OTTB Program – Phase III

Basic Riding Skills

From Track Horse to Riding Partner

Overview
When Groundwork is solid, the OTTB is ready to transition under saddle. These lessons help the horse understand how to respond correctly to pressure from the rider’s seat, legs, and reins — not act like they are continuously charging out of the starting gate of life.
Stages
What You’ll Work On
  • Mounting quietly from the ground
  • Bending to a stop at walk, trot, and canter in both directions
  • Yielding the hindquarters lightly and willingly
  • Rein to front foot at all gaits for balance and lightness
  • Backing up without pulling — one step at a time
  • Developing the “stall-to-a-stop” and relaxed standstill
Why It Matters

This stage establishes safety and control under saddle. It replaces reaction with response and teaches the OTTB to stay light or slow down/stop when asked to move out.

What You’ll Work On
  • The Rest-Area Cloverleaf Pattern: teaching calm rest points within work
  • Using circles, direction changes, and pauses to manage energy
  • Returning to calm after anxiety by revisiting earlier exercises
  • Building trust through repetition and predictable structure
Why It Matters

Thoroughbreds are forward thinkers. This stage teaches them that forward motion doesn’t mean racing — it means thinking. The horse learns rhythm, control, and patience.

What You’ll Work On
  • Riding in wide open spaces and staying mentally connected
  • Trail rides (ideally with a buddy horse)
  • Trail obstacle courses and trot pole patterns
  • Stick-n-ball, roping dummy, cutting flag, or light stock work
  • Advanced exposure like following a live cow or small group work
Why It Matters

This stage transitions the OTTB from “tolerating” to “trusting.” The horse learns to carry the same confidence outside the arena that was built inside it. Each new experience is approached with calm curiosity instead of tension, resistance or panic.

“You can’t rush trust and respect. You build it one experience at a time.” — Kalley Krickeberg