Off-the-Track Thoroughbred Habits

I found a really cool thread on the Chronicle Forum this week, in which riders were discussing their OTTB's quirky habits. One Forum member, who I guess has a lot of experience at the track, helped explain where certain quirks come from. Very insightful!

Here are some excerpts from the discussion, which apply to Leo:

Why does he always prefer to be ridden in the AM? 

All racehorses are ridden in the morning on racetracks for the entirety of their racing lives. Most racetracks actually hold races and, as a result, there must be enough time for the track to be harrowed and maintained/watered/etc before races start, usually between 11 and 2. Thur training hours are typically 5am-10, 11, or 12 depending on the track schedule. Even tracks that don't hold races all the time and training centers limit training hours for liability reasons. An outrider must be on the track at all times to catch run away/loose horses and generally watch over the activity. When the outrider leaves, the track closes. Most track insurance requires that. Most tracks also provide ambulances, both horse and human, during training hours. Limiting these training hours limits the cost of providing all of these support members.

Why doesn't he like to be groomed? 

Racehorses never get "muddy" really. So scrubbing caked on mud off of them is very foreign to them. Typically a very soft body brush is used followed by intense rubbing with a soft towel as a daily grooming regiment. Most racing stables do not even own 'stiff' or 'hard' body brushes. Make for some very thin-skinned TB's for sure. 

Why does he get quick after one little canter, and you spend the next 20 min trying to calm them back down? 

Racehorses come on the track, usually stand for a few short moments, trot off clockwise for anywhere between 1/4-1 mile, turn and stand for a moment again, and then gallop off to get down to training business. It is a foreign concept to racehorses to trot-canter-trot-canter and do any sort of transitions. Once they start cantering they only thing they know how to do is canter faster until they are told to pull up and jog home. 

Why does he prefer to straight tie but dances around like a child on a sugar high in cross ties? 

Cross ties are impractical on race tracks because horses are constantly cooling out in the shed row or walking around with their riders up before going to the track. All racehorses are tied to the wall on a short tether and groomed, tacked, and bandaged this way. It is the first thing most yearlings learn to do. 

Why is he perfect through a whole lesson, then jigs sideways all the way back to the barn? 

Probably 50%-60% of racehorses get accompanied back to the barn after their gallop either by a pony, a groom, another horse, or all three. 

Read more here

My question: Why is Leo more comfortable the faster he gallops?

Eventing Nation recently had an exercise rider write about her track experiences. Read it here
Lauren's insight was incredibly eye-opening regarding the topic of speed.

A breezing racehorse travels between 900 and 950 meters per minute.  Even when not breezing, 600-750 meters per minutes is the standard speed at which horses train day to day.  All are faster than the 570 meters per minute that Advanced horses gallop around Rolex.  

Now imagine asking Leo to go 350-450 mpm for Novice and Training. That must feel RIDICULOUSLY slow to him. I wish I had known that when I first got Leo, because that would have explained a lot.