Ex Racers and TBs

[C&C]

You should definitely consider a retired racehorse (I hate the term "ex-racer" makes them sound as though they were naff on the track!).

It depends upon how much time and effort you are willing to put into one as to where you go to find one. Some of the rehoming centres do fanstic jobs of these horses and some are just in it for the money. If you want to go back and start from scratch with a horse then email some local trainers, this time of year is kick out time for National Hunt horses that either aren't paying their way or are being retired due to age. The same applies for some flat horses that have been plying their trade on the all weather all winter.

I have 3 retired racers, 2 of them I brought hom from work with me straight off the track, the 3rd one I have I sent out emails to trainers asking for if they had any leaving training. Again he is straight off the track.

Good luck in your search! They are the best fun you will ever have!

Thanks for your advice. The only reason i have gone down the rehoming route is that the 'basics' have been done and they have assessed if the horse is suitable for rehoming and what the horse will be capable of in its new career. I would hate to be in the situation of buying one straight from a trainer and being 'stuck' with it if it turned out to be not what i wanted I think there are enough unwanted horses and i dont want to add to that

I agree that some centres differ alot to others. I have read up on the processes of the main ones in association with HEROS and some of them never actually belong to you, they are on a permanent loan and you have to pay a considerable donation as well as monthly donations. From what i have read of Darley the horse is signed over to you, along with a small fee, as the new owner following a successful 3 month loan period. Its something i have to look into a bit more before making a decision but i have heard nothing but good feedback about Darley

 

[C&C]

Yep he's my Darley boy lol! I had him on 3 month trial and then Victoria came to our yard to check we were both happy. I paid my £100 plus VAT (which at the time was 15%!) and he is now all mine till death do us part lol! The only condition is that should things not work out you have to tell Darley that you are looking to sell, and in some circumstances they may take the horse back from you to guarentee its future is always secure.

Yes, i like the sound of Darley and although it is a fair old trip for us from the South West i think i will stick with them and see what happens. They have some lovely looking horses in, most of which are 'in the field' at the mo

 

[C&C]

I am in the process of selling my Tb, simply because he is not quite big enough for us. He came out of training 4 months ago and is progressing very quickly. I would have another tommorow. He is so straight forward to ride and handle. We will miss him.
This is him last week, just 4 months into retraining:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Zoebbz05#p/a/u/2/RqpSVbzZPPU

He is also showing a fab jump to, very bold and careful. He would be a super allrounder or a competition prospect. He is far easier than the WB's I have!

He looks lovely, lovely movement. Im not even going to ask a price as i am not in a position to buy at the mo, just testing the water and finding out some info etc. We are refurbing our lorry at the mo so all pennies are going into that Good luck with the sale, he should be snapped up

 

[charlie76]

He is not expensive! I have found the term 'ex racer' has put the value out of TB's! He has been a star to work with and I hope to find him a nice home. Thanks for your comments too, I am proud of him!

 

[Nickles1973]

The Darley website is not always that up to date, George was still listed as in the field when I went to view him and he'd been in work for about 4 weeks lol! I think the site is really aimed at getting people interested in a horse rather than a particular horse if that makes any sense? Tbh George was almost the opposite to the horse I thought I was after (Much bigger than I wanted for one thing) but Victoria obviously knew that he and I were suited as despite my initial doubts and his quirky ways we are perfect for each other. Good luck! I hope it works out for you!

 

[C&C]

The Darley website is not always that up to date, George was still listed as in the field when I went to view him and he'd been in work for about 4 weeks lol! I think the site is really aimed at getting people interested in a horse rather than a particular horse if that makes any sense? Tbh George was almost the opposite to the horse I thought I was after (Much bigger than I wanted for one thing) but Victoria obviously knew that he and I were suited as despite my initial doubts and his quirky ways we are perfect for each other. Good luck! I hope it works out for you!

Thanks hun

 

[C&C]

He is not expensive! I have found the term 'ex racer' has put the value out of TB's! He has been a star to work with and I hope to find him a nice home. Thanks for your comments too, I am proud of him!

