training principles Archives - Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc.

The Importance of Forage for Horses: Why Every Horse Owner Needs to Take This Seriously

by kclark@goodhorse.org August 27, 2023August 27, 2023No Comments

When you visit Leighton Farm, the home of Thoroughbred Placement Resources, you will notice how relaxed and healthy all of the horses are. Our feeding program has a substantial impact on giving the horses a sense of well-being. A large component is the amount of forage our horses have access to. As a horseman with …

First Off-site Ride

by kclark@goodhorse.org June 13, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

I had taken Stevie over to Cheryl’s farm one week ago when I went over to ride Fellow. On that occasion I grazed him, put him in a stall, with a great view – thanks to Cheryl’s generosity. Stevie had a wonderful, positive experience to build on for this the following visit. I want to …

The Hardest Thing

by kclark@goodhorse.org June 9, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

I’ve been riding Stevie consistently and now it’s time to begin work on the canter. Introducing the canter to retired racehorses is one of the hardest things to address when laying down a new foundation. Relaxation is a must but the horse believes I am asking him to gallop and that’s understandable because he has …

An Elastic Connection

by kclark@goodhorse.org March 14, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

I’m working to entice Stevie to reach to an elastic contact. This is the beginning of developing a new connection between Stevie and the rider. When he does reach and make contact with the bit, because I am soft and elastic, there is room for him to continue moving his body to walk or trot. …

The First Signs of Self Carriage

by kclark@goodhorse.org March 2, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

Stevie begins more serious work in the arena. I want him to stretch, but in order for him to stretch over his top line, he must find balance. Notice his hocks are coming under now instead of trailing out behind him. Although his pace is slow, it’s as fast as he can go at this …

Learning to deal with Challenges

by kclark@goodhorse.org February 6, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

It’s windy and cold and he thinks he knows how to do this because he learned some things yesterday. Stevie is a people pleaser and very generous. He gives me his all when I just want 5% of his effort but that’s a Thoroughbred for you! He’s ready to go from the start and I …

First Trot on the Lunge Line

by kclark@goodhorse.org February 5, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

We begin the trot on the lunge line. I could ride him at the trot initially and help him find balance on a circles but this would add the burden of my weight making it physically more difficult for him. It would also make him dependent on me for balance. I want Stevie to learn …

Out of the Arena

by kclark@goodhorse.org January 28, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

This is Stevis Man’s third hack at Leighton Farm. I sent him with Z, my most dependable citizen to show Stevie around. Z was born here so nothing worries him at Leighton Farm. Annoy, yes, frighten, no. I had someone to video today so this is the third ride not the first but they were …

Days 6 and 7 riding Stevis Man

by kclark@goodhorse.org January 11, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

1/10/2023 – Our Sixth Ride – This is the first time I do not prep him with lunge at the walk before riding him. I work the poles on the ground to present a small challenge that I believe he can handle. Applying a little pressure and seeing how he handles it will prep …

Days 4 and 5, riding Stevis Man

by kclark@goodhorse.org January 5, 2023June 22, 2023No Comments

01/05/2023 – Our Fourth Ride. – In the beginning of the ride I begin gentle neck suppling. Racehorses are almost always very tight in their neck and their poll as Stevie is. Throughout the ride, I do not care where he puts his head. I don’t want to restrict his movement or his body. I …