Start Slow

• Begin by pulling your horse up and putting him into training. This means that he will need to be stalled, with controlled turn-out times and exercise times. His diet will be strictly controlled and monitored. He will be fed a much higher protein diet with many more concentrates in addition to his forage. Start slow with his exercise. Build up slowly over time. Most trainers start with simple saddle basics, and then work the horse at a trot around the track until he is comfortable with it.
  
  

Begin Breezing

• Breezing is the term used to describe running a horse on the track for exercise. Usually, the horse is groomed, prepped then ridden out on the track, trotted, cantered and then finally allowed to run. Usually this starts out as short sprints, measure in furlongs, but then, as time passes and the horse's condition hardens, longer runs are allowed. The distance and fitness of the horse are carefully monitored, as any injury at this point could cost the horse his career.
  
  

Stable Care

• Every day the horse's legs will be carefully examined, along with his feet. Liniments will be applied before and after exercise, and hooves will be dressed with oils and other salves to keep them in top shape. The horse will be cooled down on a hot-walker after exercise to avoid muscle spasms, and regular baths will keep the sweat off his skin and help cool him down after sweaty workouts.
  
  

Swimming

• Many trainers now utilize swimming as a way to increase stamina and cardio health without stressing the horse's legs. A special round swimming pool is where the horse will do laps, with several handlers to make sure he is safe. This is one of the best and most effective means of increasing heart health and endurance, while taking all impact off the legs--saving the wear and tear for actual racing.
  
  

Furlong Races

• As a final step before longer races are attempted, short races--or furlong races--are done on rookie race horses. These allow the horse to experience the full taste of racing, but for a shorter distance, giving the horse a chance to learn how the entire process works, and what is expected of her. Once a horse has done some furlong races, she is ready for the real deal.