Preparing a Yearling for Training: The Next Steps in a Racehorse’s Journey

A Thoroughbred’s journey doesn’t end when they leave their foaling pasture—it’s just beginning. By the time a foal turns one year old, it is officially considered a yearling and begins a structured program designed to prepare it for a future on the racetrack.

But what does this process look like? From basic groundwork to early fitness conditioning, let’s break down the key steps that transform a young horse from playful pasture foal into a future racehorse.

What is a Yearling?

A yearling is any Thoroughbred that has turned one year old, regardless of its actual birth date. Because all Thoroughbreds share a universal January 1st birthday, foals born in early spring are considered “older” yearlings than those born later in the season.

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The First Steps: Handling & Groundwork

Before a yearling ever sets foot on a racetrack, it must learn basic skills and human interaction that will set the stage for future training.

✔ Leading & Haltering – Yearlings are taught to walk calmly on a lead rope.
✔ Standing for the Farrier & Vet – Hoof care and regular checkups become part of their routine.
✔ Lunging & Free Movement – Some yearlings begin learning simple lunging techniques to build strength.
✔ Exposure to Equipment – Blankets, saddles, and bridles are slowly introduced so the horse learns to accept them.

During this time, yearlings also develop trust and confidence, ensuring they’re comfortable with people, new environments, and routine handling.

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Sales Prep vs. Training Barns: Where Do Yearlings Go?

At this stage, some yearlings are prepared for public auction, while others remain with their breeders for private training.

1️⃣ Yearlings Sold at Auction

Many top racehorses are sold as yearlings at major Thoroughbred auctions, like:
🏆 Keeneland September Yearling Sale (Kentucky)
🏆 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale (New York)
🏆 Ocala Breeders’ Sales (OBS) Yearling Sale (Florida)

Yearlings that go through sales undergo additional preparation, including:
✔ Weight training & fitness conditioning to showcase their athleticism.
✔ Mane & tail grooming for a polished, professional appearance.
✔ Evaluations by bloodstock agents who assess conformation, movement, and pedigree value.

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2️⃣ Yearlings Retained for Private Training

Some yearlings skip the sales ring and head directly to a training facility. These horses often:
🏇 Belong to established racing stables or breeders who plan to race them.
🏇 Have bloodlines and conformation that make them top racing prospects.

Yearlings that head into private training start learning key fundamentals earlier than those sold at auction.

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The Breaking Process: Teaching Yearlings to Accept a Rider

By the time a yearling is 18 months old, they are ready to begin “breaking”—the process of introducing them to a rider.

🔹 The Steps of Breaking a Yearling

1️⃣ Introduction to the Saddle – The yearling is gradually introduced to wearing a saddle and girth.
2️⃣ Carrying Weight – A lightweight rider leans over the horse’s back before fully mounting.
3️⃣ Walking & Trotting Under Saddle – The young horse begins moving forward with a rider aboard.
4️⃣ Learning to Steer & Stop – The horse learns basic rein cues and how to respond to a jockey’s commands.

This process takes time and patience to ensure the young horse is comfortable and confident before advancing to galloping and full-speed workouts.

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Mental & Physical Development in Yearlings

🔹 Physical Changes

By the time a yearling reaches 18-24 months old, they’ve grown significantly.
✔ Weight: ~900-1,100 lbs (depending on bloodlines & growth rates).
✔ Height: Close to their full adult height, but still filling out.
✔ Muscle Development: Increasing as they begin more structured exercise.

🔹 Mental Maturity

Some yearlings mature faster than others—just like human teenagers. A good trainer recognizes each horse’s needs and doesn’t rush the process.

Some yearlings are ready to begin race training at 18 months, while others need extra time to develop.

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Next Steps: Training Towards the Racetrack

Once a yearling is comfortable under saddle, they:
🏇 Begin Galloping – Learning how to move efficiently at higher speeds.
🏇 Train on a Racetrack – Some stables move young horses to racetrack facilities.
🏇 Receive a Jockey’s Guidance – They adjust to the weight & movement of a real jockey.

Most young Thoroughbreds start official race training as two-year-olds, leading to their debut on the track.

📌 Want to see how a young horse transitions from training to racing? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle

From Foal to Future Champion

Not every Thoroughbred will become a Kentucky Derby contender, but every racehorse starts the same way: as a foal learning to navigate the world.

That’s why The Foal Circle exists—to give you an exclusive look at the entire journey, from foaling to yearling training to their racing careers and beyond.

🐴 Want to experience it all firsthand? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle