been offered ex racehorse - advice & experiences much appreciated!!

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tinap

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15yr old daughter has had her 14hh pony for 3yrs. The plan was to sell him late next year & then get her her 1st horse, but recently she's been toying with the idea of moving on at the end of this year instead. We have to sell her pony to buy her a horse.

This morning I got a phone call from a friend. He has had a racehorse trainer (who he knows) approach him in tears this morning. He has a 7yr old gelding who hasnt lived upto racing expectations. He would normally pts but has become so attached to this horse he cannot bring himself to do it. He says it shows jumping potential so is willing to give it to someone who will reschool it & do something with it. Friend didn't think to ask how big it was but has said he will arrange for us to have a look.

I'm really after ANY advice!! I don't ride, daughter has for 10yrs & jumps at a high level, she also competes dressage. I've only ever owned ponies but have plenty of people who would help, although we're not on livery, have a field & stables of our own.
 
Race horses can be extremely rewarding.

But the jump form ponies to a horse that needs re-training will be quite a leap, not to say that your daughter could be totally successful with this.

Make sure when you go to have a look, that she is comfortable on the horse height wise. That he can be handled easily from the ground and has a trainable temp.

I suggest a experienced ex racehorse instructor to help out.

But don't say no without having a good look, but also don't say yes because he's there. Must be right for you and your daughter.
 
I don't often post on here, but thought I'd reply to your question.

I bought a 5 yr old ex racehorse earlier this year - she'd raced as a 2 & 3 year old but was too slow... Anyway she is the easiest horse I have ever had - totally laid back, easy to hack (in company and on her own). She is also the most affectionate horse I've every owned (and I've had a few over the years). I know that Lottie was exercised by a 12 year old before I got her. She is brave across country and scoring high 60's in dressage (4th in her first BD the other week). Obviously all horses are different but certainly I wouldn't rule it out.
 
I am a huge fan of ex racers but they need experienced, knowledgeable, patient riders and I can only imagine that for a 15yo who although has people who can help keeps the horse on their own yard without input from other people it could be a recipe for disaster. Sorry.
 
it totally depends on the temperament of the horse. as the other poster said, it is a huge jump from a pony to an exracer, they can be powerful temperamental creatures.

I am riding 30 years and have an exracer who i adore. I consider myself a calm, confident rider who is used to lively rides, but i still found my lad a challenge at the start. He was a rearing, nappy nightmare and i had my hands full till we got his problems sorted out. I ended up getting with his hooves hitting me on the head during a full on rear, then dislocated fingers from lunging, followed by a broken arm three weeks later. I am mad about him and he has progressed 100% but he will never be a safe, uncomplicated ride. People think he's an angel now but he was a MASSIVE amount of work. I competed a lot as a child (and had a psycho 15hh connie!) but my 15 year old self would never have been able to manage him, with all the best will in the world.

I would think carefully before making a decision. The jump alone from ponies to horses is a big one - i wouldn't even consider going straight to an exracer unless is was a complete teddybear. Even if it is a teddybear if you try it out in the trainers, make sure you get a decent trial time at home. It can take a while for them to settle, and for their personalities to come out in their new home. I ended up moving yards to get the correct routinue of turnout and feed that suited mine.

Also make sure you have plenty of support, any horse will test the limits at some stage. But a temperamental breed like an exracer can really be more highly strung than she would be used to.

Saying that you could be lucky and get an absolute dote of an exracer, i know they exist. But if it was my child i wouldn't do it unless it was one of those one-in-a-million quiet ones!
 
Thanks - very good advice. We have had a project pony before that we saved from pts. Was unhandleable at start & went on to compete successfully at BS & trailblazers nationally, but it was a 12hh pony!! I think im worried as this will be my first time caring for a horse! The daughter is quite small so the size of it will be the factor before we even remotely consider. I do have a lot of pc contacts so am sure he could find a home if he's not for us.
 
We've just done this. Sister was 15, been riding for 10 years, evented to PC Open, done 1.15m SJ on her 14.2hh mare who was very quirky but a schoolmistress nonetheless. Reg was a 16.3hh ex-racer who'd had 2 years in a field, and was totally unschooled although he'd been hacked out by a variety of people!

Go for it, but be warned she'll have a lot of work ahead to get places. I would completely advise finding someone who you totally trust and letting them do the basics as this is vital to be 100% right. Reg is a lovely horse who has a lot of potential but undoing all that racing taught him has been a long struggle and if we could go back the beginning we'd probably send him to her amazing instructor for a couple of months with Al going up and riding him, as she just didn't have the knowledge or experience.

