ex-racers!

Adore mine, he's the friendliest, sweetest animal ever, who loves turning his top lip up at you and showing his sense of humour!
 
ive had mine a few months too, he is adorable though, such a sweet boy who will try anything! hes like having a big dog!
Iceni mine also does this! allllll the time! i take his headcollar off to bit him and he does it, he does it when i brush his mane! its so funny :)
 
harmony_ said:
ive had mine a few months too, he is adorable though, such a sweet boy who will try anything! hes like having a big dog!
Iceni mine also does this! allllll the time! i take his headcollar off to bit him and he does it, he does it when i brush his mane! its so funny :)
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:D, funny wee things! Maybe it's because they don't have a one to one relationship in their previous existence, so they fully embrace it when they get it! Mine is also like a dog, follows me around at heel in the field and definitely would come in and lie down by the fire if I could get his 16.1 bum in the door! God bless them, every one of them xxx
 
ME ! have had mine just over a year and in that time have spent 3 times what I paid for him in vets bills.

I love him to bits and woudln't change him and I love it when other "horsey" people assume becasue he is an ex racer he will be useless!! He jumps( just me that needs to get the hang of it ) he gallops around the country side like a pony club pony and we have fun ;-)

I haven't worked out how to add him to my sig yet tho ???
 
yeah i think thats what it is :) they are treated like machines so when they get to bond with someone they love it! i play with my lad in the field, he runs around after me bouncing about and gets really excited haha :) i love every little bit of him :) hes so affectionate too! think he would come home with me and get in bed for a cuddle if he would fit :)! xx
 
Saxon_Jasmine said:
She also likes licking people and other objects hehe.
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Yes mine loves to give kisses and eat your hair! Caught my OH and him having a love in over the stable door on more than one occasion. OH has worked I'm more jealous of him than the horse! But he loves him too so just about get away with it...;)
 
ME!! Well sort of he's an ex-pony racer but still acts the same as horses he's just a bit smaller but he was ridden by Hadden Frost if that gives him any brownie points? Only had him since sunday though so we'll see how it goes :D
 
I've come to adore mine again recently. I've always thought her beautiful and athletic, and generally I love TBs but I went through a long time when I really couldn't understand why my daughter kept going with her when she was such a stubborn moo, and I was afraid of her if I am honest. Recently though I started handling her more often again and we've developed a better understanding of one another, I've become quite protective of her in a way.
 
I too have one, he's cost me a fortune in vet bills but is an absolute sweety. I've never ridden a horse that tries so hard for me. Has his moments but never out of nastyness, just gets a little confused sometimes!
 
me me me!!!! I love my boy so much... he's the most genuine, honest kind big horse I've ever come across :D 6 months next month!
 
Think they desperately need some love, understanding and sensitivity. They have a strange 'upbringing' and quite often need a while to 'chill' out from the hectic world of racing, but once they realise that life is over and a new dawn begins I think they are truly relieved and grateful! Once they form a trust and bond they tend to be yours and yours alone and will look after you like few others!
 
I love my ex racer to bits but I still haven't ridden yet :(
It dawned on me today how lucky i am to have him after watching a friends racer fall ill and be pts today! She had only had Louis 2 weeks too!
Sad to say... but I love you Ollie :D
 
Warning - Rant about to start:mad: Apologies in advance:o




It really really annoys me how people just assume that in the racing industry no-one cares about the horses!!:eek: Previous posters have metioned things like being used as machines, no one on one contact and no bonding with anyone. Frome someone who has worked in racing for many years i TOTALLY DISAGREE!!!!!! Most yards, the grooms have a few horses who are 'theirs'. This means they are the ones who SOLELY muck them out, groom them, feed them, quite often ride them, take them racing, care for them afterwards, hug them, kiss them and LOVE them. Bonds are made quickly and STRONGLY within racing. Many a time i have been the ONLY one who can catch a horse or put its bridle on because of the bond i have with them. One particular(nasty) horse i cared for would launch from one end of the stable to savage anyone wlking past but i would walk into the barn and he would whinney to me and get in a strop till i went to see him so he could nuzzle my ears. I was also the only one never to get bucked off him. Is that not a bond? I have lost horses that i have cared for and been totally devastated to the point of wanting to give up horses altogether. It is destrying to your heart to lose 'your' horses even if they just get moved to a different yard. If anyone could see into the stables at the racecourses you would see the grooms off visiting their old horses now at different yards and buying them treats and giving cuddles. Is this not what you would do to your horses if you saw them at a show after you had sold them? The only difference racing has to other horses lives is that it is more insular - those not interested in racing have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. They just see the horses at 'work' racing and make assumptions that that is all they are for and thought of. Racehorses ALL have charactors and grooms, trainers and owners ALL have feelings and compassion.
So please please please can people change their perception of racing!


