If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Peggy — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:17:26 GMT

Tom Ivers popularized this approach using interval training since the '80's until he died, constantly refining it according to his and others research. Time was the big factor limiting its use. Most people just found that finding the most talented horse usually was most economical.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Ola — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:30:10 GMT

Forgot to mention that the only way to teach a horse to run straight is work both ways around, ask any real horseman!

Earl Abraham Ola

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Ola — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:25:53 GMT

Several years ago, here in Ocala, a young man who was considered Ocala's best rider by the more successful pinnhookers, also a farrier and tooth fairy, asked if I would teach him how to train racehorses. I do not usually do it but in this case because I liked the young man, I did. He owned a small 10 acre farm in a training center with a very poor 5/8ths track and had built a tail tie pool on his land. We found a 3/8th mile hill 3/4 miles away where we trailered his 2 horses once a week and worked them up that hill 6-times on Mondays. Wednesday we did an 10 furlong right turn open gallop on the 5/8th tracks, Friday we trailered to OBS and breezed left handed. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday we did light dressage work in a western saddle followed by a 2-minute swim. The horses were trained out of 1/2 acre paddocks never stalled unless there was a storm. That winter we had 100% in the money trailering down to S. Florida for the races where friends commented on how bad our sun burned horses looked, then amazed at how they ran. They certainly outran their moderate pedigrees. One many years experienced spit box attendant who accompanied horses from the track to the spit box said in all the years he had been doing his job he had never before seen horses cooled out before they got off the track and asked me what we did. When I told him those horses actually had seven breezes each week and lived in paddocks he did not believe it; I truly enjoyed his amazed reaction. Both horses were unsound when we started and had very poor performance records up to my changing their training housing situation.

You have to adapt to whatever conditions you have available to you

Years back I won races with a filly that had run 11 dead lasts for 2 leading trainers, one now in our hall of fame. He called me wanting to know what I had drugged the horse with as he considered it impossible to win with that filly.

He had also learned from the racetracks farrier that this same filly who had bad feet when I started with her and a strained tendon had trained and won bare footed. I told him the only drug that horse was on was scientifically proven training, turn outs on good grass and dressage (balancing work) training. I also had success training overseas in a drug free nation where the average race field was 20 horses and almost every horse breezed 2 or 3 times per week, where I observed unsound, miserable American imports improve out of sight, racing and training both ways around. Breezing 3 times per week.

I am in consultation with a film producer for a TV network on doing a training film and have started a book on the subject.

Please do not waste my time and yours with negative emails, they will not affect or influence me but

You may contact me at olae@bellsouth.net. To my old friend Wm Hastings-Bass who was the Queen's private trainer before retiring with whom I worked at Tulloch Lodge for the world's most successful trainer ever, anywhere I appreciated your response to this article. Look for more.

Earl Abraham Ola

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Kathy — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:33:30 GMT

It seems quite the height of arrogance to think one has all the answers and can do it better than the wealth of fine horsemen we have here in America. We don't have everything we want, (long open gallops across hillsides, grazing paddocks and round pens) but the good horsemen on the racetracks don't do it as described in this article. Few riders today ride acey-ducey as they did in the old-school days, yet Mr. Ola advocates studying the "old-time trainers."

I'd like to see the horse that can stay sound while breezing "two or three times a week" and presumably race also.

As for galloping the wrong way every other day, this misguided idea was not thought through very well. You'd see horses bolting for the gap and it would be very difficult to keep confused horses calm to jog. Many will only jog because they are going the opposite way and are not accustomed to galloping that direction.

Taking left turns on the track causes no more stress, nor does it cause any unbalance. The horse changes leads in the stretch, and the amount of time spent on any one lead is the only factor of importance. If a horse is reluctant to change leads, that indicates he may be sore somewhere.

Half of training a horse is the mental training. Horses are creatures of habit who need to be trained to do things a certain way every time. That's why we break off on the backside and finish strong at the wire. Galloping and breezing the wrong way would create nothing but chaos.

Finally, sitting down on the back of a horse while galloping is sure to produce a horse with a sore back. Weight should be distributed across the shoulders, not the fragile back that has nothing but a spine to support it.

