TheDuck,

I used to ride my horse only in trackwork.
(I only weight 63.5kg)
It's all about balance - the horse senses the slightest shift in weight and responds accordingly. That is why some horses respond to some jockeys and not others.

There is a definite affinity with the animal. If you don't understand the horse or the horse misinterprets your "body language" it's all over!

I can certainly say that riding retired racehorses would be fun!

Just a note though, if you relax the pressure off the reins a little the horse should lope into an easy stride - HOWEVER if the horse has not raced for a long time it will just reef and tear at the bit and want to bolt away with you.
In my limited experience what you do is this....
Providing you have a "kind" bit in the bridle "saw" the bit gently in the horses mouth to and fro every time the horse wants to bolt on you - the horse won't like the sensation and will slow down.
It doesn't injure the horse in any way, it's just annoying for them.

[ This Message was edited by: Equine Investor on 2002-09-24 13:48 ]