Here at Fitness Eventing we focus on teaching the horses how to use their bodies correctly so they stay sound throughout their lives. What does this mean? To put everything simply, when a horse is balanced back to front and side to side, it can carry its bodyweight using muscles evenly (no bulking up one side/other side staying very weak) and without putting undue pressure on any one limb (causing strain on joints, tendons, ligaments).
How do we do this? Erika TEACHES the horses with patience and consistent techniques. When training OTTBs, we realize that we are RE training them; they already had a career and know how to gallop on a track very well. Consistency and patience are the key elements required to teach an OTTB that their old career is over, and that now they must respect new aids from the rider and use their bodies differently. Here is what Erika focuses on when retraining OTTBs:
How do we do this? Erika TEACHES the horses with patience and consistent techniques. When training OTTBs, we realize that we are RE training them; they already had a career and know how to gallop on a track very well. Consistency and patience are the key elements required to teach an OTTB that their old career is over, and that now they must respect new aids from the rider and use their bodies differently. Here is what Erika focuses on when retraining OTTBs:
- Pushing evenly from behind; having an even rhythm with their hind legs so each leg pushes with the same amount of force
- Maintaining side to side balance through their hips & shoulders so they stay level especially when turning (how many horses drop their left shoulder to turn left?)
- Bending through their ribcage (not just their neck) to encourage relaxation over their back & increase flexibility
- Patience; to wait for the rider's aids without anticipating or panicking
- Focus; to think about their own feet and balance instead of rushing through exercises
Do you think your horse would benefit from our program? Erika always customizes each horse's program to work with their individual personalities, overcome their past issues, and reach your goals.