Former TB race horse wants to race!

misshuckleberry · 06-14-2007, 02:43 PM

Hello.

I'd forgotten all about this forum! I only registered several months ago...I hope I can get some help!

I'm what they call an "adult amateur," in that I've been taking English lessons on and off my whole life, and having recently returned to riding 2 years ago more diligently. I just bought my first horse, with a view to: (a) improve my basic dressage/jumping (I take lessons); but more than that: (b) hack out in the stable's huge grassed-over (very pretty and meadowy) oval track. It's a half-mile track, and wonderful to trot and canter and slow-gallop around at 7 am! (I did this all last summer with another horse).

I bought a beautiful 9-yr old TB a few months back. He's raced 3 times, but who knows how much he trained? He's been a "mild" eventer for the last guy, who had him for 2 years.

He's a bit stubborn and lazy in the arena, and last week was the first time I've taken him out toward the back track. He was very reluctant to go, and kept stopping (the stubborn part). I started to carry a stick, and just seeing it makes him go.When we finally got to the "track" (which I don't think even looks like one, for all the grass and wildflowers), he stopped, turned around, and broke into a frantic trot. I fought to pull him back, made him turn around, he walked a few steps, refused to budge, turned around, and broke into the same wild trot. It suddenly dawned on me that he's doing what he did when they trained him as a race horse. My guess is that, since he's a bit slow, he wasn't a great race horse, and I worry-- and suspect-- that they were mean to him??!

Anyway, I want him to relax and go for fun, relaxed gallops with me. Do I just need to keep easing him out to the track and walk him a bit more each time? Or should I get someone (experienced!!) to take him for that flat-out gallop that I suspect he'd dying for?

Or did I just make a big mistake buying a tattoed TB!?? (He's sooooo sweet and big and gentle and gorgeous!). I also just discovered that he has the blood of Northern Dancer and Princequillo....

Help!

ruffian · 06-14-2007, 02:50 PM

I guess it all depends on how confident you feel in your ability to stay with him and work through this. As a TB who did train he may indeed love to run and it's what he's bred for. I like the idea of taking him out a little each time. Just 'cause he's got his feet on the track it doesn't mean he gets to run every time. If it were me, I would ride him there myself, but it would be good to have company in case it gets hairy. Walk and trot him the wrong way round the track, and every now and then let him turn around and walk or trot the right way. If ever you feel that you are losing control, make him stop and stand.
The first time you canter, it should be the wrong way and only a little at a time till he gets it that he has to stop or slow when you say so.
I had a Secretariat grand daughter that I loved to gallop, but there were times when I seriously wondered if we would stop!

irishmusic · 06-14-2007, 03:00 PM

At nine years old and only run 3 times (probably as a 2-3 yo) I doubt that he's remembering his racing days. But if he was evented last year he may be remembering that.

I recommend lungeing him before riding, and reinforcing the basic walk-trot-canter commands on the lunge. It builds teamwork and respect (who's in charge).

snickers · 06-14-2007, 05:19 PM

It doesnt matter how old they are and how many races they ran, they remember.
Before those races, it was months and months of training.

I use to run race horses and have had QH and OTTB's off the track and they remember.

They were trained to run and have to start retraning and some get it and some dont.

Take him on trail rides, lots of them and slowly work into a controled trot then into a canter. For short strides until he starts to relax.

haleyg · 06-15-2007, 12:50 AM

Like some others have said "they always remeber". Even though he only had 3 races he probably had a year or so of training. My hubby does not ride his old standy on our track for that reason. He just has too much go go juice on the track for him, but take him on a trail ride and he is a nice quiet fella. I am not saying he can not eventually get out of the go go go mentality on a track . It is just gonna take some time and effort on your part.

JoAnne · 06-15-2007, 06:43 AM

I agree with others...he would not forget race training. However, since all he did was break into a wild trot, and he is 9 and has been ridden in many circumstances since his race training, I doubt he will break into an uncontrollable gallop ( unless you canter him too soon on track)

I am more concerned about his lack of obdience to your aids in general, what you term laziness. In reality, he is not responding to you...prior to breaking out in his wild trot, he stopped a few times and refused to budge etc. The stopping and breaking into a wild trot they are the same thing in reverse...he is just doing what he wants.