Want to loan with view to buy!! Lol

Kidding, he is lovely tho. I cant see you having a prob selling How big is he just out of interest and where are you based??

 

[nikkiportia]

I know of a 3yo filly who needs a new home asap (not mine but a friends). Very sweet natured, just too slow. Been turned away all winter, only raced twice. Always been healthy and sound and full history known.
Owner will LWVTB (or sell very cheap) Good home more important than anything. Let me know if you are interested in knowing a bit more about her

 

[C&C]

I know of a 3yo filly who needs a new home asap (not mine but a friends). Very sweet natured, just too slow. Been turned away all winter, only raced twice. Always been healthy and sound and full history known.
Owner will LWVTB (or sell very cheap) Good home more important than anything. Let me know if you are interested in knowing a bit more about her

She sounds lovely but i didnt really want a filly/mare, a gelding would be my first choice However, have you got some more details, pics of her? Can PM me if you prefer

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Honestly don't dimiss anything that is straight out of a trainers yard. Especially the National Hunt horses as they will have had basic schooling at the very least and will have been taught to jump really well so it's more a case of refining to what you want that building from scratch. Flat horses are a different matter, few do regular flat work as going from a to b like a bullet out of a gun doesn't really need the capability to bend, fles and work on the bridle.

 

[C&C]

Honestly don't dimiss anything that is straight out of a trainers yard. Especially the National Hunt horses as they will have had basic schooling at the very least and will have been taught to jump really well so it's more a case of refining to what you want that building from scratch. Flat horses are a different matter, few do regular flat work as going from a to b like a bullet out of a gun doesn't really need the capability to bend, fles and work on the bridle.

I wouldnt know where to start tho. Lol

 

[lacey111]

I have 2 TB's. One is a complete dope on a rope, my friends 8 yr old daughter rides him and he is 16.1hh I trust him that much, hacks out alone, complete schoolmaster in every way. The other is a total nutter, jumps at everything, never really got the "racehorse"ways out of him, however we do team chase him so its pretty similar for him. he has to be led down to the start with my partner on foot and he is chucked up at the last minute otherwise horse throws a dicky fit and goes back to trailer (typical TB that would probs require a cover over head to load into start stalls!). Horse is however, absolutley amazing at his job and wouldn't change him for the world. Also he doesn't hack out alone unless you are prepared for a fight!

All depends on horses temperament, I have both extremes. My friend has a 6yr old who has been out of racing 2yrs but due to issues with a bone in his foot, hasn't done anything for a year. He is another dope on a rope at 6!!

As when buying any horse, shop around and don't rush in and buy the prettiest one that you see 1st they are amazing creatures and deserve another chance to do something different!

 

[mulledwhine]

I lost my tb boy in november after saying I would never have one...15 years later lol. I can not see me wirhout

 

[marinitagsd]

I have a full TB but she has never raced, her temperament is fantastic although she can have the occasional spook at an alien leaf! lol I can take her anywhere, shows, fun rides etc. She loves dressage and crosscountry but very clumsy showjumping. Soft mouthed but can take a hold when doing SJ, easier in xc and works lovely in her flatwork. She is quite chunky but still has smalle feet. Quite sensitive and needs to know you before you have any chances of getting cuddles! lol Not a bad bone in her body!!
I just love TBs, they have a real personality!
Here's a pic of my Pheobe. Oh by the way BSJAlover, your boy looks lovely! All the best with him! x

 

[C&C]

I have a full TB but she has never raced, her temperament is fantastic although she can have the occasional spook at an alien leaf! lol I can take her anywhere, shows, fun rides etc. She loves dressage and crosscountry but very clumsy showjumping. Soft mouthed but can take a hold when doing SJ, easier in xc and works lovely in her flatwork. She is quite chunky but still has smalle feet. Quite sensitive and needs to know you before you have any chances of getting cuddles! lol Not a bad bone in her body!!
I just love TBs, they have a real personality!
Here's a pic of my Pheobe. Oh by the way BSJAlover, your boy looks lovely! All the best with him! x

She is a smasher

 

[3Beasties]

I have owned my Ex-racer since he was 8, he is now 16. Like all horses he has his little quirks but the majority of the time he is a lovely, calm, well behaved Lad. He's had it pretty easy with me as has only been used for Happy hacking, light schooling and the odd lesson and fun ride.

