Ex racers - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Plus picture overload)

[ImmyS]

So the grand national got me thinking about race horses and the not so lucky ones who have a poor racing career and often a poor retirement - falling into the wrong hands, meat man etc... Which got me thinking about reputation of ex race horses, their often meat value on for sale sites, their possibility of being more prone to injuries etc..

So what I'm getting at is, what do you think of ex racers, do you think they are sometimes underestimated and undervalued, or do you think their history of racing correctly devalues them? Are they more pone to injury, medical conditions. Do you believe the typical ex racer stereotype or have a different view?

Would love to here people's stories about their ex racers also, how they have found them to work with - the good, the bad and the ugly! pictures welcome.

I bought my ex racer last year, we had a rough summer and I even go to the point of writing up a for sale ad of her, I decided to persevere and now I understand her and we know her history she is just getting better and better despite the odds and I wouldn't change her for the world. It's not much but she has gone from an ex racer that couldn't let another horse go out of sight or leave the yard alone, to hacking out happily alone even meeting and leaving other horses without a second though in just under a month.


Enjoying some well earned grass in the sunshine today -

And would you believe it... We had a lizard sunbathing up the yard today! Spring must finally be here!

 

[ridefast]

I think it's a shame ex racers have such a reputation. I have known a few in various stages of re-training and all have been delightful. I have known just as many other breeds behave in the way believed typical of ex racers

 

[mightymammoth]

nice photo's you should add them to the thread as well http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=564085

 

[ImmyS]

This is what I think, so many people think ex racers have so many issues but I often see people with sometimes more issues with a 'normal' horse. I think its totally down to their retraining rather than whether they have actually raced or not

 

[tessybear]

Immy how beautiful is she ! I don't tend to like finer types but she has such a beautiful friendly face

 

[ImmyS]

Thank you tessybear! Good luck with tessy and the foal, keep waiting and checking the thread to hear the good news!

 

[Lolo]

Reggie today, being an utter superstar. Love him endless amounts, he's embarking on his 4th season eventing now and is just a star. It's been a long and difficult road for them, with some serious confidence knocks. Al said today that she was going to have to relearn how to ride him this season now he's feeling so strong and confident as last year she had to hold his hand and be so careful and it would all still go wrong.

He wasn't an ideal first horse, but now he's absolutely perfect. May even try a Novice some time soon He's feeling rather keen for it!

 

[Firewell]

I think if your lucky enough to get one that hasn't raced muchor is particularly tough you are fine but older ones that have been raced a lot as youngsters obviously are more prone to injury like any young sports horses that have been worked hard too young. (Some continental dr horses and very young irish hunters spring to mind! ).Personally ive had 2 ex racers both beautiful, talented, tough and sound horses but one only raced once and the other lasted 3 months in training before she was turfed out for being too slow .
My boy at the moment has no bad or ugly anything about him. He's the classiest, bravest most genuine horse Iknow and worth his weight in gold. The fact he is a TB and an ex racer is neither here nor there, he is a very good quality horse in his own right .

 

[FlaxenPony05]

That last pic is such a nice one, Lolo. He has very kind eyes.

 

[claracanter]

I love my ex ( racehorse)

Can someone remind me how to post a pic please

 

[Lolo]

That last pic is such a nice one, Lolo. He has very kind eyes.

Thank you He is the kindest horse you'll wish to meet- even when he's at his most tittish he's never nasty. Unlike his madame of a stablemate who is a complete monster, bites, kicks and grumps and doesn't play nicely at all. They've had a virtually identical upbringing as well!

He raced until he was 8, whereas Bee (the monster!) raced once where her lack of effort and "Force me and I'll deck you" attitude meant they decided racing might not be for her. Trying to see if eventing is now, and she is very good. When she's not throwing all her toys and stamping her feet!