So I'd get him listening to my aids and not let him get away with stopping and freezing everywhere, in the arena, in hand at barn, and on the track. I would bring him to track after you have already worked him in ring. First week or two on the track I would only make him walk. So he associates the track with calmness, as well as lstening to you. ( starting and stopping from the walk, at your command, circle him, etc) When he is calm and listening, after a week or two or however long it takes, then intersperse it with trotting. When he is good at that, then the canter...maybe a month or so later. you could also hand walk him along track, and if you have a rider freind on a calm horse that would be nice too. good luck, I had a track to ride on last winter it was so great and fun.

beckyp · 06-15-2007, 07:04 AM

I have an OTTB gelding age 12,and he sometimes thinks he has to be leader when we are in group. Most of the times he is very responsive to aids and since I am riding him with English saddle-I have ridden him western ever since I bought him-we are working on better communication from me. He has wondeful canter,but we are still at walking stage. Sometimes he gets stubborn and I have learned the best thing is to turn him in circles then he decides my way is best. OTTBs are great horses in my opinion for what it is worth!

Kendra · 06-15-2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoAnne

I would bring him to track after you have already worked him in ring. First week or two on the track I would only make him walk. So he associates the track with calmness, When he is calm and listening, after a week or two or however long it takes, then intersperse it with trotting. When he is good at that, then the canter...maybe a month or so later. you could also hand walk him along track, and if you have a rider freind on a calm horse that would be nice too. .

I was about to post the exact same thing.

Work him in the ring and then go amble around the track to cool off. When he is walking on a relaxed rein on the track then ask for a quiet jog ~ if he gets hot go back to walking for a while.

You did not make a mistake in getting an OTTB. He was taught a job at an early age. "This is what people expect from you."
Now you need to untrain him to race and retrain him for his new job.

Don't let him run tihking it will get it out of his system ~ it will only confuse him as to what your expectations are.

Good luck and welcome to the lucky group of us who are owned by a TB.

b-mark · 06-15-2007, 09:29 AM

I also agree - my now 8 year old TB DEFINITELY remembers his racing days and also loves to run! Just the slowing down/stopping part isn't quite his thing

Sounds like yours is no different.

I did 'RUN' him once and decided not to do that again real soon

I think just taking him for short periods and getting him to walk/slow trot will eventually get him to relax a little. Also, as was mentioned before, the lunge before riding may be great for him - mine actually really enjoys it now and is real quiet and collected after.

sswtness75 · 06-15-2007, 09:58 AM

I had a younger OTTB that I traded for. He was around 4 when I got him, had raced and won. I don't know how many times. He had two speeds when I got him, walk and RUN! After a lot of work, cues, whoa, and learning different speeds, I let him run. What a ride!

He became one of the best trail horses I have ever been on. He didn't spook (except at marching bands, but who doesn't!

) and would go through anything.

I would let him get a gallop out about once a week. You could tell that he enjoyed getting to run some. That is what he was bred to do and he LOVED it. After a run, he would relax, it was kinda like his version of a massage.

misshuckleberry · 06-15-2007, 09:42 PM

I'm very much relieved hearing all these responses, and so thankful! As a long-time dog owner and new horse owner, I have in my head that he NEEDS to go for a good long gallop. My riding instructor is telling me the same thing. Just ease him onto the track, let him walk, let him associate the track with calmness and pleasantness. I'm just so anxious to get out and go in these beautiful summer mornings!

Also, thanks to Joanne for comments about not listening to my aids. That is something I'm really working on. Today was the best day yet. He did the usual, felt great, trotted and cantered in the outdoor ring, went beautifully (he's definitely getting better!), then after a walk, just refused to trot, stopping and stomping his foot. I'd forgotten my crop (I've only realized lately that I need it). However, I used a trick that one of the teenage girls at the barn taught me that our instructor taught her: I *growled loudly* at him! It's hilarious! It works. Falling back on my dog-training days, I praised the heck out of him for just little gives. Definitely better, though!

It's all worth it when I get him back to his stall and he rubs his head along my shoulder and licks my arms!