Rant over.

Apologies again.
I did warn you!:o
 
Me! I have one and I love him to bits. Got him in April and he's a dream to ride, but is a total grumpy baggage on the ground - hates being groomed and rugged and especially hates kisses and cuddles, eventhough I MAKE him have a kiss every day :) I too have spent a fortune in vets fees due to bad feet, but we're getting there now.
 
I've had an ex racer since September - and he really is the sweetest horse and liked by everyone who meets him. He's such an affectionate horse and even after such a short time together, we've really bonded. Having previous had a welsh sec D, I'm now completely converted!:):):):)
 
Rowenna said:
Warning - Rant about to start:mad: Apologies in advance:o




It really really annoys me how people just assume that in the racing industry no-one cares about the horses!!:eek: Previous posters have metioned things like being used as machines, no one on one contact and no bonding with anyone. Frome someone who has worked in racing for many years i TOTALLY DISAGREE!!!!!! Most yards, the grooms have a few horses who are 'theirs'. This means they are the ones who SOLELY muck them out, groom them, feed them, quite often ride them, take them racing, care for them afterwards, hug them, kiss them and LOVE them. Bonds are made quickly and STRONGLY within racing. Many a time i have been the ONLY one who can catch a horse or put its bridle on because of the bond i have with them. One particular(nasty) horse i cared for would launch from one end of the stable to savage anyone wlking past but i would walk into the barn and he would whinney to me and get in a strop till i went to see him so he could nuzzle my ears. I was also the only one never to get bucked off him. Is that not a bond? I have lost horses that i have cared for and been totally devastated to the point of wanting to give up horses altogether. It is destrying to your heart to lose 'your' horses even if they just get moved to a different yard. If anyone could see into the stables at the racecourses you would see the grooms off visiting their old horses now at different yards and buying them treats and giving cuddles. Is this not what you would do to your horses if you saw them at a show after you had sold them? The only difference racing has to other horses lives is that it is more insular - those not interested in racing have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. They just see the horses at 'work' racing and make assumptions that that is all they are for and thought of. Racehorses ALL have charactors and grooms, trainers and owners ALL have feelings and compassion.
So please please please can people change their perception of racing!


Rant over.

Apologies again.
I did warn you!:o
Click to expand...


*Stands up and applauds!

Thankyou, I'm glad someone said it!
 
Me me me! I have a mare, 4 years old. She is very sweet and cuddly, but is also very intelligent and confident, so has 4 year old tantrums sometimes when ridden!

I think that once she gets out of her Im 4 and know more than you mummy phase she will make a fab dressage horse as she moves very nicely and definately has presence!
 
Rowenna said:
Warning - Rant about to start:mad: Apologies in advance:o




It really really annoys me how people just assume that in the racing industry no-one cares about the horses!!:eek: Previous posters have metioned things like being used as machines, no one on one contact and no bonding with anyone. Frome someone who has worked in racing for many years i TOTALLY DISAGREE!!!!!! Most yards, the grooms have a few horses who are 'theirs'. This means they are the ones who SOLELY muck them out, groom them, feed them, quite often ride them, take them racing, care for them afterwards, hug them, kiss them and LOVE them. Bonds are made quickly and STRONGLY within racing. Many a time i have been the ONLY one who can catch a horse or put its bridle on because of the bond i have with them. One particular(nasty) horse i cared for would launch from one end of the stable to savage anyone wlking past but i would walk into the barn and he would whinney to me and get in a strop till i went to see him so he could nuzzle my ears. I was also the only one never to get bucked off him. Is that not a bond? I have lost horses that i have cared for and been totally devastated to the point of wanting to give up horses altogether. It is destrying to your heart to lose 'your' horses even if they just get moved to a different yard. If anyone could see into the stables at the racecourses you would see the grooms off visiting their old horses now at different yards and buying them treats and giving cuddles. Is this not what you would do to your horses if you saw them at a show after you had sold them? The only difference racing has to other horses lives is that it is more insular - those not interested in racing have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. They just see the horses at 'work' racing and make assumptions that that is all they are for and thought of. Racehorses ALL have charactors and grooms, trainers and owners ALL have feelings and compassion.
So please please please can people change their perception of racing!


