RACEHORSE REBOOT GROUNDWORK INTENSIVE
17 JANUARY – 13 FEBRUARY 2026
After sharing why off-the-track Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds are so often misunderstood, we have received many questions about what the Racehorse Reboot Groundwork Intensive actually involves and who it is for.
Here is a clear overview.
WHAT IS THE GROUNDWORK INTENSIVE?
The Racehorse Reboot Groundwork Intensive is a four-week, supported training event focused on untraining the racehorse and deliberately preparing the riding horse through groundwork.
It is not a general horsemanship challenge, and it is not about rushing horses back under saddle. This is a structured, intentional phase designed to reduce confusion, improve safety, and set these horses up for long-term success beyond racing.
WHO IS IT FOR?
This intensive is suitable for:
Owners of off-the-track Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds, whether the horse retired recently or many years ago
People who feel unsure, stuck, or isolated in the early stages of retraining
Riders who want to improve safety, clarity, and confidence before riding
Riders working with an off-the-track horse that has been retrained previously but is proving challenging
People considering taking on an off-the-track horse and wanting to make an informed, responsible decision
You do not need to be riding yet. In many cases, not riding yet is the point.
WHAT DOES THE FOUR WEEKS INVOLVE?
Across four weeks, participants work through a structured progression that includes:
Understanding how racing has shaped the horse physically, mentally, and emotionally
Rebuilding responses to the halter and basic handling
Addressing balance, asymmetry, and confidence through groundwork
Preparing the horse for saddling, mounting, and future ridden work
SUPPORT INCLUDES:
Weekly live Zoom calls to explain the focus for each week, answer questions, and help you stay accountable and motivated
Clear guidance on what to work on and why
Feedback on videos, written reports, and questions inside the community
The opportunity to learn by observing other participants and their horses
The intensive runs inside the Racehorse Reboot Community Forum within the Calm Willing Confident Horse app, which is free to download.
DO I NEED SPECIAL FACILITIES?
A round yard is helpful but not essential. Alternatives are provided for people without access to one. The focus is on doing the best work possible with the facilities you have available.
HOW DOES THIS FIT WITH THE FULL PROGRAM?
The intensive is available to those enrolled in Racehorse to Riding Horse – The Off the Track Reboot, created by Dr Shelley Appleton and Isabelle Chandler, with veterinary contribution from Dr Jodie Gossage.
The broader program exists because these horses are professional work horses, not blank slates. The intensive focuses specifically on groundwork because this is where misunderstanding most often creates risk and where thoughtful training makes the biggest difference.
WHAT IS THE GOAL BY THE END OF FOUR WEEKS?
The goal is not a finished horse.
The goal is a horse that is:
Calmer and more organised
Clearer in their responses
More balanced physically
Better prepared mentally and emotionally for under-saddle retraining
Assessed for injuries or issues so they can be addressed appropriately
And a human who understands what they are working with and why.
WHY GROUNDWORK?
Because groundwork is not a warm-up and it is not optional. For off-the-track horses, it is the retraining.
We call this process a reboot because that is exactly what it is. A deliberate reset from life as a racehorse to life beyond racing.
When this phase is rushed or skipped, problems often appear later under saddle. When it is done well, outcomes improve dramatically for both horse and rider.
If you would like to take part in the first Racehorse Reboot Groundwork Intensive, it runs from 17 January to 13 February 2026 and is open to all enrolled participants, whether you joined previously or plan to enrol and take part.
HERE IS HOW TO BE PART OF THE INTENSIVE:
Enrol in the Racehorse to Riding Horse - Off the Track Reboot Program HERE
Once you have enrolled, email me and let me know you would like to be involved and I will send you the instructions of how to register for Zooms & download the app. My email is shelley@calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au
Download the Calm Willing Confident Horse app from the App Store or Google Play
The course can be accessed from any internet browser. Downloading the Calm Willing Confident Horse app can make it even easier to access program materials.
The Intensive will be run from the Racehorse Reboot Community Forum on the app, this will make it easy to access and uploads videos or images to receive feedback.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How often do I need to work with my horse?
Aim for around 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times per week to make steady progress during the four-week intensive.
2. What if I can’t work my horse that often?
That is completely fine. You can move through the material at your own pace. Support remains available inside the Racehorse Reboot Community Forum.
3. I’m going away and will miss a week. Is that a problem?
Not at all. You can catch up later and continue at your own pace. Simply post your updates in the appropriate thread in the app.
4. Can I join if my horse has soundness issues or an injury?
Yes. You are welcome to join and learn more about the transition from racing. However, your horse may not be able to participate in all aspects of the training if they are physically restricted.
5. How many horses can I work with?
You may work with as many horses as you like, though for learning purposes we recommend focusing on one or two.
6. How long do I have access to the course?
You will have access for 18 months.
7. What if I have a question not listed here?
Email admin@calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au and we will be happy to help.