Your daughter also has to consider that for the next few months, she won't really be going anywhere and will spend a lot of time going over things like trotting in a straight line, how to canter normally and that fences aren't always made of brush... She has her GCSEs to consider, and A levels if she does them which have hindered Reg's progress despite Al riding before/ after school and in all her frees! It's a big journey and totally worth it and Al loves the progress Reg has made with her.

ETA: Al has done the project ponies, etc. and says that it is completely different from Reg. She's always had to have the mad/ bad/ slightly quirky ponies, and in all honesty Reg is the nicest hack and nicest to own and has recently won an award for being the best allround ex-racer so it can be done with limited knowledge and experience! Just need people who have worked with horses like him to help you out :)
 
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Sorry - loads of posts while I was typing!!

Me & the girl are quite level headed between us so tend not to rush into things or be spontanious(sp?!) So I'm going to see him without the hope of him being for us really! I have a friend who has retrained one before who will come with us to see. We weren't actually looking for horses just yet so are not in that 'need a new horsey' frame of mind!!
 
paddi22 said:
it totally depends on the temperament of the horse. as the other poster said, it is a huge jump from a pony to an exracer, they can be powerful temperamental creatures.

I am riding 30 years and have an exracer who i adore. I consider myself a calm, confident rider who is used to lively rides, but i still found my lad a challenge at the start. He was a rearing, nappy nightmare and i had my hands full till we got his problems sorted out. I ended up getting with his hooves hitting me on the head during a full on rear, then dislocated fingers from lunging, followed by a broken arm three weeks later. I am mad about him and he has progressed 100% but he will never be a safe, uncomplicated ride. People think he's an angel now but he was a MASSIVE amount of work. I competed a lot as a child (and had a psycho 15hh connie!) but my 15 year old self would never have been able to manage him, with all the best will in the world.

I would think carefully before making a decision. The jump alone from ponies to horses is a big one - i wouldn't even consider going straight to an exracer unless is was a complete teddybear. Even if it is a teddybear if you try it out in the trainers, make sure you get a decent trial time at home. It can take a while for them to settle, and for their personalities to come out in their new home. I ended up moving yards to get the correct routinue of turnout and feed that suited mine.

Also make sure you have plenty of support, any horse will test the limits at some stage. But a temperamental breed like an exracer can really be more highly strung than she would be used to.

Saying that you could be lucky and get an absolute dote of an exracer, i know they exist. But if it was my child i wouldn't do it unless it was one of those one-in-a-million quiet ones!
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absolutely agree with this. Just because something is free/cheap/local doesnt mean it is suitable. My concern would be my childs safety. It may be a dope on a rope but on the other hand it may not. Also how big is your daughter-a racehorse could be as little as 15 right up to 17hh plus! I reschooled an ex racer (im 27) and only 5ft and he was a git to start-rearing etc and even though ive ridden for years, i couldnt have done it without help and support of fellow yard members- he has been sold now and is doing so well he got a 1st in racehorse to riding horse at the weekend-im so proud of myself for taking him to that level BUT I wouldnt have been able to do it at 15- because I wanted to jump and get on with things, you need the patience of a saint for tb's in general and they certainly dont take well to shortcuts or being shouted at etc....personally, I would look for something more suited.
 
tinap555 said:
I do have a lot of pc contacts so am sure he could find a home if he's not for us.
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please think carefully before doing this. i hate it when someone has something and then passes it on with problems, and then it goes on. A horse in the wrong hands could get totally wrecked (not saying you would) and end up in a downward spiral. Im sure if the owner advertises they will get lots of suitable people come forward.
 
Thanks lolo - I've been reading your previous threads about Al & reg!! If he was right for her, we wouldn't have to sell her pony just yet so she could compete him for another year, which would be ideal (the pony would have been sold to get money to buy a horse). Daughter has by no means ever had easy ponies & has been brought up riding anything she could get a ride on before she had her own. The last one was very hard work to bring on & whilst this one had been there done it when we bought him, he is a very quirky boy. She's just started competing 1.10's on him. Think first thing is to go see & then have a serious talk!
 
thats a good point about the length of time to retrain. I spend about a month just in walk to get him to loosen up and lower his head carraige. My lad has cracking dressage moves but we are nowhere near doing competitions as we are still working on halting without head throwing!

I know if i was a 15 year old who wanted to be out competing I would be bouncing off the walls with impatience with him. It can be two steps forward-one step back ALL the time. Mentally he is the hardest horse I've ever owned, but its been a very challenging rewarding journey to get him as he is now. Only you know if you daughter has the temperament and patience to retrain him.
 
