In THOROUGHBRED LOGIC, eventer and sport horse trainer Aubrey Graham walks riders, trainers, and Thoroughbred-lovers through this practical, philosophy-driven guide to understanding, purchasing, restarting, and developing the off-track Thoroughbred. Based on her popular retraining column, Aubrey blends academic research with 40 years of hands-on experience, giving riders a peek behind the curtain of the industry to better understand how a racing career shapes a Thoroughbred's body and mind. With an emphasis on balance, forward riding, thoughtful management, and clear communication, it offers a humane, effective system for bringing these athletes into second careers in the hunter, jumper, eventing, and dressage rings, as well as Western disciplines or pleasure riding. Inside, you'll discover: How horses move through the industry and how this impacts the way they learn; How to read and interpret race records, pedigree charts, and dosage profiles; What pre-purchase exams reveal - and what they miss; Tools to decode OTTB sale ads and conformation photos; How to make the right feeding, shoeing, and health choices; Navigating letdown and the 'post-track body crash' realistically; Step-by-step groundwork, first rides, balance, and adjustability; Exercises to develop straightness, strength, and rhythm; How to distinguish pain from behaviour and tackle speed, anxiety, and tension head-on. This book teaches readers how to better understand the horse standing in front of them: where he came from, what he knows, and what he needs. It dispels common myths and replaces them with practical expectations. Whether you're purchasing your first OTTB, bringing one home from the track, or refining your restart system, this guide equips you with the knowledge to help these horses thrive.
