Description
“Building stronger partnerships and better welfare outcomes by teaching owners how to care for the unique physical needs of their off-the-track horses.”
Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds are remarkable breeds with athletic ability, resilience, and a willingness to learn, but they also face unique challenges when transitioning from the racetrack to life as equestrian partners wether it be as a pleasure or performance horse.
Many owners take on these horses because of their athleticism or in the case of SB’s, their remarkable natures, but lets be frank… also because they are cheap. And therefore more often then not, without the specific knowledge needed to fully understand and manage the physical and muscular needs of an animal that has been conditioned for racing rather than long-term ridden careers. The proposed Workshop Series “Your OTT Inside and Out” aims to bridge this gap by equipping owners with practical skills that will best help them transition their horses from “track to hack” and benefit them well into the future.
The series includes 6 Workshops covering many topics that are relevant to OTT horses and riders. Workshops will be held at our venue Quenda Glade Equine in Gidgegannup and run from 9:30am – 2pm inc morning tea, handouts & more
1. Underneath the Skin – Saturday 28th Feb
Using our bone lab and workshop horses, participants will explore the skeleton of the Thoroughbred and relate structural features to the live horse. This helps owners understand how conformation and skeletal stress from racing can affect movement and comfort. This workshop will improve the owners’ ability to identify potential welfare concerns early, build knowledge and confidence, and help prevent injuries by recognising the limitations of our horses.
2. How Your Horse Moves – Saturday 21st March
This workshop will focus on the muscular system, with emphasis on the back and neck—common areas of strain in ex-racehorses. Owners will learn how musculoskeletal issues can influence movement, posture, and behaviour under saddle. This workshop will improve the recognition of early discomfort, aid in preventing long-term musculoskeletal issues, and make retraining more successful.
3. Your Helping Hands (Massage techniques and Tools) – Friday 22nd May or Saturday 20th June
This workshop will cover, practical training in massage techniques and the safe use of supportive tools to relieve tension, improve circulation, and support recovery. Owners will practice techniques on demonstration horses to build their confidence and walk away with a routine they can use at home themselves.
4. Posture for Performance (Stretching & Strengthening Exercises) – Saturday 18th July
Using our experienced OTT workshop horses and demo riders this workshop will teach safe stretching, groundwork, and ridden exercises designed to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, build correct posture, and support long-term soundness of our equine partners. It will demonstrate how to reduce the risk of injury by strengthening weak areas, support the horses’ ability to adapt to new disciplines and enhance welfare through improved biomechanics.
5. Your racehorse Inside & Out (Body Systems & Nutrition) – Saturday 26th September
This workshop will cover the major body systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory) and how racing affects them, including the transition to a different diet post-racing. Owners learn to make informed choices around nutrition, feeding routines, and general care. This will help support smoother transitions into new environments, improve overall health and comfort, and empower owners with practical decision-making skills.
6. What tack is that? (Impact of Tack on Body and Behaviour) – Saturday 17th October
This workshop will explore the differences between racing equipment and tack used in equestrian disciplines, including saddle fit and bit choice. Owners learn how poor tack choices can cause discomfort, behavioural issues, and retraining setbacks. The aim of this workshop is to help owners make informed, responsible choices and create a smoother transition into new careers.
The benefits of this series will extend well beyond the workshop itself. Owners will leave with lifelong skills that can be integrated into daily horse management, leading to healthier, happier horses with fewer preventable setbacks. This reduces the risk of rehoming and ensures ex-racehorses are given the best chance to thrive in their second careers.
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