"Tik Maynard's Guide for Rehabilitating Ex-Racehorses: 10 Key Strategies"

In the world of equestrian sports, Tik Maynard has made a name for himself as a successful eventer, specialising in the retraining of Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). With a background in modern pentathlon, Maynard had to start anew in equestrian sports after an injury.

Maynard's journey began under the tutelage of Olympian Anne Kurinski, where he served as an assistant trainer for three years. This apprenticeship laid the foundation for his innovative philosophy towards retraining OTTBs.

In 2016, Maynard achieved significant success with Johnny Football and Haxby Park in Eventing and Freestyle, showcasing their talents at the Thoroughbred Makeover Symposium held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Both horses were in contention for "America's Most Wanted Thoroughbred."

Maynard's approach to retraining OTTBs is unique. He recommends finding a horse with the same goals as you, getting a good vet check done, and seeking professional help in finding the horse. He also advises trainers to start from a point of success, not failure, when learning a new skill with their horse.

Thoroughbreds, like any other horse, have their own unique characteristics. Understanding what motivates them is crucial in training. Maynard emphasises that a horse may not be suitable for a specific discipline if it doesn't excel in that discipline.

Maynard also addresses the common issue of a horse's anxiety. Thoroughbreds often exhibit anxiety, which stems from fear or lack of confidence and trust. To improve performance, it's essential to find out how to address this anxiety.

As you progress in your desired discipline, Maynard suggests aiming to make the world neutral for your horse by exposing it to various environments. Seek outside opinions from trusted trainers as you get closer to competition.

Maynard's dedication to his craft is evident in his continued success. Alongside his wife Sinead Halpin, he spends time in both New Jersey and Florida, training and competing in CCI rated events while running their own businesses.

For more information about Tik Maynard and his horses, you can visit his official site or find him on Facebook. Maynard also recommends the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center for guidance when finding an OTTB.

In the end, Maynard encourages trainers to always consider everything as the "Olympic" version of what they're doing, striving for continuous improvement in both themselves and their horses.