Please allow me to throw my 2 cents into the mix. My primary advice would be, “the longer you ride, the longer you ride.” If you are used to jumping, that stirrup leather length would be good, maybe 1 notch up. Also, wear gloves. I dont care if its 157 degrees outside, the 1 morning you dont wear gloves you will rub a sore in a knuckle or 2. Same thing with your legs - either invest in a pair of cotton jockey leggings or an ace bandage. Wear long over the knee soccer socks under. I also wear a pair over my leggings. Remember, an ounce of prevention… Also, i recommend a good pair of chaps or half chaps. They will help you out as you learn. Bonus: further protection from rubs. There will be trainers who dont think you should wear chaps. I tell them to shove it up they arse, they arent in the saddle - you are. I used to work my horses in chaps and i didnt care what people thought. Keep in mind you WILL get yelled at. By trainers, outriders and fellow gallop peeps. Develop a thick skin, nod your head and go on about your business. Whats the worst that can happen? You get fired and then you find another barn to gallop for. I once got fired for being white - no joke. I went across the drive and got a job 10 min later. Making more money.
But most of all, enjoy the ride!. Theres nothing on the planet like galloping a horse down the stretch at dawn.
So are you going to be exercising them out on the farm? I apologize if this has been explained (i dont always read for comprehension) What is the lay-out-- hacking/galloping across fields or a training track? My main concern would be if you are “galloping” them and they are tough and you get run off with…how are you going to get pulled up if you are out in a field-- a tree perhaps-it has happened with bad results. Or if it is a training track–do they have an out rider? if you’ve never been on a racehorse you will be shocked at the extra “gear” they have. You also might be considered an independent contractor and hence get no workmen compensation if you get injured and are not at the track and on someone’s badge list (at least in the old days it worked that way.) These are all important considerations! Make sure usual safety protocols are followed and make sure you will be covered as an employee under workmen compensation.
P.S. Never change your hold on a racehorse unless you want to get run off with.
[QUOTE=QHJockee;8307241]
Please allow me to throw my 2 cents into the mix. My primary advice would be, “the longer you ride, the longer you ride.” If you are used to jumping, that stirrup leather length would be good, maybe 1 notch up. Also, wear gloves. I dont care if its 157 degrees outside, the 1 morning you dont wear gloves you will rub a sore in a knuckle or 2. Same thing with your legs - either invest in a pair of cotton jockey leggings or an ace bandage. Wear long over the knee soccer socks under. I also wear a pair over my leggings. Remember, an ounce of prevention… Also, i recommend a good pair of chaps or half chaps. They will help you out as you learn. Bonus: further protection from rubs. There will be trainers who dont think you should wear chaps. I tell them to shove it up they arse, they arent in the saddle - you are. I used to work my horses in chaps and i didnt care what people thought. Keep in mind you WILL get yelled at. By trainers, outriders and fellow gallop peeps. Develop a thick skin, nod your head and go on about your business. Whats the worst that can happen? You get fired and then you find another barn to gallop for. I once got fired for being white - no joke. I went across the drive and got a job 10 min later. Making more money.
But most of all, enjoy the ride!. Theres nothing on the planet like galloping a horse down the stretch at dawn.[/QUOTE]
Will absolutely wear gloves. I also have an excellent pair of half-chaps that I will be wearing.
I have a very fit horse and access to a 1/2-mile track. I know it’s not the same as actually galloping a racehorse in training, but if I do some canter/hand gallop in a half-seat on a regular basis, would that help my fitness for this sort of thing?
[QUOTE=omare;8307283]
So are you going to be exercising them out on the farm? I apologize if this has been explained (i dont always read for comprehension) What is the lay-out-- hacking/galloping across fields or a training track? My main concern would be if you are “galloping” them and they are tough and you get run off with…how are you going to get pulled up if you are out in a field-- a tree perhaps-it has happened with bad results. Or if it is a training track–do they have an out rider? if you’ve never been on a racehorse you will be shocked at the extra “gear” they have. You also might be considered an independent contractor and hence get no workmen compensation if you get injured and are not at the track and on someone’s badge list (at least in the old days it worked that way.) These are all important considerations! Make sure usual safety protocols are followed and make sure you will be covered as an employee under workmen compensation.[/QUOTE]
I actually haven’t been to the farm yet. It’s a TB training facility in MA, not sure exactly what their setup is.
