training old runners for resale

Question
Hi, I am a trainer that is looking into resaling retired runners as hunter prospects.  In order to help the horse transition smoothly I would like a better understanding of the most common aids used in track training. Seeing how track riders do not have much leg on, what aids are most commonly used to ask the horse to go forward?  Also I have been told that runners are taught to set against the bit. Is this true?

Answer
Race horses are trained in the same manner as hunters from the start, if done properly. I don't believe in training a horse to run into the bit. Horses that run into the bit are generally trained by poor riders and improper training. When I say "run in to the bit", I mean taking off and not responding to the rider in a rank manner. This is really just a one consequence that goes with some horses trained to run.

As far as moving forward, race horses go forward either on their own when you give them their head or in the same way a hunter would go. A leg squeeze, toe tap or just a push on the withers. Good trainers with good riders use leg and train horses to move and respond in the same way pleasure breeds are trained. Some horses need lots of time off the track to settle and other need little or no time. Pedigree has a lot to do with this along with their training while racing.

Christopher Crocker

Crocker Racing Stable Inc.

http://CrockerRacingStable.com