Exracer question

[StarcatcherWilliam]

I'm looking to buy a horse and I'm considering rehoming an exracer. I had one on loan for a year who was very quirky and generally a pain in the a#se for lots of reasons!! Common consensus amongst my horsey friends is that exracers are always tricky and are rarely straightforward, easy horses. I'm just looking for a fun, all rounder horse - should I reconsider and get something other than an exracer? I'd appreciate people's thoughts on this!

 

[mudmonkey17]

I had an ex racer for almost 2 years and while she could be hard work she taught me so much. Is like any breed you get good ones and bad ones. Wouldn't rule then out if the right one came along for what u want it for. Good luck x

 

[Michen]

Depends entirely on the horse. They are predisposed to various physical and mental issues though but that's not to say they all are.

 

[be positive]

I think there are some quirky ones, just as there are quirky non tbs, if you go through one of the good rehoming centres there will be less risk as they are already retrained to some extent and they will try to match the horse with the new owner, if you just go out and look for an ex racehorse newly out of training then it is going to be far more tricky to know what you are taking on.

I think if you want an easy life with a true all rounder you will probably be best looking for something that is already proving itself, that may be a tb but keep your options open unless you want to do all the reschooling involved, the idea of rehoming is lovely but not all will prove to be up to the job required, for many reasons.

Michen and her tb did spring to mind when I replied, a lovely horse with so many physical issues that have now come to light, definitely a labour of love for her.

 

[JillA]

Depends not only on the horse but who trained it. I have met and owned some beautifully mannered ex racers, good trainers teach them their jobs very very well, and yes, some get a bit hyper but their diet can be changed and they can settle into being very nice polite horses. One thing you need to bear in mind is that they often don't stand still to be mounted - jockeys are legged up while they are on the move. You can retrain them easily enough though, it is a question of working out what they have already learned, what they need to unlearn and how to train them to do what you want from them.

 

[nikkimariet]

Common consensus amongst my horsey friends is that exracers are always tricky and are rarely straightforward, easy horses.

You can't blanket describe like that. Mine isn't straightforward but he's certainly the most genuine little chap I'll ever have.

Judge each horse on it's merits.

 

[Lanky Loll]

Personally an ex-racer is my go to.
Love my mare that I have at the moment - I can honestly say I've never had so much fun with a horse. BUT we've owned her from before she went into training and I didn't allow dad to sell her when she finished.
She's treated a bit like a pony (all 17hh of her) in that I ask her and expect her to do anything and everything - we hack for hours, having a canter where we feel like it, going puddle jumping or wading through water, where we are it floods A LOT and it's not unheard of for us to be walking through 2 miles of flooded tracks, she does fun rides, SJ, we've recently done a couple of arena eventing classes, we do showing... just about the only thing we haven't attempted yet is dressage and that's only because the thought of trying to memorise a test these days terrifies me.
She has her moments when she has a tanty but we work through it and I can honestly say I've dealt with far worse from WBs, ISHs etc so really can't say that they are worse than any other breed.
My horse before her was also an ex-racehorse, and I actually sold her because she was too quiet she was literally bombproof which meant that she's been a lovely servant to the nervous but competent lady I sold her too.
Best piece of advice if you go down the route is to seek advice from the best people around you and take it!
Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[Scarlett]

I've got 4 so I'm probably going to be pretty biased.

If I'm honest the majority of 'problem' exracers have problem owners. Plain and simple. Mine vary in temperament, 3 of the 4 are as genuine as the day is long, one is trickier but that's in his breeding (by Erhaab).

On the whole if any of mine are being tricky there's something wrong, they certainly ain't just being difficult for the fun of it. Owning them is an exercise in finding the right balance with feed, management, exercise and training. They all also have physical issues that require management/treatment. That said I adore them and wouldn't trade them for anything else in the world. I like their intelligence and their sensitivity, but I can see how it can go very wrong for some folk, especially when they are so cheap and readily available.

Our older boy is a gem, so we went looking for another one of similar breeding (Indian Ridge) and he too is a bit of a dude. I'd highly recommend doing some research into the breeding of anything you might be interested in, it might give you an insight into what you would be getting yourself in for!

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

You can get one though any of the several racehorse rehabiltation centres, they will be schooled and you know what you are getting. Some are on permaent loan. If you want to compete, these are the best places, otherwise buying one without any knowledge is much more likely to be risky.
If you are in any doubt as to your abilities and your facilities it is best to avoid buying randomly..
When you buy a horse you often have to sort out problems, teeth, worming, innoculations, feet, so I would allow £200 to cover costs of most horse "bargains". If buying a cheap horse is motivating you, then have a good look locally, there may be something else that suits your requirements and is "ready to go"
I have taken several former racehorses, and none were a problem if you put the right person on top, and give them plenty of confidence, fresh air and exercise.
They can be sharp and if you are not secure, you might come off rather quickly!

