Hello, and good day to you all! I have some questions regarding a fresh OTTB. (I may post more questions.)
I’ve owned one previous OTTB, however, she was already retrained. This big ol’ boy just finished his racing career last month in June and still has his racing plates. He just turned seven in April and was gelded a few years ago. He’s around 15.2HH - 15.3HH. He has a gorgeous yet hot pedigree (his sire is Kipling) and won many stakes races.
I’ve chased all over the web looking for advice and I think I’ve got my basic structure of retraining (I’m hoping to take him to the Eventer path). Even still, I have a few questions that I can’t seem to find any answers for.
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Long Trailering. He’ll be coming from Indiana to Alabama, a ten hour drive. Thankfully I have a shipper bringing him to our farm. It’s getting him off the trailer I’m worried about. How stiff will he be and what can I do about it? Is there anything I should know about long trailering that would/could harm me or the horse during or after the haul?
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Introduction to the Herd. My horses consist of an old, 16.1HH OTTB, an old, 14.2 Quarter Horse mare, a 15.2 Quarter Horse Arabian cross, and a 9.2 mini Shetland Welsh cross mare. This little mare is the boss and bodyguard of my herd. I am unsure of how this new, young, and fresh OTTB is going to fit in. The previous owner placed his temperature at a three, called him beginner-safe, and said he was low on the totem pole when it came to dominance. Mainly I am worried about fighting, as the older OTTB bullies new herd members. I am afraid of injuries more severe than the usual fighting, as I’ve never owned a horse with hind shoes (although they will be removed the 31st of July). Is there any advice you guys could give me on this?
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Introduction to the Paddock. I’ve read that an OTTB who has never been in a paddock paces the fence. Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable in the paddock? Should I show him the paddock without the horses first? Or can I have the horses in there to (in a sense) show him around?
I am unable to think of anymore questions at the moment, but I am sure I’ll post more as the days go by. I appreciate and and all answers that are given, and will take each and every idea into consideration. :D
