i gave him time and tlc and put some weight back onto him. He is easy top collect and has been raced against other horses and i always found even in a snaffle bit he was easy to hold and turned on the speed whenever you asked for it. I would love to give this guy another chance at racing ie flapping but don't have the first clue as to how to start.

I would also love it if you could give me some idea of a training regime for fitness as he isn't fit at the moment and i would like to get him as fit as i can. I am willing to put in 100% and be there 24/7 now i just needthe knowledge!!

Thanks for your time i have included my email address as i don't know how this site works

ANSWER: hi --i do not know what you mean by the word flapping. anyhow, you can start training the horse about 1 1/2 miles a day at a regular gallop. i do that for 30 days. then i work the horse 3 furlongs. then i gallop another month and then work the horse 4 furlongs. after 2 months of galloping and 2 workouts, then i gallop one week and work the horse 5 furlongs. one more week then work the horse 6 furlongs. you will have to have some workouts from the gate in order to get your gate card in order to start in a race. all of the time you are training the horse , you must check the legs, feet etc. every day to make sure he is sound. a good feed schedule and plenty of leg care and grooming of the horse will have him ready to run within 2-3 months.you will also have to check the horses way of going so you can decide what equipment to use on him, such as a tongue tie, shadow roll, blinkers, nose band and figure 8.  hope this helps you thanks ED HESS

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your reply flapping is unaffiliated racing across here for novice owners gives everybody a chance i suppose. My horse looks the part now ie grooming legs and feed just fitness levels are poor as he has been off work to gsin a bit of weight. Would you start the above regime immediately or would you work up to it first as this horses fitness levels are practically none exsistant. At the moment he has the farrier out to him every 4 weeks at my request and i have him checked over withthe vet at least every 2nd month is this adequate?

Answer
hi -- i would start the training program now. the sooner you start the sooner the horse will come around and start getting fir and ready to run. you must give the horse a good feed and care program so you can see how good he is coming along in this training program. the vet should be used only when you think you need the vet to make sure the horse is going good. i would float his teeth before he starts his tanning, so you are sure he has no bad teeth or sores in his mouth that need attention. the everyday galloping and good feed should bring the horse around and you will see a big difference in his attitude and well being. leg care is always a must so you can keep problems from starting. a good leg liniment  used daily will keep the legs good and sound for you. . hope this helps you. thanks ED HESS