His manners are fantastic and he has such a kind attitude

Here are a couple of piccys of my special boy Charlie -

 

[Dizzle]

i have always said in the past that i would never have one due to most of them being loonies, hard to keep weight on and easily injured etc etc!

1. Mine hacks alone and in company, I'm not a very confident rider but we happily go out for a couple of hours on our own, his biggest issue is that he isn't very off the leg but that's more an issue with me not schooling!

2. Last summer I was getting to the point where he was going to get muzzled as even in a smallish paddock, no hard feed and rubbish grass he was getting HUGE, bear in mind he's a sprinter sort and was underweight when I got him. He's also go through winter on £10 a month of hard feed and ad-lib hay, still looks fab!

3. Apart from vaccinations he has only needed the vet once and that was due to a hoof abcess that burst the next morning (vet didn't even really want to come out but I was paranoid owner and made them, cost me £80 for horse that was sound the next day!)

He can have the odd silly moment but any horse can, he went through winter being ridden once a week and didn't get silly or spooky. His preferred reaction to something scary is to plant or if it's very scary he shakes his head and jogs, to stop this I just put my hand down to stroke his nose and he goes back to normal.

He is a super little horse

 

[Dizzle]

Another big up for Thoroughbreds from me

I'm on TB number two... my first girl, Megan, was lovely but just wanted to gallop everywhere - she hated schooling and wouldn't jump, so I resigned myself to that fact and instead we had loads, and I mean LOADS of fun doing pleasure rides and hacking out at home (I still miss her).

I now have a completely different TB - Lily came to me by chance as a 9 year old; she had produced 4 foals and hadn't been backed, so I had no idea what I was going to end up with. She's amazing, so calm and loving, really affectionate - she loves nothing more than me blowing up her nose!!!!!! And so far, she has turned her hoof to a little bit of everything... I love her to bits now too.

This is Lily doing her very first dressage that we came first in - I was gob-smacked

Wow, she looks just like my lad! How's she bred?

 

[Vickijay]

You should definitely consider a retired racehorse (I hate the term "ex-racer" makes them sound as though they were naff on the track!)

Lol well mine have definately all been ex-racers as they have all been completly naff on the track!!!!!!!

I have had 3 and worked with more. They have all been good, yes mine are a bit sharp but I like that in them. None of them would be suitable for everyone (and Im sure many folks wouldnt want them either!!)

The bay in my sig jumping xc went upto Novice BE (and schooled round a few of the 3* jumps at windsor out hacking, inc the water!! Deffo the biggest jumps Ive ever jumped ) but she was VERY quirky, bordering on dangerous. After a long story of me selling her back to her breeder (who promised to keep her) and then her selling her to a girl who thought she had brought her next 4* horse and found out what she was like I ended up buying her back for £1 to save her from being pts. Shes now retired and lives out with a group of horses and is happy as larry.

The black one with the spottie baby in my sig jumped and then went onto medium level dressage and then gave me 2 fantastic babies. She was a bit hooligany, she also had a serious buck but she was safe and knew what she was doing, if you know what I mean. I never felt unsafe on her, but a fav quote of a friend was "I wouldnt put my foot in her stirup" lol.

