Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In today’s video, you’ll meet Dale, an Off-The-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) who has just arrived for retraining. This is one of his very first rides under my guidance, and I’m taking things slow to help him build confidence, relaxation, and understanding under saddle.
You’ll see how I work through:
Establishing the "wait for the cue" mindset
Using one-rein stops and safe dismounting techniques
Addressing sensitivity to leg contact from a rider
Introducing the first trot steps with softness and patience
Choosing when not to push too far
Dale shows us exactly why it’s so important to go at the horse’s pace, especially when they’re making the leap from racetrack to riding partner. He tries so hard to understand and gives me some lovely, honest moments throughout the ride. A truly special little horse. 💛
If you're retraining a Thoroughbred or starting any young or sensitive horse, I hope this video gives you insight into reading the horse beneath you and choosing the right moments to ask—or pause.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more videos like this and follow Dale’s journey from racetrack to riding horse!
📍 Related Videos:
* Helping Your OTTB Horse To Find Relaxation Under Saddle - youtu.be/-05B9T72Ey4
*Helping Your OTTB Horse To Find Relaxation Under Saddle - youtu.be/RhSzjcp3-t0
* Teaching Dale To Walk On The Lunge - youtu.be/lroTEo24nd4
📌 Download my free Three Principles Handout - basichorsetraining.com/3-principles
📌 Have questions? Drop them in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer!
📌 Want to know more about Basic Horse Training Academy - Go Here 👉 basichorsetraining.com/courses/basic-horse-training-academy
❤️ No obligation whatsoever, but if I have brought you value and you would like to donate to support this channel or buy the horses some hay!! Go Here buymeacoffee.com/basichorsetraining
Find me on Facebook: facebook.com/basichorsetraining
Find me on Instagram: instagram.com/basichorsetraining
BLOG POST: basichorsetraining.com
#basichorsetraining #horsetraining #OTTB #OffTheTrackThoroughbred #HorseTraining #ThoroughbredRetraining #HorseTrainer #StartingUnderSaddle #HorseSoftness #OneReinStop #DressageFoundations #SensitiveHorse #YoungHorseTraining #FirstRide #RacehorseToRidingHorse #HorseTrainingJourney #AustralianHorseTrainer #OTTBTransformation #RidingSensitiveHorses
In today’s video, you’ll meet Dale, an Off-The-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) who has just arrived for retraining. This is one of his very first rides under my guidance, and I’m taking things slow to help him build confidence, relaxation, and understanding under saddle.
You’ll see how I work through:
Establishing the "wait for the cue" mindset
Using one-rein stops and safe dismounting techniques
Addressing sensitivity to leg contact from a rider
Introducing the first trot steps with softness and patience
Choosing when not to push too far
Dale shows us exactly why it’s so important to go at the horse’s pace, especially when they’re making the leap from racetrack to riding partner. He tries so hard to understand and gives me some lovely, honest moments throughout the ride. A truly special little horse. 💛
If you're retraining a Thoroughbred or starting any young or sensitive horse, I hope this video gives you insight into reading the horse beneath you and choosing the right moments to ask—or pause.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more videos like this and follow Dale’s journey from racetrack to riding horse!
📍 Related Videos:
* Helping Your OTTB Horse To Find Relaxation Under Saddle - youtu.be/-05B9T72Ey4
*Helping Your OTTB Horse To Find Relaxation Under Saddle - youtu.be/RhSzjcp3-t0
* Teaching Dale To Walk On The Lunge - youtu.be/lroTEo24nd4
📌 Download my free Three Principles Handout - basichorsetraining.com/3-principles
📌 Have questions? Drop them in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer!
📌 Want to know more about Basic Horse Training Academy - Go Here 👉 basichorsetraining.com/courses/basic-horse-training-academy
❤️ No obligation whatsoever, but if I have brought you value and you would like to donate to support this channel or buy the horses some hay!! Go Here buymeacoffee.com/basichorsetraining
Find me on Facebook: facebook.com/basichorsetraining
Find me on Instagram: instagram.com/basichorsetraining
BLOG POST: basichorsetraining.com
#basichorsetraining #horsetraining #OTTB #OffTheTrackThoroughbred #HorseTraining #ThoroughbredRetraining #HorseTrainer #StartingUnderSaddle #HorseSoftness #OneReinStop #DressageFoundations #SensitiveHorse #YoungHorseTraining #FirstRide #RacehorseToRidingHorse #HorseTrainingJourney #AustralianHorseTrainer #OTTBTransformation #RidingSensitiveHorses