I think I might know the “extra gear” you’re talking about. I once let my mare rip on the small track where I board and… wow, never felt anything like that before, not even when other OTTBs have run off with me. This is a horse who used to run 22-second quarters and she’s still a little rocket. Thank god she has good brakes.
[QUOTE=The Blood Bay Mare;8307343]
I actually haven’t been to the farm yet. It’s a TB training facility in MA, not sure exactly what their setup is.
I think I might know the “extra gear” you’re talking about. I once let my mare rip on the small track where I board and… wow, never felt anything like that before, not even when other OTTBs have run off with me. This is a horse who used to run 22-second quarters and she’s still a little rocket. Thank god she has good brakes.[/QUOTE]
It’s the start that got me (though I stayed on). I took Lucky, still largely race-fit, out on the harness oval at the farm I boarded at and after jogging him decided one day to jog him clockwise then turn him around and ask him to go and see what happened. Good thing I had a stick and had bridged the reins because the coiling up and going like a spring releasing was something I had never felt on a horse before. He still knew exactly what he was doing. Fortunately he also knew how to steer and slow down when asked…
[QUOTE=The Blood Bay Mare;8307317]
Will absolutely wear gloves. I also have an excellent pair of half-chaps that I will be wearing.
I have a very fit horse and access to a 1/2-mile track. I know it’s not the same as actually galloping a racehorse in training, but if I do some canter/hand gallop in a half-seat on a regular basis, would that help my fitness for this sort of thing?[/QUOTE]
Not really. I saw your other post as well about letting your mare go all out…still totally different. When you are in control of letting your horse go fast you can relax and let go and there is not so much mental and muscle stress. When you are on a racehorse that is wanting to go faster than you want, even if that’s slower than your practice gallops on your own horse, it’s obviously much more of a workout and can be nerve wracking, which adds to the overall effort.
I don’t know these horses you will be galloping - they might be very easy so I don’t want to scare you off too much. I feel like all my posts have been “omg, it’s so hard.” I had some unique opportunities to gallop big time horses and that was exciting, but definitely thrown into the deep end since they were so fit and competitive. Even the pony was super charged and I ended up run away with ( and the cover story of Indian Charlie!) Not that these horses aren’t good, but they might be much more laid back in a farm environment.
Could you watch them with anybody else first? I would hope they have been taken out in the time since running … I think I would definitely want a feel for the horses before hopping on myself . The point about an outrider and a track vs a field is a great one too. Do you have someone to pull you up if you do get run away with?
If it doesn’t pour buckets (which it might), I’m going to the farm today. The gloves I have are the SSG Rancher gloves (http://www.doversaddlery.com/ssg®-rancher-gloves/p/X1-3962/?ids=5tm3e4plviepw2ijtsiuutry). They feel pretty grippy to me, do you think they’re a good option?
I’ve been assured that these two are about as laid-back as racehorses get, and judging by their behavior going to the gate and during morning gallops I watched last year, I believe it. They’re also far from big time; mare is a Suffolk Downs claimer who hasn’t won since 2011, and gelding is a 7-year-old maiden. Trainer told me to bring my own saddle to use if it fits them (seems possible - it’s a T8 high wither GP, and these two are shaped much like my mare). I don’t know exactly what’s in store but I am excited for the opportunity.
I know they’re fit, considering they just raced, but both of them faded pretty badly near the end and trainer said he needs them fitter. Neither of them has raced since the 2014 Suffolk Downs meet and they’ve only had a couple of timed works apiece.
I honestly think this trainer is looking out for me and trying to give me a shot at something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve known him for over a year, he’s honest and fair and everyone who works for him really likes him. His horses have excellent manners and always seem happy. So I appreciate the advice on how to handle the ride, but I’d like people to focus on that instead of assuming this trainer doesn’t care if I get hurt or is taking advantage of my interest.