 

[applecart14]

You have to think they have had a different upbringing to most leisure horses. Most will have been kept in a stable for 23 hours a day, fed a diet high in protein and concentrates and little forage. Some will have vices. I used to know of one racehorse who was 3 years of age and potential worth a lot of money and who had been stuck in a 10 x 10 stable for 5 months 'to allow him to grow'. Poor baby horse. Wasn't even taken out of his stable to muck out so had actually been there totally for 5 months. Like putting a toddler in a downstairs toilet.

I think it would be very rewarding but I don't think its an easier road to go down, and for the first time owner I wouldn't advising going there. Having owned a TB myself when I was 17 and having her rear, buck and bolt with me on a daily basis for three months I decided by TB days were long gone.

 

[criso]

I've got two and from a temperament point of view they seem to give me less trouble than all the cobs, ponies and warmbloods other people have. Lovely easy going boys.

Have to say though, the pair of them do like a vet's visit and specialise in emergencies on bank holidays. As far as they are concerned nothing says "Happy Easter or Christmas" like a double charge out of hours call out.

 

[MuddyTB]

Have to say though, the pair of them do like a vet's visit and specialise in emergencies on bank holidays. As far as they are concerned nothing says "Happy Easter or Christmas" like a double charge out of hours call out.

This sounds very familiar!

Mine can be a feisty little so and so. He is certainly not an easy ride and can throw his toys out of the pram at events or go nicely depending on his mood. That said I love him to bits as he has the sweetest nature.

I think an ex-racer can be a fun all rounder, but it takes a lot of work from the initial off the track state. You need patience and experience to get this right, or as others have said look at the rehoming charities where a lot of this groundwork has been done by professionals who understand these horses.

I think there are easier options out there, but I also think they can be fantastic horses.

 

[Firewell]

We've had two tricky ones and two easy ones. The tricky ones took a bit of time and patience to retrain but they turned out fab. Never naughty or dangerous but sensitive and a little quirky.
The other two you hopped on and off you went! Dressage, SJ, clinics, XC whatever. Fab boys and both had the same grandad, both big chestnuts .
I still have one, I bought him to America with me. You can look back at my posts to see our adventures. Sadly the other one was PTS of colic. Such a shame as he was a beauty inside and out.

With TB's or ex racers I don't think they need anyone special just an owner with a half decent seat (when they spook they are quick!) and common sense.

 

[marmalade76]

If I'm honest the majority of 'problem' exracers have problem owners. Plain and simple.

Agree with this. I'm on my third and they've all been straight forward and easy to do, the trickiest, sharpest horses I've had have been the part breds.

I do think ex racehorses need quiet, confident riders/handlers.

 

[wench]

If I was to get one again, I'd get one from one of the charities I think, as they would be a bit more of a "given" with knowing what you were getting.

The two ex-racers that I've had have been nothing but money pits with veterinary issues.

 

[StarcatcherWilliam]

Thanks everyone. I have already spied one I like and he is from one of the well known rehoming charities - going to see him on Friday!! I like the suggestion of researching his breeding to get an idea of temperament too, so will get on to that!

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

Photos required asap

 

[StarcatcherWilliam]

Photos required asap

You're on! )))

 

[Michen]

I think there are some quirky ones, just as there are quirky non tbs, if you go through one of the good rehoming centres there will be less risk as they are already retrained to some extent and they will try to match the horse with the new owner, if you just go out and look for an ex racehorse newly out of training then it is going to be far more tricky to know what you are taking on.

I think if you want an easy life with a true all rounder you will probably be best looking for something that is already proving itself, that may be a tb but keep your options open unless you want to do all the reschooling involved, the idea of rehoming is lovely but not all will prove to be up to the job required, for many reasons.

Michen and her tb did spring to mind when I replied, a lovely horse with so many physical issues that have now come to light, definitely a labour of love for her.

Although, we can cross liver failure off the list- his bloods came back normal for liver with a slightly low white cell count but nothing to be concerned about (supposedly!)

But yes OP. I do think they are more likely to have physical problems due to how they have been kept and broken so young etc. Mine has been an absolute headache from the beginning and we are on insurance claim number 4 now. Was he a mistake? Probably. Would I get anything other than a TB? No.

