Ex Racers

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Dizzle

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I've ridden a few ex-racers now, 4 or 5 and all of them seems to be lovely genuine horses, in fact some of the most sensible horses I've ridden.

I'm going to be looking to get my own in the next few months and wondered about getting my own ex-racer. If I was careful and chose something midway to sensible how difficult are they to retrain?

I'd have regular lessons and I have a friend that's retrained them before at the end of the phone line (or a short drive).

The thing is I'm not the best or the bravest but it would be my own horse I could take things as slow as we liked and I'd have help on hand.

What do you guys think? Has anyone else retrained an ex-racer?
 
ex racers are very rewarding, (see my post above) however if you aren't sure what you are doing maybe it would be best to buy an alread retrained exracer.
 
I have an ex racer and she was the easiest horse to train I have ever had. I put a saddle on her, led her round a field a few times then got someone to hold her while I got on. She wasn't bothered in the slightest. She is so quiet and laid back hacks out alone and in company and is really easy to school. Only problem I have encountered was getting a bit excited at riding club but only for about 10 mins while she worked out what was gong on. I would say if you have experienced people around you and knowledge of training other young horses then you should be fine if you get a sensible one. Mines for sale :-)
 
I agree, but what does retraining an ex-race horse involve? Surely if I was careful over the horse I chose then I could have a fighting chance?

Not disagreeing at all, I would rather buy a fully retrained and ready to go horse but there are so many good TB's around it just seems a shame not to (I'm not phrasing this very well, the glass of wine has kicked in..)
 
all depends on the horse i have retrained 2, the first one was fairly easy took me about 6 months to get him schooling nicely and another 6 to get him jumping nicely, and my 2nd though slightly harder hasn't taken me as long as i know what to do, i basically start as if it was a newly broken horse lunged, lay across back, walk around, then trot then start canter work ect
 
I've got the hero's website up but most of them seem to be for full loan, I can understand why but I don't think a loan, even a life time one, is what I'm looking for.

Lovely though they are...
 
I agree it is very rewarding and if you have the time then go for it as there are some really nice horses not given a chance just because they are ex racehorses. Mine is the quietest one out of 4 that I have, I schooled her just as I would a normal young horse but to be honest as she was used to having people on her I was hacking out within a week and basic schooling and tiny jumps within 6 weeks.
 
They are very easy - cut their feed, give them a couple months rest, and then bring them into work slowly and calmly - taking baby steps of progressions. My goal is 3 good transitions, and nice flat work in 2 months - so far it has never failed.

I slightly reserved personalty will do them really well - I hate the know it all's claim to be training them, and just bullying them around.
 
i have had 2 ex racers , the one i have now is fantastic he is 13 and the winner of five races over fences . i got him straight from training he had 2 weeks off in the field and away we went . he is the best behaved horse ever, hacks alone and has turned into a great hunter. ex racers are often far better behaved than you would think they are so well handled from a young age. i would def recommend having one ,maybe look for a older jumper they welcome a change of pace and soon switch off and enjoy a quieter life
 
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