Thanks for all the help, encouragement, and support! I'll keep posting!

beckyp · 06-15-2007, 09:56 PM

Sounds like you are making progress. I love it when my TB nickers at me or does something like trotting up from field to see me when I come down from trailer to field. I gave him some feed tonight after he came up to see me.

JoAnne · 06-16-2007, 07:59 AM

glad things are going well!

I had similar situtaion when riding ex polo pony I leased named Charlie on track last year ( he was retired recently to pleasure horse) The track is winter headquarters to polo players here in WEllington, and they canter and gallop around ponying up to 6 horses at a time! needless to say when Charlie saw them gallop by as a group he wanted to join.

The first month out on the track I only let him walk ( luckily I had friend with me some of the time on a calm horse) after a while when he saw that was it, he stopped all the jigging and bucking etc and walked. got to the point where walked on a loose rein. then he was allowed to trot, then canter. by end of season he was pretty good. Still, when the players passed with their horses, I'd slow him to a walk but after awhile I didn't even have to do that. I let him do a few laps at hand gallop but never a flat out gallop, never saw the need and too much of a wimp anyway!

Crazy4paints · 06-16-2007, 08:20 AM

Personally unless I had the intention of running him on that track, I wouldnt even bother taking him on it. Ride in the pastures,or an arena, maybe take him on the trail. Anything besides a track.

Good luck!

JoAnne · 06-16-2007, 08:29 AM

Her track is out back of property, plus grown with weeds etc...I think if horse sees she is in control she will be fine, if it were me on an OTTB I would never ask it to gallop or hand gallop, I did it on polo pony cause they are traiend to stop on a dime..she would only introduce canter on track after it is really calm on it and listening to her in all other places. or she can use track for walking and trotting if he will not listen at canter, but as he sounds on the lazy side odds are he will be okay.

misshuckleberry · 06-16-2007, 01:16 PM

My riding instructor once gave me a great just-in-case line. "If you ever get in trouble on a horse that suddenly breaks into a gallop, get into a two-point, relax, look at the sky and think of Seabiscuit" (the scene from the movie when Toby just lets him go). When I was riding on a group hack in England, that very thing happened. The guide said, "Let's have a little canter across this field, shall we?" 6 horses broke into a little "canter." Ha!! As I held on for dear life, I didn't think of Seabiscuit, but worried, "Dear God, don't let me fall off or I'll look like a total fool in front of these people." My horse "won" (a TB/Welsh cross, I'd never dream a big boy like him could gallop so fast), and it was a great ride!

I am certain I'll get my latest boy in line. He's very sweet and gentle, and I think he wants to please. Little by little, when he learns that all I want from him is for the two of us to have fun, I think he'll come around nicely. He's very relaxed and starting to work beautifully in the arena, and this will be a good learning curve for me!

JoAnne · 06-16-2007, 01:26 PM

sounds good, happy riding!

irishmusic · 06-18-2007, 10:57 AM

Having trained seven OTTB's, including the one in the avatar, retraining of the OTTB horse is essential. OTTB's love to work - they have a work ethic like no other breed. They also love to run - it is what they were bred to do - better than any other breed. Don't confuse a love of running, to remembering past training.

I am a huge believer in ground training and going back to basics. It sets the ground rules for obediance and dominance. Once the basics are mastered, it makes the rest easy.

misshuckleberry · 06-18-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

I am a huge believer in ground training and going back to basics. It sets the ground rules for obediance and dominance. Once the basics are mastered, it makes the rest easy.

I'm glad to hear this, because I'm feeling guilty about not taking him out for a run. We've been doing a lot of work in the dressage ring/jumping paddock, and he's coming along beautifully. He's very relaxed and he loves to jump (I'm talking cross poles, here)....I keep thinking that as a "reward" I should take him out to the back field-- plus I want to get out and go!-- so I'm happy to have it reinforced that it should be back up, restart, build up, and get out for a run *eventually*. (Besides, as long as there is food anywhere in sight, I don't think he cares if he ever *moves*!)

JoAnne · 06-18-2007, 11:31 AM

please don't feel guilty! he may not miss running at all. some racehorses grow to dislike it, they run because they have no choice. If he had the head for running, he would have had a longer track career. do with him what you feel comfortable with.

