Kalley Krickeberg’s
Off-Track Thoroughbred Program
A transformational program grounded in passion, practicality, and 35 years of proven horsemanship.
The OTTB Project Mission Statement
To create awareness about adopting or purchasing the OTTB, and to provide a comprehensive, tailored, and balanced program that successfully transitions them into new careers—supporting both horse and owner every step of the way.
The OTTB Transitional Training Program
Kalley’s OTTB Transitional Training Program is built for horses coming off the track shifting into new careers. It’s about helping these athletic, high-drive horses slow down, think, and learn to connect through feel and understanding.
This program combines the fundamentals of Balanced Horse Training with a thoughtful, step-by-step approach designed specifically for the Thoroughbred Racehorse mind. It teaches both horse and handler how to replace both instinctive and ill-trained reactions with calm responses — creating confidence, control, and partnership on the ground and under saddle.
The program lessons and instruction cover three core phases of transitional training, each organized into essential steps and stages, helping the Off-Track Thoroughbred find mental balance, follow a light feel, and get a fresh start. Each stage builds on the last, keeping the training process simple, clear, and safe for both horse and human.
Why the OTTB Program?
The Thoroughbred has always been my “heart” breed, and the success I’ve had retraining the Off Track Thoroughbred specifically into ranch horses and Polo horses, is the reason I have the ability to get along with any breed, any disposition, any temperament. I have garnered a reputation for being a “fixer” because, from the beginning, I learned to adapt to the horse, instead of making the horse adapt to me. This fundamental belief is a thread I sew throughout my training philosophy and program.
Why Now?
We must have a plan and goal, then adjust the path to goal according to the individual if we expect to have long term success. Putting the OTTB Transitional Training Program together, supporting the horse and owner with their goals and plans, at this point in my career, is one of my most crowning achievements. Seeing life through these eyes and 35 years of training all classes, breeds, disciplines, and having studied with some of the most incredible horsemen in the world, makes this project very special to me. It gives me something to hand off to you that is proven – grounded in practicality, reason, accuracy, and passion. And, tt is a way I can give back to the industry – the industry I love.
The OTTB Transitional Training Program
- Groundwork with Obstacles
- Purpose Driven Riding Skills
- Western discipline and Polo base
Why a Western Discipline/Polo/Ranch Focus:
Keys to Success for Every Horse in Any Discipline
Because all horses can have success in life and successes in any discipline if:
- They can learn to give to pressure accurately and appropriately vs pulling or pushing on the rider or handler
- They can ride on a LOOSE rein.
- They can be ridden ONE handed
- They can give the majority of their focus to the handler or rider when asked
- They can go, stop & turn as in the Polo horse, Stockhorse, Cowhorse, Working Equitation horse or Ranch horse
Relaxation and Resilience in One-Handed Riding
With a Western discipline or Working Equitation style one-handed riding focus, it forces the rider/trainer to teach the OTTB to relax and be okay with; maneuvers, obstacles, ropes, cows, mallets, and organized chaos. The horse learns to manage life and keep their wits about them, and not simply be “held together” which easily happens when riding with 2 reins and contact. Polo, Working Equitation, Western discipline competitions, and ranch work require one-handed riding, and most times it is required to do the work on a loose rein.
Loose Rein Riding for Self-Control and Stability
Teaching a horse to walk trot and canter on a LOOSE REIN is one of the most valuable and important things a horse can learn for their own self-control and mental stability.
Teaching Focus and Partnership for Success
The faster you can teach the OTTB that the goal is right in front of them (to watch their feet over challenging terrain, obstacles, follow a cow, move with a cow-flag and/or follow a Polo ball) instead of being mentally miles away searching for the invisible finishline, the faster they will become a teachable partner. **Important to note: a partner HELPS, a partner doesn’t fight, they aren’t afraid, they don’t try to trick, work against, or out do their counterpart… they HELP. They do their job so you can do yours.
Building Adaptability and Stability in Horses
We need to help teach the horse to be adaptable to change, by giving it a set of skills and expectations to work within no matter what. This creates stability in the horse.
Transitional Training Program Details
Phase I
Ground Manners
Building Safety, Respect, and Trust
Phase II
Groundwork
Building Body Control and Mental Connection
Phase III
Riding
From Track Horse to Riding Partner
Ready to Start Your Horse’s Transformation?
$35/Monthly
Markets for the Thoroughbred outside of Racing
Eventing
Polo
Jumping
Ranch
Trail
Endurance
Pleasure
What to Know About the OTTB
The possible Negatives with OTTBs Specifically
- Flighty
- Reactive
- Pushy
- Heavy in the mouth
- Little/Low quality steering
- Run over/Drags handler
- Mentally “miles away”
- Low self-control
- Low emotional control
- Possible stall vices
- High probability of ulcers
The possible Positives with OTTBs Specifically
- Already ridable
- Exposed to high speeds yet controllable
- Exposed to/Comfortable in high-energy, chaotic environments
- Generally good with farrier and vet work
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Kalley Krickeberg is a world-class equestrian who developed her innovative Balanced Horse Training (BHT) curriculum through extensive study across multiple disciplines.
Foaling Season is Here!
Don’t get caught without the essentials. Kalley will help set you and your new arrival up for success, whether that’s with high quality tools or helpful tips for safe and proven steps for a smooth halter breaking process.