Rant over.

Apologies again.
I did warn you!:o
Click to expand...

Agree. I've never worked in racing, but I do have two ex-racers. My 20 year old gelding has so much character it's untrue. He thinks he's a person. I will be completely devastated when I lose him, although hopefully a long time away. I've had him since he was 12 when he came to me with a multitude of racing injuries - none of which have ever affected him. I had him at a rehab yard for a while after he fractured his leg, for the walker and swimming. A lot of trainers brought their horses for the swimming and were delighted to see him again as he was a well known horse in the area in his racing days. It was clear they had all loved and cared for him at some point during his career.
My other one, an 8 year old mare, I only got in April and she has been ill since June, so having been in hospital (currently in there again!) I haven't had much opportunity to bond with her yet. But she is very soft, loves being groomed and has the most amazing temperament I have ever seen in ANY horse. The vets and students at the hospital where she is are astounded by her calm temperament. It is clear that she was cared for and had lots of attention during her training, or she would not be such a placid animal. I can't wait to be able to form a bond with her like I have with my old boy.
 
Best horse I've ever had! My boy's been with me for a couple of years now; was in awful state when I got him and has had a very hard life in racing handling wise (he's only 7 now bless him). Having taken a good year to build a bond with him (loads of ground work!!!) he still has his "quirks" but wouldn't change anything about him for the world - adore every hairy bit of him LOL!
 
Rowenna said:
Warning - Rant about to start:mad: Apologies in advance:o




It really really annoys me how people just assume that in the racing industry no-one cares about the horses!!:eek: Previous posters have metioned things like being used as machines, no one on one contact and no bonding with anyone. Frome someone who has worked in racing for many years i TOTALLY DISAGREE!!!!!! Most yards, the grooms have a few horses who are 'theirs'. This means they are the ones who SOLELY muck them out, groom them, feed them, quite often ride them, take them racing, care for them afterwards, hug them, kiss them and LOVE them. Bonds are made quickly and STRONGLY within racing. Many a time i have been the ONLY one who can catch a horse or put its bridle on because of the bond i have with them. One particular(nasty) horse i cared for would launch from one end of the stable to savage anyone wlking past but i would walk into the barn and he would whinney to me and get in a strop till i went to see him so he could nuzzle my ears. I was also the only one never to get bucked off him. Is that not a bond? I have lost horses that i have cared for and been totally devastated to the point of wanting to give up horses altogether. It is destrying to your heart to lose 'your' horses even if they just get moved to a different yard. If anyone could see into the stables at the racecourses you would see the grooms off visiting their old horses now at different yards and buying them treats and giving cuddles. Is this not what you would do to your horses if you saw them at a show after you had sold them? The only difference racing has to other horses lives is that it is more insular - those not interested in racing have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. They just see the horses at 'work' racing and make assumptions that that is all they are for and thought of. Racehorses ALL have charactors and grooms, trainers and owners ALL have feelings and compassion.
So please please please can people change their perception of racing!


Rant over.

Apologies again.
I did warn you!:o
Click to expand...

I was about to type something similar, but your post says it all fantastically. :)

I work with polo ponies and people's perception of the sport is pretty identical to the misunderstandings of racing... and perhaps even worse as it is seen as a "tof's" sport for the rich, unaccessible to the Joe public and the ponies are hammered into the ground, have excessive tack and hit in the head/legs with the mallets. :rolleyes:

I'm sure you feel the same Rowenna, it is so frustrating & upsetting to hear peoples' misconceptions of a dicipline where actually the horses love, care and wellbeing comes first and foremost. You live and breathe the horses, know each individually and work hard to ensure when they race or play polo, they are 110% fit and ready... to which you then ride every step of the way with them. :)

I can totally sympathise with your heartache on losing the horses you work with aswell. Only this year we lost our beautiful mare on the side of the pitch to a heartattack. She was fit, well, doing what she loved but it was just her time. I still cry for her now. :(

Of course (LIKE ANY DISCIPLINE) there are good and bad yards/people, but in disciplines such as racing and polo it sadly seems to be that one bad apple spoils the bunch, but really i think alot of yards from other disciplines could learn alot from them.