Personally, I'd have doubts about galloping an ex race horse, because once in that flat out gallop, they might for that brief time revert to "race mode" and become unstoppable, they are taught to lean against the bit when running, so all your attemtps to pull him up would only make him go faster. to stop in race mode you have to sit up a little and loosen the reins, and even then they don't stop right away. I'd work my way up on the track to a canter and be happy with that, but I am a wimp!

06-14-2007, 02:43 PM
misshuckleberry Newborn Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7	Former TB race horse wants to race! Hello. I'd forgotten all about this forum! I only registered several months ago...I hope I can get some help! I'm what they call an "adult amateur," in that I've been taking English lessons on and off my whole life, and having recently returned to riding 2 years ago more diligently. I just bought my first horse, with a view to: (a) improve my basic dressage/jumping (I take lessons); but more than that: (b) hack out in the stable's huge grassed-over (very pretty and meadowy) oval track. It's a half-mile track, and wonderful to trot and canter and slow-gallop around at 7 am! (I did this all last summer with another horse). I bought a beautiful 9-yr old TB a few months back. He's raced 3 times, but who knows how much he trained? He's been a "mild" eventer for the last guy, who had him for 2 years. He's a bit stubborn and lazy in the arena, and last week was the first time I've taken him out toward the back track. He was very reluctant to go, and kept stopping (the stubborn part). I started to carry a stick, and just seeing it makes him go.When we finally got to the "track" (which I don't think even looks like one, for all the grass and wildflowers), he stopped, turned around, and broke into a frantic trot. I fought to pull him back, made him turn around, he walked a few steps, refused to budge, turned around, and broke into the same wild trot. It suddenly dawned on me that he's doing what he did when they trained him as a race horse. My guess is that, since he's a bit slow, he wasn't a great race horse, and I worry-- and suspect-- that they were mean to him??! Anyway, I want him to relax and go for fun, relaxed gallops with me. Do I just need to keep easing him out to the track and walk him a bit more each time? Or should I get someone (experienced!!) to take him for that flat-out gallop that I suspect he'd dying for? Or did I just make a big mistake buying a tattoed TB!?? (He's sooooo sweet and big and gentle and gorgeous!). I also just discovered that he has the blood of Northern Dancer and Princequillo.... Help!

06-14-2007, 02:50 PM
ruffian Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,017	I guess it all depends on how confident you feel in your ability to stay with him and work through this. As a TB who did train he may indeed love to run and it's what he's bred for. I like the idea of taking him out a little each time. Just 'cause he's got his feet on the track it doesn't mean he gets to run every time. If it were me, I would ride him there myself, but it would be good to have company in case it gets hairy. Walk and trot him the wrong way round the track, and every now and then let him turn around and walk or trot the right way. If ever you feel that you are losing control, make him stop and stand. The first time you canter, it should be the wrong way and only a little at a time till he gets it that he has to stop or slow when you say so. I had a Secretariat grand daughter that I loved to gallop, but there were times when I seriously wondered if we would stop! __________________ There is something about the outside of a Horse that\'s good for the inside of a man (Will Rogers)

06-14-2007, 03:00 PM
irishmusic Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 581	At nine years old and only run 3 times (probably as a 2-3 yo) I doubt that he's remembering his racing days. But if he was evented last year he may be remembering that. I recommend lungeing him before riding, and reinforcing the basic walk-trot-canter commands on the lunge. It builds teamwork and respect (who's in charge). __________________ It seems that some creatures have the capacity to fill spaces you never knew were empty. Captain Jean Luc Picard

06-14-2007, 05:19 PM
snickers Bombproof Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Twilight Zone Posts: 8,989	It doesnt matter how old they are and how many races they ran, they remember. Before those races, it was months and months of training. I use to run race horses and have had QH and OTTB's off the track and they remember. They were trained to run and have to start retraning and some get it and some dont. Take him on trail rides, lots of them and slowly work into a controled trot then into a canter. For short strides until he starts to relax. __________________ " You cant fix stupid " Ron White Life is to short to argue with ignorant people.

06-15-2007, 12:50 AM
haleyg Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: alberta Posts: 158	Like some others have said "they always remeber". Even though he only had 3 races he probably had a year or so of training. My hubby does not ride his old standy on our track for that reason. He just has too much go go juice on the track for him, but take him on a trail ride and he is a nice quiet fella. I am not saying he can not eventually get out of the go go go mentality on a track . It is just gonna take some time and effort on your part.