 

[ImmyS]

Lolo I've seen a few pictures of your Reggie on here and have always admired him, he's a beautiful horse and I hope my girl will be on his level one day.. She's just turned 6 is still growing into herself so I'm hoping she'll blossom into quite a little superstar

 

[ImmyS]

Firewell I totally agree with your comment that being a race horse or a tb is neither here nor there, every horse is an individual no matter their breed or upbringing and they shouldn't be stereotyped because of it

 

[Lolo]

Your girl is gorgeous- her and Bee are at the same age and seem to have come out of racing at about the same time. I'm looking forward to following her progress

If anyone offered meat money for Reggie, I think they'd struggle to walk off the yard alive going back to your original post!

 

[humblepie]

OP - your horse looks in lovely condition, nice weight coming out of the winter.


As others have said, every one is individual. I think some of the recent programmes about the Grand National behind the scenes have been lovely in showing racehorses hacking, schooling, out in mud that most yard owners would run a mile at turning out in and working in arenas with other horses.

 

[khalswitz]

Mine is an ex-point-to-pointer - and a superstar. Had him not quite six months, and his flatwork has come on immensely - and he's just a lovely natured horse too. We hack out alone now, past horse-eating sheep, and even past a snowplow the other day...

Hopefully he's going to make an eventer yet! Has cracking paces and a big, bold jump... more like training a baby than an ex-racehorse, he's never had any of the problems I've read about with ex-racers, other than being a bit nappy to begin with. Never once tried to rush off with me, even in open fields when we've been overtaken by our friends!

 

[lucindakay]

Topman---i've had three all were geldings and were amazing but have all been so different, we had one a chestnut and he was a nut job but not nasty he just wasn't retrained properly which made it difficult trying to get on with him but with time he turned into a lovely dressage horse but when we tried jumping he got too excited and would just run at fences so we parted ways after knowing we could sell him as a safe dressage horse and he is now happy in his forever home.
Only One Legend---Another we had was one that raced for quite sometime and he was my first horse after ponies and he looked after me beautifully and took me to my first BE events up to my 15th birthday but we found out he had arthritis which isn't uncommon in exs when they have raced for a while, he was a darling but when he was left unridden due to his treatment he got moody and quite unbearable so he was sent to a happy hacking home and to do little competitions.
a picture of topman and Only one legend at our last competiton before they retired from jumping and we all decided enough was enough for Topman(harry) and when i realised many Only One Legend(Benson) wasn't completely comfortable
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...13936027677.2002628.1203331929&type=3&theater
my current boy is amazing i re-schooled him myself and he was as easy as any other breed i've helped break-in and school, he has taken to everything like a duck to water, he is a gentleman and very quiet and patient which i find is exactly what i look for in a horse, he is the horse i will keep forever and we will not be separating anytime soon

(sorry just realised home much i wrote, but my views on ex-racehorse is that they are more prone to injury purely because they are taught to run so they are not as balanced but also because they are put under so much strain at a young age, but their temperament is just like us people all so different)

 

[ImmyS]

Topman---i've had three all were geldings and were amazing but have all been so different, we had one a chestnut and he was a nut job but not nasty he just wasn't retrained properly which made it difficult trying to get on with him but with time he turned into a lovely dressage horse but when we tried jumping he got too excited and would just run at fences so we parted ways after knowing we could sell him as a safe dressage horse and he is now happy in his forever home.
Only One Legend---Another we had was one that raced for quite sometime and he was my first horse after ponies and he looked after me beautifully and took me to my first BE events up to my 15th birthday but we found out he had arthritis which isn't uncommon in exs when they have raced for a while, he was a darling but when he was left unridden due to his treatment he got moody and quite unbearable so he was sent to a happy hacking home and to do little competitions.
a picture of topman and Only one legend at our last competiton before they retired from jumping and we all decided enough was enough for Topman(harry) and when i realised many Only One Legend(Benson) wasn't completely comfortable
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...13936027677.2002628.1203331929&type=3&theater
my current boy is amazing i re-schooled him myself and he was as easy as any other breed i've helped break-in and school, he has taken to everything like a duck to water, he is a gentleman and very quiet and patient which i find is exactly what i look for in a horse, he is the horse i will keep forever and we will not be separating anytime soon