Pixiebee - oh no I didn't mean get him & pass him on if doesn't work out - I meant if we go look at him & he's not for us I can pass his details onto others xx
 
I'm just turned 16 and now have an ex-racer, he's 9 and has done a bit of pottering about but essentially needs re-schooling.

He's the most chilled horse ever, does have some quirks (can't be tied up at shows) but is generally lovely to be around. IMO I think it depends on the personality of your daughter - if she wants to be out there competing and getting in the rosettes every single time, perhaps it's not for her, as you have to be prepared for 'experience' outings in which you're glad you didn't escape the arena. If she has a good sense of humour, a lot of patience and is quite a skilled, forgiving rider, I say go for it. Of course try the horse out first, judge his temperment accordingly and hope he's a very chilled one! Also, if you do go for it, get an instructor and maybe lay of competing and have lessons, lessons, lessons! I found video-taping invaluable to track progress and see where you have to improve between lessons :)
 
I got an ex-racer as my first horse when I was turning 16...it should've been a recipe for disaster - he was 14, had stood in a field for yeeeaaars because he was very tricky to handle and ride. I was very novice and was more brave than sensible or experienced. We went to bait a pony at the same yard and ended up taking him too.

We were told he 'could sometimes have bad stable manners'. Roughly translated it meant they lead him in a chifney (if it all) but mostly just opened the door and let him charge out because he used to bolt off. Also meant that he bit and kicked. Under saddle he bucked a lot and used to run off randomly (not bolt, because it wasn't panic, just naughtiness) and spook and had quite a nasty streak. He threw me off a couple of months after I started working him and my instructor then suggested to her mother (the owner) that they get rid off the horse however possible because he scared her and he was nasty.

However, with work he slowly came right. I unfortunately only got a year with him before he was pts due to colic, but he was truly a perfect match for me. He never bit me, never kicked me..did still pull his tricks under saddle but slowly got better. I loved him more than anything and we gelled very well, and everyone noticed a huge difference in him. I truly truly believe had we got him when he was younger, he could've been a very different horse but was just misunderstood.

He never became an easy horse, but he became more manageable, though he was still a handful at shows and if he was unsure of something and ran over two of the yard's grooms when he got away at a big show..

I am pleased to say though, that I got another ex-racer as a second horse who was younger and much more impressionable and although he has his moments and is not super easy - he is quite good to handle and ride mostly, and has a lot of talent and is slowly finding his feet at shows, he's in 1m SJ and Novice dressage (although we do badly at that because he is simply too tense to be a real contender at the moment). I've found him very rewarding to work with.

So, my advice - check him out, they can be lovely horses, but don't take him just because he's there. He will be a lot of work, and competing won't be an option for quite some time. He probably will have quirks (not standing to mount, canter lead problems etc) and could well need a complete mindset adjustment. If he is too big, don't go there...they can be a handful anyway and if she's little then a step up from 14hh to 16.2hh or something could be too much.
 
I think it's pretty much the same as almost any horse and rider - it depends on temperament and the treatment and experiences they've both had to date.

I know a few ex-racers and they are a complete mix from soft as butter to brilliant under saddle but testing to say the least on the ground to seeing a relationship develop that is going to be brilliant.

Calmness, patience, understanding, an ability to think outside the box (especially when you don't understand a reaction - needles to say, wear all the safety gear), plus the ability to get help in when you need it, and to call it a day if it gets to the point where you can't handle it.

D1 is now sixteen. I wouldn't have any issues buying her an ex-race horse (all the above points taken into account). She's been riding them for the last two years at least. I rode ex-racers from the age of about twelve/thirteen or so.

It's the old saying, horses for courses :)
 
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Thanks - yea my first thought too was the height of him & if I knew it already that would be a decider on whether to go & see or not. The daughter has always enjoyed a challange & is very patient which tbh is the only reason I'm even considering. I know it would be a long time if ever that he would get competing, but the fact that the pony could stay would help. Although even if she couldn't compete on anything i don't think it would bother her. She's her happiest when doing any kind of riding, not just competing. I wouldn't be taking this on lightly. When we've bought ponies in the past I've always let her decide as its her that rides them not me. as long as they are suitable for me to handle on the ground then the riding is upto her & she's surprised me in that ponies I wasn't keen on, she saw potential & proved me wrong!!
 
I personally adore ex-racehorses, but would not get one for a young child who has no experience with thoroughbreds. They are a whole different kettle of fish to ponies! And you don't say whether your girl schooled her pony herself, as an off the track thoroughbred essentially needs re-breaking.

