Race-2-Ride Training Passport: Preface

A National Framework for Racehorse Transitioning

The Race-2-Ride curriculum is an evidence-based retraining program developed specifically for the off-the-track horses (OTT). 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 Pillars of the Passport

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

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

Resources and Digital Support

To support national implementation, the program includes:

Race-2-Ride Mobile App: For on-site course access and video demonstrations
Resource Library: Detailed downloads on learning theory
Community Hub: A peer-support network for trainers and riders