(sorry just realised home much i wrote, but my views on ex-racehorse is that they are more prone to injury purely because they are taught to run so they are not as balanced but also because they are put under so much strain at a young age, but their temperament is just like us people all so different)

Lovely to hear about your ex racers - they never fail to amaze me with how they adapt to other disciplines so well, such intelligent horses too I find

 

[ImmyS]

Immy how beautiful is she ! I don't tend to like finer types but she has such a beautiful friendly face

She acts like a chilled out cob most of the time so I've got the best of both worlds!

 

[ImmyS]

OP - your horse looks in lovely condition, nice weight coming out of the winter.


As others have said, every one is individual. I think some of the recent programmes about the Grand National behind the scenes have been lovely in showing racehorses hacking, schooling, out in mud that most yard owners would run a mile at turning out in and working in arenas with other horses.

Thank you humble pie, its been a major challenge to keep the weight on her over this winter, Her weight seems to yo yo so much but I think we've got there. We've had two horses on just under 3 acres with no other grazing so it's been a challenge this winter. The grass the pictures are taken in is just a small area that's been left for when the chickens arrive!

Their actual field looks like his! -

I never thought I'd say this but some rain now would be nice!

 

[JDH01]

I have had 3 ex-racers, all very different and all very good horses, brave and beautiful. Sorry I cant move photos from phone for some reason.
Roddy - bought at 14, ex flat horse and gelded late, raced 47 times with no wins and retired sound at 7 - bought for very novice husband and a match made in heaven. He is still the only horse that has ever properly run away with me . He also brought a very nervous friend back to riding. PTS at 25 having made every opening met for 10 years - a real star and totally conveted me to ex racers.
Todd - ex p 2 p and hunter chaser, full of real beauty and spark. The best confirmation of any horse I have owned. Bought at 14 having been bought for a real novice out of racing. He is so brave but needs to do everything very fast and is sharp. Won alot pointing and hunter chasing and retired sound at 13. Now 19 and learning to love hunting in trappy country.
Babe - jumps bred but really failed as a racehorse, he ran in 2 bumpers and was last or there abouts. Bought 6 months out of racing, I have had him 2 years and he is proving to be an excellent hunter and is begining a BE career. He is so brave xc.

 

[ImmyS]

I have had 3 ex-racers, all very different and all very good horses, brave and beautiful. Sorry I cant move photos from phone for some reason.
Roddy - bought at 14, ex flat horse and gelded late, raced 47 times with no wins and retired sound at 7 - bought for very novice husband and a match made in heaven. He is still the only horse that has ever properly run away with me . He also brought a very nervous friend back to riding. PTS at 25 having made every opening met for 10 years - a real star and totally conveted me to ex racers.
Todd - ex p 2 p and hunter chaser, full of real beauty and spark. The best confirmation of any horse I have owned. Bought at 14 having been bought for a real novice out of racing. He is so brave but needs to do everything very fast and is sharp. Won alot pointing and hunter chasing and retired sound at 13. Now 19 and learning to love hunting in trappy country.
Babe - jumps bred but really failed as a racehorse, he ran in 2 bumpers and was last or there abouts. Bought 6 months out of racing, I have had him 2 years and he is proving to be an excellent hunter and is begining a BE career. He is so brave xc.

All you ex racers sound lovely - they just prove how adaptable and talented they can be!

 

[NaeNae87]

Loving the pics everyone! Your horses are all lovely

I think that ex racers are given an undeserved bad name. Sure some are prone to injury - but what do you expect when you race horses before their growth plates are fully formed? It will change their biomechanics, this is unavoidable. Some have mental issues (windsucking, cribbing, weaving) but these behaviours are found in non racers too. The ex racers I have met, ridden and worked with are all completely different. Some are quiet as and you would feel comfortable letting beginners on them... others take an experienced rider to get the best out of them. Not one has been badly behaved with correct handling. In fact the horses with the worst manners (out of the ones I have dealt with) have been the imported pure breds, although in saying that the imported pure breds have also had some of the best manners I have ever seen. The majority of people hear OTTB and automatically believe the stereotype.