If the horse was really quiet, and she had a good friend/instructor to supervise any training or riding sessions, I would seriously consider it, but to be honest I'm not sure it is the most sensible idea.

I have an ex racer that is a complete beginners ride and just so easy to do, but he's been out of racing for years and done a LOT since, I imagine that even he (and he is not the norm) would have been a handful immeadiately after leaving the track.
 
Echo what charliepony says. I, personally, do not think that an off the track TB is suitable for a child/novice.

There are exceptions to the rule, as in any horse, and if he turns out to be a total dope on a rope, then you could be in luck. You have the right idea by going and not expecting much, I think lot's of people decide they are getting these 'free to a good home/cheap' racers before they even arrive at the yard to see it.

I was 18 when I first started working on a racing yard, I loved it, but I don't think I would have coped at 16. The horses are just so full on all the time, beautiful, clever and kind, but totally full on!

Head, not heart I think in this situation :)
 
Don't dismiss him. It most certaibly does no harm to go and look and ut will also give you an idea as to what your daughter will need horsewise in the future. I work in racing and now have 4 of the critters at home with me, along with my natives and I have to say the racehorses have been the easiest things I have ever ridden! Yes not all of them are but they are some of the most reqarding horses you can have. Go with an open mind and if he doesn't suit then he doesn't suit. Nothing lost nothing gained.
 
To those who say no due to age give lots of very good young jockeys a disservice. Reg admittedly is a bit full on, but he is our donkey- he has manners, a lovely personality and is generally a poppet. All done by someone who was 15 when she got him. He's a bit behind as she got him in Oct of 2009, and the past 2 winters we've been snowed in for the duration and she had to have a operation which put them out for nearly 7 weeks, but he's doing the equivalent of BE100 and that's down to her hard work...
 
OP - I've got two ex-racers both straight out of training. They are both fabulous horses and to be honest I don't consider myself a particularly great rider - but I am a sensitive rider which is what theses horses need. If you decide not to take this horse for any reason, please PM me - if the temperament is right, I could be interested or I definitely know someone who would be interested. Thanks
 
Definatley head not heart!! I am going to have a look just to find out his history - I don't know whether he's just off the track or has been off a while. The daughter did school the project pony herself while we both sorted her on the ground, although she would never make a dressage pony but excelled at mounted games & showjumping. BUT she had experience with ponies, not horses. I know it sounds a bit harsh but I'm not going to take it on just so it isn't pts, that's not fair on daughter or horse if Its not suitable. If he's no good for us we'll stick to our original plan & ill pm holly hocks with the details!!
Big thanks for all the replies though - they have all been a massive help! I'll post when we've been to visit xx
 
One of mine is an ex -racer and yes, a bit sharp and spooky initially. BUT I have found that as the routine was established she settled quickly and unlike my other horse, she has an amazing attitude towards her work. She's very affectionate too, has the odd silly moment, but on the whole a poppet. But just like all other horse, every ex - racer is different so just take your time to get to know the horse a little. Could be a great partner for your daughter, so long as you get some pro guidance (RI for example). All the best!
 
I can't stress how different these horses are to ponies. I had quite fizzy ponies as a kid, and had worked as a groom and rider at a dealing and a hunting yard so wasn't a complete beginner, but was still shocked when I got my first ex racer. They are truly rewarding and you do get some dopey ones, but going from a 14hh pony to an ex racehorse is such a massive transition. But I don't know your daughter or her level of riding, it could be a disaster, or she could manage fantastically. Like I said, I don't think anything compares to a good thoroughbred, they are fantastic.

If you do go and see him, remember this:

A horse that is underconditioned, or overconditioned and unfit, could change a lot as they get fitter, and go from dopey to sharp within weeks. A horse that has just come out of racing will be in absolutely peak fitness and raring to go constantly, completely fed and fired up. Again, this horse could be completely different under a steadier pace of life, or after time turned away.

Lastly, if you do decide to go with him, could you not turn him away for a year and send your daughter for lessons or work experience somewhere where they deal with ottbs? Even just one day a week so that she knows what she's dealing with when it's time to retrain him?
 
Yes that is an option, as is sending him for retraining somewhere. Me & the daughter have discussed it & she has been very sensible, not got stupid giddy with 'new horse' blinkers on & wants to just go & see what he is.

I hope I've not come across a 'just jump in cos its free' type, as that really isn't the case! Hence me posting on here - I like to be informed of anything before considering!! I almost lost her once due to a non horsey related accident so am not going to put her in danger for the sake of rescuing a horse!! xx
 
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