OTTB Program
Track to Transformation - Where Every Thoroughbred Finds Their Forever
At Sharbrook Estate, our Off the Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) program is dedicated to giving retired racehorses the fresh start they deserve. Each horse is welcomed with patience, understanding, and respect, allowing them time to adjust to life beyond the track. Through tailored retraining programs, we focus on building confidence, trust, and new skills that prepare them for a wide variety of second careers or simply a happy life as a companion. Drawing on proven techniques inspired by leading trainers and supported by our experienced team, we ensure every horse receives the individual attention they need.
Our mission is simple: to create smooth, positive transitions from racetrack to forever home, proving that with the right care and training, Thoroughbreds can excel in any discipline and form lifelong partnerships with their new owners.
Our Program
Arrival
Every horse entering Sharbrook Estate undergoes a comprehensive intake process. This includes a veterinary assessment, worming program, dental check, farrier care, bodywork, and ulcer assessment or treatment where required. We establish a customised feeding program to support recovery and condition. Baseline photos, body condition scores, and behavioural observations are recorded to create an individualised retraining plan tailored to each horse’s needs.
After racing, Thoroughbreds need time to physically and mentally decompress. The demands of training and racing can leave horses tight through the body, mentally reactive, and conditioned to high-adrenaline environments. Spelling allows their muscles, joints, and nervous system to reset in a calm paddock setting. During this time they learn to switch off, graze, socialise, and simply be horses again. The length of this phase varies, as each horse adjusts at their own pace. This reset is essential before structured retraining begins.
Spelling
In-Hand
Each horse completes four to six weeks of structured in-hand work. This phase focuses on posture correction, rebuilding correct biomechanics, and establishing softness and balance. A key priority is relaxation — teaching the horse that interaction with humans now means calm, clarity, and consistency rather than speed and pressure. Through groundwork, we reshape their understanding and build trust, preparing both their body and mind for ridden work.
Horses are gradually introduced to ridden work in a quiet, consistent program. We carry forward everything established in-hand — relaxation, straightness, rhythm, and balance — and begin strengthening correct muscle development under saddle. By building on these foundations, we create a confident horse who understands their new role and can transition successfully beyond racing
Under Saddle
Off Property
Exposure beyond the arena is an essential part of the Sharbrook Program. Through trail rides and controlled outings, horses gain real-world experience in different environments. They are ridden both alone and with other horses, building independence as well as confidence in group settings. This develops adaptability, manners, and the practical skills needed to transition successfully into their future homes.
Not every horse progresses in a straight line. If a horse is not quite ready for the next stage, we allow them a two-week reset to rest both mind and body. This time gives them space to process their learning, recover physically, and return softer and more confident. We then reintroduce the program at the appropriate stage, repeating the process as needed until the horse is truly ready to move forward.
Rest & Repeat
To YOU
When a horse is ready, we carefully match them with a suitable rider and home. We prioritise compatibility, temperament, and long-term success to ensure each partnership is set up to thrive.
Each horse leaves Sharbrook Estate with a comprehensive information pack, detailing their history, training progress, feed regime, health records, and care requirements. They also receive a starter pack from High Horse Equestrian Products to support a smooth transition into their new home.
Our support continues beyond the sale, because the journey does not end when they leave our gates