I love my ex racer. Sure he has his issues, but I wouldn't change him (ok well maybe just a tiny bit....)

Bo raced under the name Omdurman, He is by Desert Sun out of Theatre Talk and was foaled in 2003. His last race was in Northam in 2009 and he had winnings totalling $51000 over his career. He damaged the suspensory ligament in his front right leg and was retired from racing. His trainer took him home and intended him to be a riding horse for his girlfriend (I have not doubt that his lovely nature saved him from the doggers) and sat in a paddock for 3 years until he was surrendered in place of board to the agistment centre owner. My riding instructor suggested to the owner that a friend and I should take him on as a project horse and sell him on otherwise he was going to get PTS. So we took him on and the more I worked with him, the more I fell in love with him. I paid my friend share in him out almost a year ago and have not regretteed my decision.

Here he is on the first day we got him... Complete with a massive Hay belly!

Here is his first ever jumping round (after being declared sound by my vet)

His first ever dressage test

At the beach

Chilling in the paddock

At his first show of 2013

and finally rocking his new Anky set...

He is also a Windsucker, which is annoying but it doesn't affect his weight or teeth (my dentist was pretty happy with that one) and he has a problem with forwards.... as in he doesn't like to go forwards. which is a nice change from GK, my other horse who doesn't like to stop, but it is annoying too as his fear response is to rear rather than take off (hence the wanting to change him a tiny bit), we are working through this and I am hoping to do a little bit of eventing with him but he will mainly be a dressage horse, with a few unofficial show horse events thrown in on the side.

 

[Emilieu]

My ex racehorse is the nicest boy you could hope to meet. I expected issues when I bought him so he was just intended for a light hack but, touch wood, all his issues turned out to be fixable and I have a green light to do what I want with him - just need to get my finger out! I bought him for his temperament, you honestly couldn't meet a nicer horse

 

[humblepie]

Nae Nae 87 One of mine is by Desert Sun as well. He was a busy dual hemisphere stallion and of course that means both of ours are related to Black Caviar!

Is there much of a retrained racehorse movement (as it were) in Australia - do you have specific classes or special prizes like we do here.

 

[Antw23uk]

My loan mare was an ex racer and she was 98% a vile monster. It hasnt put me off ex racers, i think they have so much to give.

I met a very lovely ex racer on Saturday and he acted more like a cheeky pony than a flighty ex racer and he had lovely manners....... I'm thinking that he could be mine in a week or two ... wish me luck

 

[wench]

This is Henry... Believed to have done some P2P. In his favourite position... eating

 

[Victoria25]

Wellll, a subject close to my heart

I had a 10 year old ex flat/jump racer -bought from a lady as his last chance, he'd been passed pillar to post (inexperienced homes) for years ... we did finally get to ride him (took 8 months) but he was never a safe ride and wasnt 'fully there' ... would just bolt when you werent expecting it - last year we found him dead just outside the field - he'd cleared two lots of fencing smashed a garden shed to pieces and unfortunately fell to his death into a garden

We now have a four year old flat racer who you'd trust a child with - she had a really good racing career and we bought her straight from the track as I couldnt risk anyone else 'reschooling her' - I'm doing a bit of in hand showing with her this year as fun but mainly letting her play out and a bit of schooling ready for next years show season

 

[Victoria25]

 

[SNORKEY]

I'd love an ex race horse but I couldn't give it the attention it would need at the mo.
I was saying to hubby the other day they must be quite good to own as they have seen so much, all the crowds at the races etc. and they are used to traveling and should be bomb proof I would of thought. There's something about TB's they have such lovely deep thinking and friendly eyes