They are somewhat addictive, and I don't get the thrill from riding any warmblood in an open field that I do on a TB.

 

[marmalade76]

If I was to get one again, I'd get one from one of the charities I think, as they would be a bit more of a "given" with knowing what you were getting.

The two ex-racers that I've had have been nothing but money pits with veterinary issues.

The same would apply if you get one direct from a trainer. My latest one came straight from the trainer, he'd been with her since 2010 and I was able to speak to her and various staff about the horse including his work rider who told me she often worked him alone due to working odd hours, ideal as I have an ex racehorse I know will go out alone

 

[Rosesandhorses]

I had an ex racer that I retrained. The good things are that he had seen everything and nothing came as a shock out hacking we could go past anything! I loved how forward he was and was so keen to work and he had such a good brain. He was used to being stabled and was very good at having just about anything done to him. The dressage judges loved him and he was super careful.
The bad things- he had typical TB feet and within 6 months of retraining was lame and whilst on box rest was horrendous to walk out. He was very much the kind of horse that needed continuous work which wasn't a problem until he couldn't be worked. The long term diagnosis wasn't good and he is now rehomed happily as a happy hacker.
When I came to look for another horse I made the decision to avoid TB's for the reason that I felt they were too much of a risk.

 

[Nannon]

I love mine - simply the most genuine and lovely horse I have ever owned! I got him out of ascot sales for minimum bid, the trainer he came from is very well known so he was well looked after, jabs etc all up to date and he had been turned out over winter before coming back in to training when they found that he was still no good at 6!
I had looked at several previously and some were proper nut jobs, some were just quirky and some were like riding school ponies. Rango I didn't even see trotted up, I'm not one for believing in fate etc but I just had to have him when he came into the sale ring and I haven't once regretted that decision!!
I would have another at the drop of a hat, but it's finding one that suits you

 

[wench]

The same would apply if you get one direct from a trainer. My latest one came straight from the trainer, he'd been with her since 2010 and I was able to speak to her and various staff about the horse including his work rider who told me she often worked him alone due to working odd hours, ideal as I have an ex racehorse I know will go out alone

One was from a trainer, a very good one. She was a lovely, lovely horse, but was riddled with veterinary issues, that had she had gone through a charity, would have been picked up on before I did.

 

[Firewell]

I reccommend Moorcroft if anyone is looking to rehome. Each horse is with them for a minimum of 6 months and they really go over them with a fine tooth comb. They know of any issues (physical or mental) the horses might have and rehome them accordingly. Gosh they had some beauties when we went to look.
Personally two of our four were sound as a pound, tough as old nails and I don't think it's a coincidence that those are the two that raced the least.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Greatwood is another rehab yard that make sure they find the right homes for their horses. I had a fascinating visit there recently.

 

[wench]

I am hoping that my next horse will be another thoroughbred. But if I get one, it will be from one of the charities. Then you also have the backup, that if for whatever reason you cannot keep the horse, that he/she can go back to the charity; which believe me, would have been a god send for me when I was trying to sell one of mine!

 

[kandm]

I have a 5year old ex racer mare. Got her at 3years old, straight off the track. She is a very genuine horse, doesn't put a foot wrong in company, schooling, travelling, jumping away from home. We have had some issues with separation anxiety, but slowly overcoming that as she trusts me more and more. Went right back to basics and lead her out in hand etc etc. She is a very very sweet mare, will literally do anything asked of her if she feels safe. Perfect on the ground, load, farrier etc. I was lucky as she was so young when I got her that unstitching some racing habits weren't as hard as I had anticipated. Good luck .

 

[khalswitz]

Mine started off tricky, and I had a few issues with him, but they weren't racehorse issues, they were my riding/his saddle issues that would probably have come up with any horse. Since then, he has been perfect - he takes beginners, he's easy to do, super genuine and just a lovely character. Great feet, not a hothead, generally lovely...

They're like any ther horse - some will have had bad experiences, some are crackers, some are sore, some need time. They are blood horses, so when you do get a problem IME they do tell you about it, but if not then they can be lovely quiet and straightforward.

Would defo get a racer again, although I'd have a better idea what I was looking for next time...

 

[Firewell]

I had to lead my horse under people chopping branches off trees today. Men swinging in the branches with a chain saw and a god awful machine on the back of a truck that was grinding the wood up and making a complete racket.
I was thankful for my 'highly strung' TB who mooched around it all without a flick of an ear or a glance. <3 TB's. My mare before him was stabled opposite a barn being demolished and a giant bonfire at one time and she was brill as well. If they feel happy and secure they are pretty much bomb proof!