Racehorse to Riding Horse – The Off-the-Track Reboot


the course & program

Racehorse to Riding Horse - the Off the Track Reboot is an 8-week step-by-step course and training program to help Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds thrive beyond the track.

Racehorses are trained to do a very specific job — and to succeed in their new lives, we must first un-train the racehorse and build the riding horse. This course and program shows you exactly how to do that with confidence and clarity.


what you will learn

You’ll learn how to:

  • Understand the unique mindset and conditioning of the off-the-track horse

  • Calmly reprogram behaviours that don’t serve them in ridden life

  • Develop focus, relaxation, and responsiveness from the ground up

  • Build strength, balance, and skills needed for as a foundation for any discipline from trail riding to competition

  • Identify early red flags in behaviour or soundness that may otherwise go unnoticed

  • Tap into their natural willingness and impressive athleticism — without overwhelm or confusion


what is included

The course includes:

  • A complete, strategic training program for groundwork and riding

  • Specialist guidance on breed traits, retraining challenges, and management

  • Supportive community forum and access to expert help from Dr Shelley Appleton & Isabelle Chandler

  • Bonus resources like float and trailering training

This course and program gives you the tools to help your off-the-track horse become a calm, confident, and capable riding partner — guided at a pace that suits the individual horse.

The cost of the course is single payment of $349 or 10 x monthly payments of $39.


other resources - webinar

How to Select Off-the-Track Horses for a Successful New Life - Webinar Replay

Whether you’re thinking about giving a retired racehorse a fresh start, or you’re already supporting one through its next chapter, this session is packed with valuable insights to help you on that journey.

In this webinar, Dr Shelley Appleton and Isabelle Chandler draw on years of hands-on experience working with Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. You'll learn what to look for when selecting a horse, how their racing history shapes their needs, and what really matters when setting them up for long-term success in life after racing.

This isn’t just about choosing the right horse—it’s about understanding them, avoiding common pitfalls, and supporting them physically, mentally, and emotionally through a thoughtful and informed transition.


other resources - presentation series

Understanding Off-the-Track Horses - Essential Knowledge Before You Begin Retraining

The information in this resource is essential for anyone working with an off-the-track Thoroughbred or Standardbreds. To truly support your horse’s transition and training, it’s important to understand the profound effects a racing career can have—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

To make this content as accessible and flexible as possible, you can choose the format that suits you best:

a) Audiobook

Prefer to learn on the go? Each specific chapter on Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds has an audiobook format that allows you to listen to the material while driving, walking, or doing chores—perfect for absorbing insights in everyday moments.

b) Presentations

If you're a visual learner, our video presentations are ideal. These have been divided into short, easy-to-watch segments so you can work through them at your own pace, whenever it suits you.