So many geniuses here. The ignorance is only apparent to those who know what is involved in training racehorses. The Bloodhorse targets breeders and owners, so this column appeals to those who think they know enough to critique training methods, but if you want to win races, trust a winning trainer.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Patricia Bewley, Vice President the RACE Fund — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:58:45 GMT

Wonderful information and much needed , however so is long term care of racehorses and that is not the slaughter house. This industry can afford to give the horses a % of purse money for their retirement. they are not a " product" as some people call them, they are livng senitient being.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

William Huntingdon — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:37:07 GMT

So you did learn something at Tulloch Lodge...! whuntingdon@bigpond.com aka William Hastings-Bass

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Sam — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:37:44 GMT

Mr. Ola:

I'm an Owner/Breeder/Trainer. I AM A HORSEMAN and I DO KNOW ALL OF THOSE THINGS. Not only have I trained racehorses, but I have trained for, and competed successfully in other horse sports. I DID LEARN THE OLD WAYS when I was growing up and in my early years at the track. I HAVE STUDIED methods used in Australia, in Ireland, and in Europe. As much as is humanly possible, I try to do all of those things you talk about in your article.

I would sell my soul for a place where I would be able to train the way it should be done.

So, who trains your horses, Mr. Ola? I have to insert here that I am appalled at the number of owners who talk the talk, but don't walk the walk. Indeed some of the most outspoken and well known owners, who claim to value "the welfare of the horse" above all else and claim to want raceday medication banned, hire the very trainers who perpetuate the problems.

Give me the right kind of place,Mr. Ola, and horses to train, and you will win races the old fashioned way, with fresh horses, who can run often, and don't require raceday medication.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Another Dumb Trainer — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:04:08 GMT

To be honest, there probably isn't a truly bad idea anywhere in this article. Who WOULDN'T want to have the resources and time to train their horses in this or a similar fashion?? Unfortunately, most of us have to live and pay costs on Planet Reality. This entire article reminds me of the quote: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Or blog."

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

cgm — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:44:00 GMT

As the ancient Greeks and Romans knew, and long ago figured out.

BALANCE IS EVERYTHING. LITERALLY AND FIGURETIVLY.

Centered riding, and all it's properties is the key to horse and man coexisting in any form at all.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Johnny — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:12:25 GMT

Mr. Ola,

Your commentary is one of the best and most educating "Final Turn" columns I've ever read. And I'm going to read it again, and again, and again, until I know it cold.

Thank you.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Jan — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:47:36 GMT

One of the most enjoyable articles I have ever read. Thank you Mr. Ola for such sensibilities. I truly wish we did it, as you suggest, here in the U.S. The horse should be the #1 priority, sadly it is not.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

john — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:54:13 GMT

the horse should never be the victim,everyone in racing should be focused on making the horse the primary concern at all times

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

stardust — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:49:49 GMT

I totally believe that this artcle need a lot more attention. This is a great article. Should be somewhere that it is read a lot more.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Horsegypsy — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 04:06:37 GMT

How great it is to see what I have been trying to get out to owners and trainers for the last couple of years put so eloquently and how refreshing to see that I am not alone in my beliefs that things need to be done a WHOLE lot differently in the racing industry. I have just relocated to Ocala, FL and am a Natural colt starter that will be a Natural trainer in the near future. (Tired of seeing all my good work go down the drain when I have to hand them over to the regular trainer and rider and just need to find the owner that wants the best thing done by his horse) I was an asst trainer/exercise rider for some of the biggest in the sport for 16 yrs the normal way. For the last 2 yrs I have been natural and wish that I had done it sooner.

With public opinion of racing at an all time low we need to step up to the plate and do right by these incredible athletes that are race horses. If we can't we are doomed because it is the public that keeps us in business. I don't have a website at the time but have posted pics and vids of me and my team starting colts at Sunland Park on myspace.com/horsegypsychris and on facebook (christy rogers)

Keep up the good work Mr. Ola and everyone else who has good things to post. If enough of us speak up we can make the difference.

Christy

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

horsewoman — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:00:18 GMT

being a lifelong horsewoman and training both racehorses for 15 yrs and world class show jumpers for 10 yrs , I LOVE THIS ARTICLE !! i have been personally successful in both sports and as a breeder,owner,trainerand also a jockey and mom of a jockey, i wish there where LOTS MORE HORSEMAN !!