Anyhoo!! More on topic! :D
Yes, ex racers are fantastic! I've had a few over the years for reschooling and all have gone on to be fantastic alrounders/eventing types. I used to work on a yard solely for ex racers and team chase them, which was one of the most awesome experiences ever, all down to the increadible hedge-hopping ex racers/pointers etc. :cool:

This was one of my last reschooling projects:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKIV-GPee6c
 
Rowenna said:
Warning - Rant about to start:mad: Apologies in advance:o




It really really annoys me how people just assume that in the racing industry no-one cares about the horses!!:eek: Previous posters have metioned things like being used as machines, no one on one contact and no bonding with anyone. Frome someone who has worked in racing for many years i TOTALLY DISAGREE!!!!!! Most yards, the grooms have a few horses who are 'theirs'. This means they are the ones who SOLELY muck them out, groom them, feed them, quite often ride them, take them racing, care for them afterwards, hug them, kiss them and LOVE them. Bonds are made quickly and STRONGLY within racing. Many a time i have been the ONLY one who can catch a horse or put its bridle on because of the bond i have with them. One particular(nasty) horse i cared for would launch from one end of the stable to savage anyone wlking past but i would walk into the barn and he would whinney to me and get in a strop till i went to see him so he could nuzzle my ears. I was also the only one never to get bucked off him. Is that not a bond? I have lost horses that i have cared for and been totally devastated to the point of wanting to give up horses altogether. It is destrying to your heart to lose 'your' horses even if they just get moved to a different yard. If anyone could see into the stables at the racecourses you would see the grooms off visiting their old horses now at different yards and buying them treats and giving cuddles. Is this not what you would do to your horses if you saw them at a show after you had sold them? The only difference racing has to other horses lives is that it is more insular - those not interested in racing have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. They just see the horses at 'work' racing and make assumptions that that is all they are for and thought of. Racehorses ALL have charactors and grooms, trainers and owners ALL have feelings and compassion.
So please please please can people change their perception of racing!


Rant over.

Apologies again.
I did warn you!:o
Click to expand...

I agree too. I've never worked in racing but have had 2 ex-racers, both lovely affectionate horses. Our current ex-racer has a very colty manner and will nip (playfully) as soon as your back is turned, if you say to him "where's your tongue?" he sticks his tongue right out of his mouth and stands with it hanging there as proof he's not going to bite!!

He adores people and trusts them 100%. This horse raced from the age of 2 until the age of 8. There is no way he would have his comical trusting nature if he'd ever been abused by people.

A horse that has been mistreated will not easily display affection for humans so I think all of these lovely natured horses we are discussing are a testament to how well they have been treated in their former career.
 
Well said Rowenna.

Whilst in training they are looked after incredibly well & don't want for anything. (Except maybe more turnout). They are cared for by knowledgeable people, for many it's their vocation as much as a career.

It's often after they finish their racing career that they end up with numpties, (maybe well-intentioned) & the problems begin.

I'm NOT suggesting any ex-racehorse owners on here are numpties! :)
 
My mum and I have two ex racers and they are gorgeous!

Our two boys are lucky they both have had charmed lives. They came to us with no emotional issues at all. Both are confident individuals who have obviously been treated well and loved their whole lives. My mums horse was based with Venetia Williams (who trained Mon Mome the Grand National winner) and he has been very spoilt I think! He came with his medical history showing every massage/back treatment/tooth rasping he's ever had, I dont think he wanted for anything lol!

My late mare was less than lucky :(. She grew up in very, very large racing stud. She was pretty much left in a field untill she was 4 and wasn't wormed or anything. They then suddenly brought her in an hurriedly prepared her for sale. Rushing her and leaving her emotionally scarred. She was then sold and put into training where she didn't cope well at all. I brought her as a failed racer and it took me 2/3 years to unwravel the damage. She then died from early worm damage causing her digestive system to be a mess. She would never have lived to be an old age, vet said it was a miracle she lived to 9 with the damage she had. Her card was marked the moment she was born as a 'number' into a large stud, she didn't have a name or anything.

I think in racing there is good and bad. Like there are good and bad dressage yards or showjumping yards. :)
 
Another person to say well said Rowenna. I worked on a flat yard and loved 'my' horses. All of them had cuddles, were groomed daily and were blooming well loved frankly. Some of 'my' horses I remember being born and then backed myself. What a load of rot that they're treated like machines. We all loved them as if they were our own.

I remember one of the lad's horses being PTS due to pelvis issues and he was actually in tears. Unloved my arse! When one of our horses impaled himself on a fence post we were ALL in tears. Every last one of us.

The brood mares who lived out and the youngsters had their own special carer who looked after all of them too. They all had a good scratch behind the ears daily.

The only overlooked horse on the yard was the trainers cob.
 
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