06-15-2007, 06:43 AM
JoAnne Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 2,442	I agree with others...he would not forget race training. However, since all he did was break into a wild trot, and he is 9 and has been ridden in many circumstances since his race training, I doubt he will break into an uncontrollable gallop ( unless you canter him too soon on track) I am more concerned about his lack of obdience to your aids in general, what you term laziness. In reality, he is not responding to you...prior to breaking out in his wild trot, he stopped a few times and refused to budge etc. The stopping and breaking into a wild trot they are the same thing in reverse...he is just doing what he wants. So I'd get him listening to my aids and not let him get away with stopping and freezing everywhere, in the arena, in hand at barn, and on the track. I would bring him to track after you have already worked him in ring. First week or two on the track I would only make him walk. So he associates the track with calmness, as well as lstening to you. ( starting and stopping from the walk, at your command, circle him, etc) When he is calm and listening, after a week or two or however long it takes, then intersperse it with trotting. When he is good at that, then the canter...maybe a month or so later. you could also hand walk him along track, and if you have a rider freind on a calm horse that would be nice too. good luck, I had a track to ride on last winter it was so great and fun.

06-15-2007, 07:04 AM
beckyp Seasoned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: utica,ky Posts: 4,122	I have an OTTB gelding age 12,and he sometimes thinks he has to be leader when we are in group. Most of the times he is very responsive to aids and since I am riding him with English saddle-I have ridden him western ever since I bought him-we are working on better communication from me. He has wondeful canter,but we are still at walking stage. Sometimes he gets stubborn and I have learned the best thing is to turn him in circles then he decides my way is best. OTTBs are great horses in my opinion for what it is worth! __________________ If not at home try the barn.

06-15-2007, 09:29 AM
b-mark Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 700	I also agree - my now 8 year old TB DEFINITELY remembers his racing days and also loves to run! Just the slowing down/stopping part isn't quite his thing Sounds like yours is no different. I did 'RUN' him once and decided not to do that again real soon I think just taking him for short periods and getting him to walk/slow trot will eventually get him to relax a little. Also, as was mentioned before, the lunge before riding may be great for him - mine actually really enjoys it now and is real quiet and collected after. __________________ Gina & the critter crew http://www.sunshine.gawdproductions.ca

06-15-2007, 09:58 AM
sswtness75 Started Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 2,136	I had a younger OTTB that I traded for. He was around 4 when I got him, had raced and won. I don't know how many times. He had two speeds when I got him, walk and RUN! After a lot of work, cues, whoa, and learning different speeds, I let him run. What a ride! He became one of the best trail horses I have ever been on. He didn't spook (except at marching bands, but who doesn't! ) and would go through anything. I would let him get a gallop out about once a week. You could tell that he enjoyed getting to run some. That is what he was bred to do and he LOVED it. After a run, he would relax, it was kinda like his version of a massage. __________________ Don't say it's a fine morning or I'll shoot ya! John Wayne

06-15-2007, 09:42 PM
misshuckleberry Newborn Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7	I'm very much relieved hearing all these responses, and so thankful! As a long-time dog owner and new horse owner, I have in my head that he NEEDS to go for a good long gallop. My riding instructor is telling me the same thing. Just ease him onto the track, let him walk, let him associate the track with calmness and pleasantness. I'm just so anxious to get out and go in these beautiful summer mornings! Also, thanks to Joanne for comments about not listening to my aids. That is something I'm really working on. Today was the best day yet. He did the usual, felt great, trotted and cantered in the outdoor ring, went beautifully (he's definitely getting better!), then after a walk, just refused to trot, stopping and stomping his foot. I'd forgotten my crop (I've only realized lately that I need it). However, I used a trick that one of the teenage girls at the barn taught me that our instructor taught her: I growled loudly at him! It's hilarious! It works. Falling back on my dog-training days, I praised the heck out of him for just little gives. Definitely better, though! It's all worth it when I get him back to his stall and he rubs his head along my shoulder and licks my arms! Thanks for all the help, encouragement, and support! I'll keep posting!

