Redefining Horsemanship
harmony, not hierarchy.
Off Track Thoroughbred Training
Specialized Training Programs
Focusing on retraining and rehabilitating Thoroughbred horses that were previously trained for racing. This specialized training program addresses the unique challenges and skill gaps that arise from their highly specialized athletic background, preparing them for new disciplines such as dressage, jumping, trail riding, and general pleasure riding. Retraining OTTBs is essential for their successful transition from racing careers to new disciplines or companionship roles.
- Teaching balance, suppleness, and rhythm to enhance their natural athleticism.
- Utilizing their power and stamina.
- Helping horses recover mentally and physically from racing-related stress or injury.
- Preparing horses for all forms of riding.
- Addressing anxiety, nervousness, or hyper-reactivity through consistent, patient training.
Creating Calmness
Teaching highly-strung horses to relax and focus in new environments.
Building Confidence
Introducing desensitization techniques to reduce spooking and over-reactivity.
Ensuring Safety
Establishing foundational groundwork before advancing to riding, prioritizing safety for trainers, future riders, and the horse.
Broadening Potential
Preparing OTTBs for various disciplines such as dressage, jumping, or pleasure riding.
Understanding these challenges is crucial to developing effective training plans.
OTTB's unique Challenges
High Strung Temperament
Thoroughbreds are bred for speed, stamina, and intensity, which often translates to heightened sensitivity and reactivity. Many OTTBs are prone to nervousness, anxious behaviors, and an over-eagerness to move.
Training Gaps
Racehorses are often not taught essential skills like standing still, tying, or maintaining composure during groundwork. They may lack experience with common training aids such as saddles, bits, or bridles beyond their racing tack. Rarely trained to respond to subtle aids or cues beyond those used during races.
Behavioral Issues
Bolting, pacing, or restlessness due to anticipation or anxiety. Difficulty adjusting to slower paces or periods of rest due to their highly active past. Potential mistrust of riders or trainers due to rough handling or overwork during their racing careers.
Limited Exposure to New Environments
Racing environments are highly controlled, so OTTBs may be unfamiliar with natural or busy environments like trails, arenas, or showgrounds. Desensitization is often necessary to help them remain calm around unfamiliar objects, sounds, or activities.
Physical Conditioning Differences
Race training focuses on speed and endurance rather than flexibility, balance, or precision. Retraining involves developing muscle groups that were not prioritized in their previous training, particularly those used for lateral movement, collection, and engagement.
Lack of Desensitization
OTTBs may be unfamiliar with common stimuli encountered outside the racetrack, such as dogs, cars, varied footing, or new obstacles. Thorough, gradual desensitization is essential for their safety and the safety of handlers.
Lunari Equestrian Approach
Desensitization & Mental Conditioning
Gradual exposure to various stimuli such as tarps, dogs, vehicles, sounds, and other environmental factors. Building confidence through positive reinforcement and progressive exposure techniques. Encouraging patience and relaxation through exercises that promote calmness and focus. Teaching your horse to respond to subtle cues rather than relying on speed and intensity.
Physical Conditioning and Strength Building
Developing muscle groups essential for disciplines like dressage and jumping. Incorporating exercises such as pole work, lateral work, and hill training to promote flexibility and strength.
Foundational Groundwork
Teaching basic skills such as standing still, leading, tying, yielding, and backing up. Establishing respect and responsiveness from the ground before progressing to ridden work. Introducing groundwork techniques that enhance mental focus and reduce anxiety.
Ridden Work Progression
Introducing new cues gradually to ensure clarity and consistency. Working at slower paces to establish control and responsiveness before advancing to higher speeds or complex maneuvers. Maintaining safety by carefully monitoring progress and adjusting training plans as necessary.
Our Success Stories
Nero | JC Rock Slinger
Born March 24, 2013
27 Starts | $33,175 earnings
3 wins | 3 places | 3 shows
Nero was born in California and started racing in 2016 as a 5 year old. Most of his 27 starts were at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, California. He is out of Rocky Bar and Forty Ninth Galaxy (out of Northern Devil). He raced until late 2021!
Take A Look at him now!
Nero is currently owned by Lunari Equestrian Owner, Alexandria Munoz. She purchased him in September of 2022 at 9 years old. Nero has a goofy and quirky personality who likes to get into trouble! He is also a love bug under his own conditions. Nero loves nothing more than to go fast!
Venus | JC Russian Money
Born April 30, 2016
Unraced
Venus was born in Arizona to the Williams Family. She was sold as a yearling and that’s where our information stops! She has been through a lot and we were unable to halter her for quite a while. She had a fear and would bolt when mounting.
Take A Look at Her now!
Venus is currently owned by Lunari Equestrian Owner, Alexandria Munoz. She has her forever home as Alexandria’s Heart Horse. Alexandria purchased her in December of 2023 at 7 years old. Venus has become a very opinionated mare but is still the sweetheart that nickers and comes to greet you. She rarely gets into trouble! Venus is a beautiful big mover and sticks at 16.3 hands. She loves her treats and hates her blanket!
Poem | JC Poem
Born April 6, 2012
14 starts | $7,992
1 win | 0 place | 0 shows
Poem was born in the Northeast Area of the USA and spent her times racing in New York State. Poem started racing at 3 years old in 2015 until her last race in July 2016.
Currently in training
Poem is currently owned by Lunari Equestrian and is our newest edition to our training herd. She is quirky and growing into her personality! She may be a big girl at 16.3 hands, but Poem is a a massive sweetheart! She is a beautiful mover and will make someone a lovely horse!
