Any Darley horse or Ex-Racer owners that can offer advice for a potential owner?

[FestiveFuzz]

Hi

I have a horse that I got from Darley 6 months ago. I am over the moon with him.

My experience with them was good. It took about 6 months for them to contact me from application, simply because they a) don't have that many horses and b) they are careful in trying to make a suitable match depending on what the rider wishes to do. Once contact was made Jo was exceptionally helpful - which is probably why I have a great horse that suits me.

My boy needs an experienced rider (I have retrained all of our old P2P and race horses) but that's fine by me. Equally, I could have had a laid back hack if I waited for the right horse.

Hope that helps.

Thanks! It's nice to hear from someone who heard from Darley as I know there are a lot of people saying they never heard back after applying. I will definitely be getting in touch with them about my application nearer the time but it's equally good to have a back up plan just in case they don't have anything suitable.

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Another vote for Equivivre - I shall be looking for an ex-racer soon as my current boy is pretty much semi retired and they have been really helpful. Responded almost straight away and said they would be more than happy to help me find the right one when I was ready to look. Good luck

Honestly Elizabeth couldn't have been more helpful so far, even offering to give me lessons on one of her horses to help get over my mounting nerves I'm not sure how they stack up against Darley in terms of cost to buy the horse but I already have absolute faith that she will be able to find my perfect partner which is worth more than money IMO

 

[pippixox]

i cant comment on the finding an ex-racer side, as my dad owned my boy since he was 1 as a racer, his friend in a flat racer trainer, he raced for 5 years very successfully but injured a tendon, at 7, so had a year of rest, then 3 months basic retraining by someone and i got him. i was 15, and he was my first horse, after 4 years of regular lessons.
yes some tb's are highly strung, and having raced they may have few quirks (if i use a whip my boy zooms off- so i never do) but my boy is a sweet heart, mostly a dobin, i can actually canter along a grass strip at a steady pace with a group of horses and he doesnt race. i admit the first year was a steep learning curve for both of us while he learnt his new job. he is calmer and better behaved then most horses i know, loves to work, whether that just be a hack or going out, and loaded without batting an eye lid after 1 year of going know where..... realise i am waffling on about how amazing my ex-racer is!
charities loan long term for a reason, they really care that they find suitable homes. heroes does sometimes sell them, i think really just to raise funds.

 

[Luci07]

I applies to darley a couple of months ago and heard zilch, ditto the other rehoming places. Knowledgeable home experienced with ex racers waiting to take one on and nothing. Circumstances have changed now so wouldn't be able to take one on.

So what would have happened if they had given you a horse?

 

[FestiveFuzz]

i cant comment on the finding an ex-racer side, as my dad owned my boy since he was 1 as a racer, his friend in a flat racer trainer, he raced for 5 years very successfully but injured a tendon, at 7, so had a year of rest, then 3 months basic retraining by someone and i got him. i was 15, and he was my first horse, after 4 years of regular lessons.
yes some tb's are highly strung, and having raced they may have few quirks (if i use a whip my boy zooms off- so i never do) but my boy is a sweet heart, mostly a dobin, i can actually canter along a grass strip at a steady pace with a group of horses and he doesnt race. i admit the first year was a steep learning curve for both of us while he learnt his new job. he is calmer and better behaved then most horses i know, loves to work, whether that just be a hack or going out, and loaded without batting an eye lid after 1 year of going know where..... realise i am waffling on about how amazing my ex-racer is!
charities loan long term for a reason, they really care that they find suitable homes. heroes does sometimes sell them, i think really just to raise funds.

Your boy sounds lovely Pippixox. I totally appreciate that the charities have their reasons for offering long term loans rather than selling the horse but I'd personally rather pay outright for my horse than pay a compulsory monthly donation. I am happy to help local charities and have volunteered in the past but I would rather keep that separate to owning a horse.

 

[Spotsrock]

OP it's a shame you are not nearer us. I have a big ex racer who is a real 'can do' sort of a horse but pretty laid back. My yard mate has an even quieter 'will do eventually' type ex racer both of whom would really show you how chilled they can be! Mine was a bit wappy for the first month till he got the old feed regime out of his system, that said I got him just as the spring grass came through too, and by wappy there was nothing dangerous, just a lot of dancing on tippy toes and slinging his head and legs in various directions, I a wuss with no balance and I managed him fine! He's also fairly sturdy (not to tempt fate!)

 

[TPO]

Have a look on www.exracersclub.com

They have a for sale section that normally has a few on it.

As you're in Surrey worth PMing Scarlett and Tarrsteps on here. They are in that area with good contacts. Also lovely helpful people

There's a new exracer site but I can't remember it exactly. Try googling " life after racing" and contact Emma Burton from there - all contact details on the site. She rehomes numerous TBs, is extremely experienced and very friendly, helpful and approachable.

Happy horse shopping!