ASKHQ: WESTERN RIDING AND THE OTTB

Q: Which Western riding disciplines are OTTBs suitable for, if any?

Answered by Farryn Day

A: I am an absolute Thoroughbred fan and I believe that they can do anything! They are super smart, love to work and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. When it comes to Western riding, just like any other discipline, you simply need to find the right horse for the job!

The slightly smaller Thoroughbreds (15-15.3hh) are better suited generally to the Western disciplines, and they excel in Western mounted games. Western mounted games consist of 13 different games, for example, barrel racing and pole bending, making up the ultimate test of speed, precision and responsiveness. The Thoroughbred’s speed, stamina and smarts really come to the fore in this arena, and many SAWMGA (South African Western Mounted Games Association) records are currently held by OTTBs.

The more laid-back Thoroughbreds compete very successfully in the Western Performance and Western Dressage arenas. Classes such as Western Pleasure and Horsemanship test the horse’s willingness and rideability. Tests are ridden in the walk, jog and lope and the aim is to show your horse as a willing partner. Again, it is the Thoroughbred’s temperament and trainability that makes him a real contender in these classes.

Thoroughbreds are kind, curious and intelligent horses who enjoy doing their job. Just as some OTTBs may be fiery, others are lazy. The secret is finding what they are suited for and what they love to do. Whether it be high-speed polo or mounted games, Western Dressage or showing, with just a little bit of time and training the Thoroughbred will give you his whole heart!

At the Highveld Horse Care Unit they have many magnificent OTTBs looking for their forever homes. Please contact them or check out their Facebook page for more information @HighveldHorseCare, 081 598 3842, info@horsecare.org.za