06-15-2007, 09:56 PM
beckyp Seasoned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: utica,ky Posts: 4,122	Sounds like you are making progress. I love it when my TB nickers at me or does something like trotting up from field to see me when I come down from trailer to field. I gave him some feed tonight after he came up to see me. __________________ If not at home try the barn.

06-16-2007, 07:59 AM
JoAnne Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 2,442	glad things are going well! I had similar situtaion when riding ex polo pony I leased named Charlie on track last year ( he was retired recently to pleasure horse) The track is winter headquarters to polo players here in WEllington, and they canter and gallop around ponying up to 6 horses at a time! needless to say when Charlie saw them gallop by as a group he wanted to join. The first month out on the track I only let him walk ( luckily I had friend with me some of the time on a calm horse) after a while when he saw that was it, he stopped all the jigging and bucking etc and walked. got to the point where walked on a loose rein. then he was allowed to trot, then canter. by end of season he was pretty good. Still, when the players passed with their horses, I'd slow him to a walk but after awhile I didn't even have to do that. I let him do a few laps at hand gallop but never a flat out gallop, never saw the need and too much of a wimp anyway!

06-16-2007, 08:20 AM
Crazy4paints Coming two Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 1,699	Personally unless I had the intention of running him on that track, I wouldnt even bother taking him on it. Ride in the pastures,or an arena, maybe take him on the trail. Anything besides a track. Good luck! __________________ Offering for your pleasure and enjoyment,exceptional AQHA and APHA Palomino horses.

06-16-2007, 08:29 AM
JoAnne Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 2,442	Her track is out back of property, plus grown with weeds etc...I think if horse sees she is in control she will be fine, if it were me on an OTTB I would never ask it to gallop or hand gallop, I did it on polo pony cause they are traiend to stop on a dime..she would only introduce canter on track after it is really calm on it and listening to her in all other places. or she can use track for walking and trotting if he will not listen at canter, but as he sounds on the lazy side odds are he will be okay.

06-16-2007, 01:16 PM
misshuckleberry Newborn Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7	My riding instructor once gave me a great just-in-case line. "If you ever get in trouble on a horse that suddenly breaks into a gallop, get into a two-point, relax, look at the sky and think of Seabiscuit" (the scene from the movie when Toby just lets him go). When I was riding on a group hack in England, that very thing happened. The guide said, "Let's have a little canter across this field, shall we?" 6 horses broke into a little "canter." Ha!! As I held on for dear life, I didn't think of Seabiscuit, but worried, "Dear God, don't let me fall off or I'll look like a total fool in front of these people." My horse "won" (a TB/Welsh cross, I'd never dream a big boy like him could gallop so fast), and it was a great ride! I am certain I'll get my latest boy in line. He's very sweet and gentle, and I think he wants to please. Little by little, when he learns that all I want from him is for the two of us to have fun, I think he'll come around nicely. He's very relaxed and starting to work beautifully in the arena, and this will be a good learning curve for me!

06-16-2007, 01:26 PM
JoAnne Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 2,442	sounds good, happy riding!

06-18-2007, 10:57 AM
irishmusic Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 581	Having trained seven OTTB's, including the one in the avatar, retraining of the OTTB horse is essential. OTTB's love to work - they have a work ethic like no other breed. They also love to run - it is what they were bred to do - better than any other breed. Don't confuse a love of running, to remembering past training. I am a huge believer in ground training and going back to basics. It sets the ground rules for obediance and dominance. Once the basics are mastered, it makes the rest easy. __________________ It seems that some creatures have the capacity to fill spaces you never knew were empty. Captain Jean Luc Picard

06-18-2007, 11:31 AM
JoAnne Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 2,442	please don't feel guilty! he may not miss running at all. some racehorses grow to dislike it, they run because they have no choice. If he had the head for running, he would have had a longer track career. do with him what you feel comfortable with. Personally, I'd have doubts about galloping an ex race horse, because once in that flat out gallop, they might for that brief time revert to "race mode" and become unstoppable, they are taught to lean against the bit when running, so all your attemtps to pull him up would only make him go faster. to stop in race mode you have to sit up a little and loosen the reins, and even then they don't stop right away. I'd work my way up on the track to a canter and be happy with that, but I am a wimp!