Recent one is fab, if she was a car she would deffo be a suped up lamborghini but she isnt naughty. We have a fab relationship, today I rode her out to the field, bareback, in headcoller, carrying haynet and bucket of hard feed!! She was very, very thin when I got her, which was straight out of racing but shes fab now. Shes a eeeeeeediot about being left in the field which is her only problem (apart from being uber sporty all the time!!) She is happy staying in though. She makes up for that by being trainable, doing well out at dressage (just about to BD) and jumping whatever is in her way!! I have schooled her round a whole BE100 course and jumped over the more straight forward Novice BE fences in her 4th time XC schooling ever!! We plan to do some BE and see how far we can get, then one day I would quite like a baby from her, if she proves good enough which I hope she will!

We hack anywhere by ourselves or with company. The other day I rode her under a underpass which was about 2" bigger than my head whilst ducking then over a very skinny motorway bridge, I was loads more scared than she was!! She doesnt spook or nap or rear or buck or anything really! She is easy to keep weight on although she isnt overly fussed about eating! She has super tough feet and is barefoot whilst doing all we do. She is sweet and easy to do (apart from the field agrophobia, but no horse can be perfect)

This is her....

She is also very good at being a poser!!!

Not many young horses would of jumped this on there 2nd ever time XC!

So if you can handle the moments then go for it, all mine have been mega!

 

[Holly Hocks]

There so looney I have two!! The gelding is 21 and the mare is 8 (she is thin because she had lived out all winter and the photo is only 6 weeks on). They are both good to hack, shoe etc etc etc - but mine both need turnout, preferably every day, or they can get stressed, especially the mare....

 

[ha903070]

We have 2 tb's, one we bought 6 years ago she's stunning but has 'issues' and she has raced. Thankfully I share them both with my sister, as I did not gel with her at all at first and still am not 100% with her to ride. However she is an absolute dream to handle in every way. I cannot ride her in an open field she still gets extremely overexcited and leaps around and I have been brave this year and had a canter on her in a field at Craven country but she had other ideas and we ran round out of control.

Despite years of riding lessons with her and schooling she has not improved with her contact much but my sister gels with her so well she can ride her anywhere and even got her to affiliated BSJA (until she had her second fight in the field and had to have yet another leg operation and she has pulled her off the serious jumping now).

We also bought a 2 yr old tb filly last year (as she was a bargain £150) she is nice but boy can she move and fly, and within 4 months of having her we've spent far more than she is worth in vets bills on her, including having her knee stitched back together not long ago. So her beautiful clean legs are no more :-(

But we love them both and they are with us forever, but I have to say I am far safer and more relaxed riding my big hunter.

Accident prone is part of owning a tb I now know.

But if you are confident enough with all these things then they are wonderful horses and very althletic and talented, we hope to even the young one in the future. Good luck xx

 

[kirstyl]

there you go! i brought him because he was cheap. i was looking for something to play with over summer. unbacked or unfit. i didnt care and because he was the price i was after, i went to view him and fell in love hes just a very lovely person to have around. my plans with him and lots of hacking and XC and possibly some hunting. he does have a 'big knee' due to racing but it doesnt effect him and hes even better now hes shod.

What a lovely pic! He's got a great neck on him. Who's he by, just out of interest? Mine has a thickened tendon which he raced with and retired sound (he'd raced in Hong Kong and hurdling here) and I can safely say he has een the most trainable horse I've ever had (and the cheapest)

 

[Whoopit]

Mine is now 3 yrs - came off the track in August last year and has done nothing since. We've just started hacking out and he is loving it!! He's grown like a weed too (15.3hh to 16.2hh since August) and with the spring grass he seems to be getting bum high again with another growing spurt. Hmmmm

And honestly - i've seen more life in a seaside donkey. I literally have to nag him to walk on constantly or he'd go so slowly he'd fall over his own feet.

 

[oscarwild]

My last horse was a wb and he was ill more times than he was sound. I had him pts in Dec.
So when the time came to look for a new horse I had always said that I would never own a tb or a chestnut horse. My yo got a horse in to sell on for someone as she lost her confidence with her and I rode her so we could see what she was like and good at for selling on. This lovely tb never left the yard as I ended up falling in love with her and guess what. She a lovely chestnut tb mare HAHAHA.

So here is a couple of pics of her for you.