The Thoroughbred Racehorse

Will it suit my child? They asked 

with a hopeful tone of voice.

They’ve had a lesson here or there,

we’ve made a sudden choice!

I’m sorry, I say with a gentle tone

It really will not do! 

Because to be quite frank my dear 

you haven’t thought it through! 

The horse is sleek and moves quite well

a thoroughbred, oh so fine.

It can move with lightning speed,

it’s coat so full of shine. 

It’s cheap to buy, or so you think.

You’ve got a wondrous dream!

But if you take him home with you 

he may just run full steam! 

They’re quite misunderstood these beasts;

Some people think they’re crazy! 

But when they look so exquisitely fine,

your judgement can be hazy. 

It’s not that they will never suit

your up and coming rider.

It’s just that they’re not ready yet

to build the confidence inside her. 

From the track they’ve run at speed 

they’ve jumped off from the line.

They’re probably still full up on grain

and feeling mighty fine!

They may have spent many hours

trapped inside a box,

only to come out for an hour at a time 

and bounce around a lot!

Bred for speed and distance too 

some bred to jump as well.

They’ve had squillions invested 

but they may just need a spell! 

A time to rest in a peaceful place 

to remember what is grass. 

Should they not have some spelling time

you may end up on your arse! 

Their teeth are often sharp you see,

their backs can be quite sore

Sometimes they just need a rest

but sometimes they need more.

A farrier to attend their feet,

a chiro for their back,

a worming paste and vaccine too

will have them back on track! 

The OTT as they’ve been dubbed;

racehorses that were fired,

They’ve left the track in search of love

and are really to be desired!

Why should they receive a mark

upon their beautiful blank slate? 

Just because we as humans 

don’t take the time to wait! 

The thing so many people 

forget about these creatures;

When given a chance to show themselves 

they’ve got some amazing features. 

They’re built for speed, performance too.

They often jump quite high!

Without the racing industry providing

we’d have to spend more to buy! 

They’re quick to learn and smart to boot,

they want to please their rider. 

If we take the time to educate 

their futures will be brighter! 

To learn to ride a horse is great,

but to school them is a skill.

It’s quite a different task indeed 

to teach them what you will. 

They often come with baggage

their on track memories bright;

You need to slow their minds right down 

to show them what is right.

You can’t just get on and ride this horse 

his thinking isn’t the same;

He’s been taught to run like the wind 

and now it’s time to learn a new game.

It may sound really simple 

but some don’t stop and think;

All this horse needs to learn

is to breathe, to stop and blink.

To learn the skills to settle 

and soothe the fast racing mind;

To slow down and to take a breath,

not to worry about being left behind.

He needs to learn to listen

and in turn be listened to

and once he’s learned these life skills 

he’ll be better matched to you! 

An industry of billions

has bred this horse to race. 

Why do so many discount this breed

when they just need time and space? 

An OTT straight off the track 

can feel just like a ruler;

But when you teach them how to bend 

their mind becomes much cooler.

A gentle hand and soft approach 

they do respond to kindly.

Once they’re taught to breathe and bend

the arena work comes nicely.

And once they know their once straight lines

have now become a round,

they become much easier to handle

on their backs and on the ground. 

They’ve been exposed to many things;

Their lives spent down the track.

The after race education 

just adds to what they lack! 

Don’t give up on the thoroughbred

they really are a dream.

Give them time to readjust,

they’re more than what they seem! 

So once they’ve learned the basics 

of being a ridden horse off the track,

It’s time for up and coming riders

to climb upon their backs.

These horses have spent a lot of time

with many different faces. 

They’re often looking for the one

who will help them feel safe in new places.

A rider who has ridden a lot 

on school and private steeds;

One who balances quite well 

can give them what they need! 

A rider who is keen to listen and learn

is just what these horses need. 

But don’t try to go it alone,

do you know just what to feed?

A rider needs good balance 

to continue teaching their new horse; 

If you’re not ready to walk, trott, canter,

you may apply accidental force.

To teach a horse new ridden skills 

soft hands need to give and take;

Because if you balance on your hands

you may not have any brakes!

So if you think of buying

one of these gorgeous creatures,

please make sure you are ready 

for all their special features.

There are so many tricks to learn,

for the right rider this comes with ease. 

For the thoroughbred is gentle

and really wants to please!

I’m not saying don’t buy the horse 

but buy with eyes wide open.

Have they had the chance to learn

the things they need for coping? 

It’s not too hard to set them up

with the manners they need for life.

Without these special skills applied 

it may all end in strife!

Keep going with your lessons!

Ride all the horses you can loan,

because this is invaluable 

when you’re ready to buy your own! 

So choose wisely with your OTT;

Choose one that has a good eye.

You may have just found your partner!

It’s definitely worth a try!

Then send them to a re-trainer

who knows just what to do.

Someone to set them up for life

so they’re ready just for you!

But once they’re home you need 

to keep investing in your time;

To stay on top of any quirks they have

but keep an open mind! 

It may sound like a rule book

but I promise they’re not so bad.

They’ll teach you things you never knew 

and improve the skills you had.

Never be afraid to ask for help

when and if you need a hand, 

I’d much rather help you now

than to see you struggle and things go bad. 

Above all else be honest, 

are your abilities what they seem?

Have you invested time into yourself 

are you ready to ride the dream? 

The thoroughbred is graceful 

They’re such an amazing breed

So don’t let my words deceive you

They may be exactly what you need! 

Kellie Summers 

Educational Horse Rider