Hi Steve,  I just found your post.  Sorry for the delayed response.  Obviously his health issues need to be addressed first.  After that, I just recommend a regular schedule of riding.  Everyday if possible.  Include lots of trotting circles and one rein stops.  It would be ideal if the riding could be outside the arena, but considering his habit of pitching, you may want to give him a little more time in confinement for your safety.  Keep us updated on the progress.  Richard

Hey Wes,  Thanks for the welcome!  Good luck with your horses.  Make sure to keep us up to speed on the progress.

Nikoletta Carzis You have a great attitude.  Please keep us updated on your progress!

Hope this helps and let me know if there's anything else.

Richard

Hi Nikoletta,  Thanks for the feedback!  You have my respect because I know those OTTBs can be challenging.  Its good too know that someone is willing to take on the responsibility and give them a chance.  The 5 Principles For Effective Horsemanship go like this:

 Start quiet, end quiet.  Always start and end with a polite quiet demeanor so that the horse looks forward to seeing you next time.

Get the fresh off.  Make sure you let the horse move around enough so that all their excess energy is burned off before you try to teach them something.

Find the resistance.  Starting from the moment you begin the lesson, just address each issue you encounter as you find them.  In other words, forget your agenda and help the horse where he is that day.

Be willing to compromise.  Think of reaching your goals in a series of tiny successes, not huge breakthroughs.

Always quit on the try.  Quit for the day when you feel like he's really TRYING to figure out the lesson.  He'll try harder next time.

Hi Danae,  I think most horses benefit more from continued light work versus just turning them out to grow up.  Why lose that time?  That doesn't mean that they have to work super hard or progress on an ambitious schedule.  Just continue with the program at a light slow pace until she has grown up some.  Even if it's just grooming and saddling everyday.  Maybe let her stand tied with the saddle and snaffle bit on for a few hours everyday. Hope this helps!

Lucas G Truax Have you watched How To Get a Horse To Stop Digging?  It shows how I get them to stand quiet, it might help.  Richard

Hi Lucas, We'll make a video showing how to get started trotting circles. Basically, I start at a walk and build to the trot over the course of a week or so. I prefer to use short pulls and releases with the reins to encourage them to stay in the circle. Let your legs bounce against their side only using your inside leg to keep him from falling in to the circle. It also helps to pick a spot on the ground to go around so you don't end up going all over. Good luck!!

Hi Lucas,  I've never used a patience pole.  I can see where it would be helpful because it's a lot of work to teach one to stand tied quietly.  I don't know if the final result is as good or not, though. I like mine to stand as long as necessary without pacing or digging.  Does a patience pole achieve that?