Personally, I think the Rancher gloves are a poor choice. They are too bulky and will hinder you more than help. I galloped in a thin pair of grippy gloves.
[QUOTE=Flash44;8309989]
Personally, I think the Rancher gloves are a poor choice. They are too bulky and will hinder you more than help. I galloped in a thin pair of grippy gloves.[/QUOTE]
Thank you, I was wondering where the sweet spot between dexterity and protection fell. I also have thinner gloves but I’m not sure if they’re in my car, I might have to swing by my barn.
The more you expand on the situation, it sounds better than my initial impression from your first post. I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re not trying to discourage you, we’re trying to keep you safe. It’s an unfortunate truth that the racing world has a lot of unsavory people, and riding racehorses is dangerous. Combing the two factors does not make for a good learning experience, but the more information you give makes it sound like the trainer isn’t trying to take advantage of you. The fact that he’s letting you come by in the afternoon suggests to me that he’s not just trying to cram a new person into the routine.
I think it’s great he’s suggesting you use your own saddle if it fits-- you will feel more comfortable and be better balanced. But make sure it is very secure before you go. My stint as a gallop girl in my late teens/early 20s proved that I might be in competition for the world’s worst exercise rider, but my advice would be just stay relaxed, enjoy yourself, and let the horses tell you how it’s done. Worst case scenario, just grab yoke or mane and hang on. 
I hope you post a follow up after you ride!
[QUOTE=Texarkana;8310288]
The more you expand on the situation, it sounds better than my initial impression from your first post. I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re not trying to discourage you, we’re trying to keep you safe. It’s an unfortunate truth that the racing world has a lot of unsavory people, and riding racehorses is dangerous. Combing the two factors does not make for a good learning experience, but the more information you give makes it sound like the trainer isn’t trying to take advantage of you. The fact that he’s letting you come by in the afternoon suggests to me that he’s not just trying to cram a new person into the routine.
I think it’s great he’s suggesting you use your own saddle if it fits-- you will feel more comfortable and be better balanced. But make sure it is very secure before you go. My stint as a gallop girl in my late teens/early 20s proved that I might be in competition for the world’s worst exercise rider, but my advice would be just stay relaxed, enjoy yourself, and let the horses tell you how it’s done. Worst case scenario, just grab yoke or mane and hang on. ;)[/QUOTE]
I’m dumb >.< Thank you for the concern and the advice. I know there are plenty of people in the racing industry who are not friendly/scrupulous, and I didn’t do the best job of explaining my situation. But I’m very much looking forward to learning, and if any racehorse is going to keep me safe, it’s this giant goofball.
I will!
I’ve never galloped, but I have to say I am super jealous! I’d love to learn how to exercise ride. Not that I’d necessarily be any good at it. The training facility is in MA? Ugh, it must be fairly near me…once again very jealous 
Yes, let us know how it goes!!
Also, that flack vest you were asking about on another thread?
NOW is the time to get one and wear it.
Galloping racehorses is a lot of work but Oh My God in Heaven is it ever fun. There is no recreational pharmaceutical ever invented that can even remotely approach the thrill of breezing a horse out of the gate.
Pay attention, be safe, and have a blast!
[QUOTE=Hej;8310421]
Also, that flack vest you were asking about on another thread?
NOW is the time to get one and wear it.[/QUOTE]
… I asked about a vest on another thread? I don’t remember this. I’ve had one for about a year, it’s in my car right now.
It poured buckets 
It’s likely to be crappy tomorrow too, so we’re looking at Saturday.
I hope you enjoy yourself! I’ve galloped since the early 90’s I am now into my 50’s can’t quit, I just enjoy it too much.
Fall in with the right people and you’ll be fine. Good Luck to you.
[QUOTE=The Blood Bay Mare;8310436]
… I asked about a vest on another thread? I don’t remember this. I’ve had one for about a year, it’s in my car right now.[/QUOTE]
I’m wondering what kind of driver you are since all this safety gear is kept in your car…
[QUOTE=Flash44;8311390]
I’m wondering what kind of driver you are since all this safety gear is kept in your car…[/QUOTE]
I’d say she’s always ready for anything, and very likely her car is a mess:lol:
