Horse Disciplines USA

Horse Shopping here is pretty different from the UK. In the UK most horses marketed are either 'Happy Hackers' or English ridden (be it show, dressage etc). Then there are a few off the track. They all ride pretty much the same. They all have similar training- some more, some less and most are handled pretty kindly and trained using a mix of +R and -P.

I have seen a real difference here in the US. Here is a short list of the types we have had through the barn so far and the ones you see listed on Craigslist too. I am sure there are exceptions on both sides and I don't want to cause offense to anyone as the following is a huge generalization.

Please feel free to correct me about anything I have been incorrect about- I am sure there is plenty!

Barrel Racers
Not the easiest retrain, Usually have been ridden with huge long shank bits and yanked around by competitive riders. Think big spurs and hard kicks. They are often quite good on the ground but impatient and fast under saddle. There are a few at the barn that are now trail horses but they can still be joggy and unsettled in their mouths.

Roping Horses
Quite a few of these seem to have been badly treated, again many have been yanked around with long shank bits, usually quite un spooky but very nervous on the ground from rough handling. Some are well loved of course too! These are the horses you are most likely to come off the side of them- boy they can change direction damn fast!

Amish Horses
These are usually very safe under saddle/ being driven depending on what they were trained for, sometimes both. The methods that 'some' of the amish use are really harsh. The horses are usually very well mannered but totally shut down on both the ground and under saddle. These guys make me very sad.

OTTBs & OTQHs
The Off the Track TBs & QHs are my personal favorite. They have nearly always been ridden and handled by professionals so have the nicest ridden training, certainly as far as english goes. They do understand rein aids but tighten both reins at once and don't release quickly at your peril! They respond very well to weight shift for go and whoa and are usually nice and forward. Normally have to learn about mounting and slowing their paces.  They are usually some of the fizziest and trickiest on the ground as haven't needed to 'walk' in hand or been led on both sides.

Summary
Very few of these guys know how to lunge or how to 'ground drive'. Some of them will round pen ok. Most need a lot of desensitization, on different things depending on their history. Some have been beaten with whips or lines or pitch forks. Some (esp ottbs/ otqh) just haven't seen an indoor school or normal life away from the track.

Retraining is different with each horse, some of the horses are happier sticking with Western style and some English. Some happily do both (most would I am sure if the riders are good enough).

I would love to see some 'proper' trainers and riders working with these guys. There are some fantastic resources from the web which are invaluable for restraining, esp for ex racers. One of the best is http://www.retiredracehorseproject.org. There are some great training videos etc.