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Cheryl from Maryland — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:25:27 GMT

G. Rarick,

Thanks again.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

G. Rarick — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:37:30 GMT

Cheryl - The day rate charged to owners is just enough to cover your costs, if you've done the math right. That doesn't prevent owners from trying to cut deals, and trainers from taking them. It's a tough, expensive business, but I'll gladly pay 100 euros per month per box if it means I can train in decent conditions. If you have more questions about European training, visit my web site and contact me by e-mail. I'll be happy to answer all the questions I can. www.gallopfrance.com

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Cheryl from Maryland — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:51:41 GMT

G.Rarick,

Thanks for the feedback.

I didn't mean to suggest that Mr. Ola meant that everyone shoud build their own training center. I was actually referring to some of the posts I've read that imply that trainers here don't care enough to want to do right by their horses. I'm sure there are a few-there's good and bad in all walks of life-but I think most of us do the best we can with what we have.

I guess my next question is this: how do young trainers in Europe, etc. afford to rent stalls (boxes) or buy a yard? Can they charge the owners enough to cover that kind of expense? Are the charges for the boxes really reasonable? As I'm sure you know, the stalls at the tracks here are free, although they are assigned by the racing secretary and you are somewhat obligated to try to run in that state in return instead of shipping around. I would loved to have been able to stable away from the track and run and train where and when I wanted, but there was no affordable way to do it.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

G. Rarick — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:40:05 GMT

Cheryl - You don't need to build your own training center in Europe. You either rent boxes (as I do) or buy a yard located around the training center, like Chantilly, Maisons-Laffitte or Newmarket. I don't think Ola is suggesting everyone in America be rich enough to build their own - I think he's pointing out the systemic problem. The entire method is screwed up and should change.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

stardust — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:03:30 GMT

Jamie

I agree with you. This article needs to get more attention.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Cheryl from Maryland — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:47:19 GMT

To Ranagulzion,

I was a trainer, stabled at the track, for a few decades. In my post (above) I tried to point out some of the reasons why trainers who are stabled at the track are unable to use many of Mr. Ola's suggestions. In Maryland trainers who are not able to afford to train at Fair Hill (that would be most of us) or buy a large piece of property and build their own training center (again most of us) really have no option other than to stable at the track. Except for Fair Hill, there really are no training centers that I know of, although the now-defunct Bowie is used as a training center. However, you must abide by the same rules that apply at Pimlico and Laurel.

I tried training some of my horses at the farm when I either couldn't get enough stalls at the track or I had a horse who was unhappy there, but the footing was often too bad to get much work done. Trying to get or keep a horse racing fit there in the winter was impossible.

I know some people who have posted comments here feel that there is no excuse, that "if there's a will there's a way". But I wonder how many of them could afford to build their own training facility? I wonder if they feel that the only people who should become trainers are those who can afford to build their own training center?

I also wonder, (maybe I can get an answer from people who have worked at stables in England, Ireland or Australia), how do young trainers get started if they cannot afford to build their own training facility. I have always been under the impression that you had to have your own "yard". I hope someone can explain their system to me.(I'd really love to go there and see them first-hand. I hope one day I will be able to).

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Jamie — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:08:42 GMT

I was very happy to see an article like this posted on Bloodhorse. But yes, it should be placed in a more prominent position so more people can read it.

We all need to do what is best for the horse. If we take care of them, they will take care of us.

I really wish all these points could come true for America's horses. If anyone out there knows a way a regular fan could contribute to make these changes happen, I'd be all ears.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

Ranagulzion — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:29:07 GMT

Endorsing Handride's comment, it would be very informative and interesting to get some reactions from a few leading trainers and veteran trainers on the contents of this blog. "Dumb Trainer" was very dismissive of the author and of many bloggers but is his view representative of informed trainers? Lets have a discussion by known trainers.

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

stardust — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:30:35 GMT

I like your post. :)

re: If I Was a Horseman - by E. Abraham Ola

ryan — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:01:01 GMT

Can't agree more, one problem though!!! We breed fashion not comformation now. lets hope this economic crisis will help turn our breed around. less horses but better quality, Trainers less horses, more time. Our turnover rate for horses in training must be horrific. The Almighty dollar is our boss. Too Bad isn't it!!!