Thoroughbred Trainers?

[racefan55]

I was just wondering how hard it is to become a thoroughbred trainer? I am from the horse show world so I know nothing about the subject. I know there can be a lot of political garb that goes with the show horse world, and a thing that some like to call paying your dues. Does this exist in the racing world? Just wondering what the different views are.

[ratherrapid]

if you mean "licensed" trainer--u have to take (pass) a test.

[Archy]

I come from the horse show world. I used to train green horses and ponies. I now own TBs, and I've left the training to the professionals.

Being a TB trainer is MUCH, MUCH harder than training the horse show world. Training theories are so much different. Condidtioning is different. I would say it is definitely a different world. It's not an easy transition. It's probably like learning from scratch.

There are two people from the horse show world that have made the transition. Kristen Mullhahl (sp?), who comes from a TB family, I think her father is a bloodstock agent in CA, and Michael Matz, who is an overall EXCELLENT Horseman.

I would suggest that if you are interested in becoming a TB trainer, try to become an assistant for someone first. Keep in mind, there are many people in the position for years before they feel comfortable to be on their own.

[LB]

There are two people from the horse show world that have made the transition. Kristen Mullhahl (sp?), who comes from a TB family, I think her father is a bloodstock agent in CA, and Michael Matz, who is an overall EXCELLENT Horseman.

Also Rodney Jenkins and Jim Day--but I agree with everything else you said.

[Archy]

There are two people from the horse show world that have made the transition. Kristen Mullhahl (sp?), who comes from a TB family, I think her father is a bloodstock agent in CA, and Michael Matz, who is an overall EXCELLENT Horseman.

Also Rodney Jenkins and Jim Day--but I agree with everything else you said.

I didn't know Rodney was training throughbreds....does he still and where? I remember watching him when I was a junior. He had this great bay grand prix horse. His name escapes me. And Rodney is also an excellent horseman. He's in the same era as Michael Matz.

[racefan55]

I don't want to become a trainer, I just was wondering the differences between the two. I figured this was the right place to ask.

[LB]

There are two people from the horse show world that have made the transition. Kristen Mullhahl (sp?), who comes from a TB family, I think her father is a bloodstock agent in CA, and Michael Matz, who is an overall EXCELLENT Horseman.

Also Rodney Jenkins and Jim Day--but I agree with everything else you said.

I didn't know Rodney was training throughbreds....does he still and where? I remember watching him when I was a junior. He had this great bay grand prix horse. His name escapes me. And Rodney is also an excellent horseman. He's in the same era as Michael Matz.

Rodney trains in the midatlantic area. I believe he's at either Delaware Park or Colonial Downs now.

Are you thinking of Idle Dice? He was a very dark bay.

[Tucumcari]

I come from the horse show world. I used to train green horses and ponies. I now own TBs, and I've left the training to the professionals.

Being a TB trainer is MUCH, MUCH harder than training the horse show world. Training theories are so much different. Condidtioning is different. I would say it is definitely a different world. It's not an easy transition. It's probably like learning from scratch.

There are two people from the horse show world that have made the transition. Kristen Mullhahl (sp?), who comes from a TB family, I think her father is a bloodstock agent in CA, and Michael Matz, who is an overall EXCELLENT Horseman.

I would suggest that if you are interested in becoming a TB trainer, try to become an assistant for someone first. Keep in mind, there are many people in the position for years before they feel comfortable to be on their own.

MMM... didn't John Sadler as well???? Or am I confused?

[Archy]

There are two people from the horse show world that have made the transition. Kristen Mullhahl (sp?), who comes from a TB family, I think her father is a bloodstock agent in CA, and Michael Matz, who is an overall EXCELLENT Horseman.

Also Rodney Jenkins and Jim Day--but I agree with everything else you said.

I didn't know Rodney was training throughbreds....does he still and where? I remember watching him when I was a junior. He had this great bay grand prix horse. His name escapes me. And Rodney is also an excellent horseman. He's in the same era as Michael Matz.

Rodney trains in the midatlantic area. I believe he's at either Delaware Park or Colonial Downs now.

Are you thinking of Idle Dice? He was a very dark bay.

I was think of a light bay with maybe a white star who wore a ear cover. He was thick and heavy, but could jump right for the bottom.

[winds]

Rodney had no trouble moving from the show world to the racing world. Everyone wondered why he didn't teach riding, but he says it came so nturally to him that he can't teach, he doesn't know how to teach someone to do even the basics.

He's a great guy and an excellent horseman.

He had a barn at Laurel, don't know if it's still his base of operation.

wind

[trackgal]

www.stablewind.com O.k. on this site there is a picture of someone galloping a horse, can anyone comment on this rider's uh..."form"??

[Barbaro06]

It looks as if he's pulling the horse up or slowing it down. I've seen other pictures of exercise riders standing straight up in the irons. Jockeys stand up in the irons after they cross the wire....

[Laurierace]

www.stablewind.com O.k. on this site there is a picture of someone galloping a horse, can anyone comment on this rider's uh..."form"??

That is nicknamed water skiing. You stand up and even lean back some depending upon how much of your weight you need to use to slow the horse down. Its not something I want done on my horses as I would rather they go too fast than have the rider fight with them, but its certainly not uncommon.

[Archy]

I watched Calvin Borel do this on someone he was working. He'd water-ski to keep them slow. Then we he's ready for them to go, he'd drop down to I've them the signal to go. Then he'd water-ski to slow them down.

[Tucumcari]

We call it surfing. Some horses are tough or don't want a cross taken on them and they relax better when you surf. OR the rider is in trouble and using all he/she's got to get the job done