Race-2-Ride & Pony Club Australia: A Partnership for Safety and Welfare

The Strategic Alignment

Pony Club Australia has already taken a leadership role by adopting an equitation science-based curriculum.  As OTT Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds become increasingly common in PCA programs, there is a unique opportunity to provide these riders with the specialised, evidence-based tools they need to succeed. 

Addressing the "Strength Gap"

Most second-career horse owners, particularly youth and amateur riders, cannot rely on physical strength as a primary tool for handling. 

• The Demographic Reality: OTT horses are often affordable and accessible, but they are rarely "beginner-friendly" without specific retraining. 

• The Race-2-Ride Solution: Our curriculum provides non-strength-based training methods grounded in learning theory, specifically designed for the demographic that makes up the heart of PCA. 

• Safety First: By providing riders with clear, science-based communication tools, we significantly reduce the risk of behavioural escalations and improve rider safety. 

How the Race-2-Ride Passport Works

The Training Passport is a lifetime digital support system that follows the horse through every ownership change. 

• Comprehensive Video Modules: Foundations through advanced training, accessible 24/7. 

• Live Expert Support: Weekly Q&A sessions and video analysis with Dr Fenner and regional trainers. 

• Crisis Intervention: Support is available if welfare or behavioural concerns arise, ensuring the horse stays in a safe environment.  

• Lifetime Continuity: Unlike 6-month retraining grants, this support remains with the horse for their entire life. 

   

The 12-24-Month Global Pilot (Launching March 30th 2026)

We are seeking PCA to be a founding champion of our global pilot, which aims for several thousand enrollments across Australia, the USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand.  

• Data-Driven Welfare: The pilot will track behavioural improvements and adoption success rates, providing PCA with measurable (deidentified) data on the welfare of OTT horses within its ranks. 

• Founding Member Opportunities: A limited number of "Founding Member" positions will be available for PCA riders. These spots are reserved for active participants to ensure high-quality data and engagement throughout the 12-24-month study. 

Founder Credentials

The program is led by Dr  Kate Fenner, ensuring the highest level of professional and scientific credibility for PCA members : 

• PhD in Horse Behaviour and Training (University of Sydney). 

• Honorary President, International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). 

• Board Member, Pony Club Australia. 

• Founder of Kandoo Equine, with an existing platform of 1,000+ active members.  

A National Framework for Racehorse Transitioning

The Race-2-Ride curriculum is an evidence-based retraining program developed specifically for off-the-track (OTT) horses. Unlike traditional methods, this program acknowledges the OTT's unique history and utilises learning theory to create a "Blank Canvas" for a successful second career.

The Five Foundational Components

To ensure safety and welfare across all training environments, the program is governed by five core components:

1.  The Engagement Zone: Training occurs only when the horse is relaxed and attentive.  Any sign of anxiety, such as head-raising or rushing, is a signal to return to a previous step.

2.   The "Spot and Direction" Clarity: Lessons are simplified by moving one specific part of the horse (The Spot) in one specific direction (The Direction).

3.  The "Perfectly-Timed" Release: Rein or other pressure is removed instantly the moment the horse offers the correct response. This clear release marks the behaviour and accelerates learning.

4.  Signal Priming: Every signal begins with the lightest possible cue (voice or body language). We begin with a sufficient signal to motivate change and constantly work towards decreasing amounts of pressure and aim for self-carriage.

5.  The Two-Question Test: Before progressing, trainers must answer: 1. Can I ride it? (Are the responses consistent?) and 2.  Do I want to ride it? (Is the horse relaxed?)

While the ISES 10 Principles of Training underpin all of our training, the Race-2-Ride program focuses on these 5 Foundational Components to address the unique psychological and physical needs of the transitioning racehorse.

Curriculum Structure

The program is divided into twelve progressive modules, monitored via a Traffic Light System to ensure objective progress.

Phase I: Foundation and Groundwork

• Module 1: Welcome: Introduction to the training philosophy and safety protocols

• Module 2: Engagement and Relaxation: Establishing the use of combined reinforcement (pressure-release-reward) 

• Module 3: Moving the Shoulders: Precise directional control and front-end elevation

•  Module 4: First Saddling: Systematic habituation to equipment while maintaining relaxation

Phase II: The Bridge to Ridden Work

• Module 5: Long-Reining: Developing gait, transitions and self-carriage from the ground

• Module 6: Short-Reining: The "Mental Ride."  Perfecting verbal cues from the shoulder to mimic ridden signals

•  Module 7: Hips to the Fence: Teaching voluntary presentation at the mounting block, ensuring the horse stands quietly for mounting

•  Module 8: Stops and Back-up: Re-programming the horse to yield to bit pressure for deceleration rather than leaning for balance

Phase III: Under Saddle and Beyond

• Module 9: The First Few Rides: Transferring ground success to the saddle with a focus on relaxation and staying in the 'bubble'

• Module 10: Hindquarter Control: Isolating the hindquarters to facilitate lateral movements and balanced canter transitions

•  Module 11: Trailer Loading: Using shaping and habituation to create a calm and confident loading response every time

•  Module 12: The Canter: Regulating tempo and emotional balance in high-arousal gaits

The Traffic Light System

Objective behavioural markers measure progress. A lesson is considered "confirmed" when the horse demonstrates Green Light behaviour for three consecutive sessions.

•  🟢 Green (Proceed): The horse is in the Engagement Zone and responding to light signals. 

•  🟡 Orange (Refine): The horse is distracted or showing mild conflict behaviours; return to a simpler step. 

•  🔴 Red (Backtrack): The horse is over-aroused or showing conflict behaviour; immediate return to a familiar lesson.

Race-2-Ride: The Pillars

Pillar 1: Whole-of-Life Commitment

 The program operates on the principle: "If Racing Registers You, Racing Supports You — For Life".

• 100% Coverage: Every horse named in the Australian Stud Book is supported, including the 34% that never race and currently fall through the cracks. 

• Closing the Support Gap: It specifically protects the "unraced" cohort, approximately 3,500–4,000 horses annually, that are bred by the industry but currently receive zero structured support. 

Pillar 2: Evidence-Based Training (The Science)

 The curriculum is grounded in Equitation Science and the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) principles.

• Cognitive Welfare: Using methods grounded in learning theory, the program aids with a smooth psychological transition from the track to a second career. 

• Safety First: It focuses on humane, non-strength-based training methods that prioritise relaxation and clear communication. 

• Expert-Led Guidance: Owners have direct access to evidence-based resources and weekly Q&A sessions to address specific behavioural challenges. 

Pillar 3: The Human-Horse Bond

This pillar focuses on the specific needs of the people taking these horses on to ensure a successful, safe partnership.

• Demographic Alignment: The training is tailored for the 90% of recreational owners who are female and cannot (or should not) rely on physical strength to manage an off-the-track.

• Empowering Novice Owners: It provides a structured support system for second-career owners, many of whom are novices, equipping them with the expertise to provide optimal care. 

• Community Support: Owners gain access to a national network and local "community hubs," reducing the isolation often felt when managing a "challenging" off-the-track horse.