The retraining course of regardless of what number of occasions you concentrate on it or say it, is simply not simple. There are such a lot of issues to consider and simply if you actually really feel like you might be hitting the height you begin over-thinking or over-analyzing new issues.

Goldie has been exceeding each expectation I’ve ever had. He has been amazingly proficient alongside this complete journey collectively and continues to be, however one factor that’s so new to me is he’s 5. Not solely is he 5, however he’s an actively rising 5-year-old immature horse, that means his physique is altering so quickly for the higher some days after which he could be so awkward (in a great way) different days.

When he hits his growths spurts there are such a lot of new issues that really feel completely different and there are days that he actually simply may not really feel like the identical horse I rode the day earlier than. Not too long ago, nonetheless, I’ve simply been over-thinking each a part of him and actually worrying about him. He has recently simply been tripping loads within the hind finish. Not a horrible journey however sufficient the place I really feel like I’ve begin hyper-focusing on it. It positively could be seen in lots of movies and with every journey is a weak spot concern as a result of he simply retains rising and altering. His physique simply feels prefer it can’t sustain with all the good vitamin and coaching he’s receiving. I all the time over-think any new kind of step my horses take as a result of they’re my youngsters and actually simply need the perfect for them.

So, we made the choice to return to the drafting board and break all the pieces down over again. That means, we’ve simply have been hacking out and strolling loads. We have now been strolling up and down hills, strolling lengthy trails, and even simply throwing in random terrain. Most not too long ago, we went and did a 13-mile path journey at Honest Hill. Goldie cherished all of it, and even towards the top he began to essentially turn out to be courageous with each stream and bridge.

We nonetheless do trot and canter whereas sometimes throwing in some gymnastics, however what’s most vital is that I proceed to strengthen his hind finish and all of his altering muscle tissue as he continues to develop. Additionally, he actually is having fun with the slower life type.

I do know that there are a lot of occasions that as a rider we get in our personal head and even get extra stressed fascinated with how the Thoroughbred Makeover is rapidly approaching with so many extra issues to see and be taught. Nevertheless, my most vital aim is to get to the makeover with a stronger horse, each bodily and mentally, particularly since Goldie has already proven he’s tremendous adaptable to something we come to collectively.

The Jockey Membership helps many aftercare initiatives together with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the one accrediting physique in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which inspires the retraining of Thoroughbreds into different disciplines upon completion of careers. View all the initiatives supported by The Jockey Membership.