following on from... should i buy an ex-racer post

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blossom01

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I went back on sunday to hack out he was really good, very forward going, which would take me awhile to get used to. he's good in traffic, and didn't mind when we walked past his gallops (just walked quicker)

he is capable of much more than i would want to do (jumping wise) and do a fantastic dressage test but it would take me sometime to be confident on him and hack out on my own. i can hack out with other quiet horses and mother in law could also come out on her bike and go on short hacks around the village.

he is also currently stabled and very fit. but in 6 months time he would be not so fit and turned out (out 24/7 in summer). so hopefully more chilled out.

but i think that with time and some lessons and some chourage from me, he could be great fun - but also aware that it could go wrong.

I'm going to go back again (he's not going into H&H for month or so). feel like sometimes you just have to take a chance.
 
I'm sure I should be saying something more sensible but I find gut feel is usually right with horses. If your instincts say he's the one, chances are he is!
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Good luck!
 
id go for it if you really like him, at least you'd be doing it with your eyes wide open and knowing it'l take time and work to shape him into what you want. if things go wrong then take it all one step at a time and it'l come right in the end!
 
Go for it, ex racers rock!

Word of caution about the turn out though, if he's not used to going out in the field, it might freak him out a bit; and injuries happen very easily when they are scared and stressed out. You may have to introduce turnout an hour at a time...... and have a totally chilled companion to show him what to do. You do not want a busy yard with lots of excitable horses in the field charging around saying 'Hello' it could all just be too much
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Sorry, if this has all been said already- I haven't seen your previous posts.
 
The only thing I'd say is that if you're not 100% confident with him bfeore you get him it could lead to disaster....some ex racers do not do well out of a racing routine.

that said I love TB's generally but I don't think Ty did much racing (more hunting) and Oscar hasn't hunted so not sure of the complications x
 
If you do take him on, make sure that you are 100% certain that you can handle him. I would recommend turning hom away for awhile to let him become a horse, and become more chilled. I would also do groundwork to build up a trusting relationship. I wouldnt be without my ex-racer, but a word of caution they are HARD WORK and expensive, but very rewarding. They are also very sensitive and need a good structured routine.

Good luck
 
My advice would be don't go for it unless you're 100% sure.

My experience is horses are always sharper/have more issues when you get them home and they are in an unfamiliar environment, than when you try them.

Also, I don't think less fit, automatically means he'll be more chilled - it doesn't always work like that. I think you have to be happy with his character and way of going as you experience it now - and not on the basis that it might change in the future.

I don't want to be negative, just cautious!
 
Three weeks ago I bought a 10 yr old TB mare who was an ex-racehorse (although earlier in life). She went on to have reasonable success at PC & showjumping with her previous owner after being rebacked at age 7. Like you I was quite unsure whether this was the right move for me. I would say that although my mare is also a 'laid back' sort, I believe I would have had real problems without massive amounts of support from my Yard Owner. She is still very much in the 'settling in' phase during which I have had to establish early ground rules. More importantly whilst she is okay hacking alone or in front, we do have some control issues when she's behind. This didn't seem apparent so much when trying her out. With schooling this is improving but still quite scary. So the upshot of it is, without trying to put you off, you need to accept, like me, that you are not buying a plod, then once you have the horse you need to take reponsibility for what you have got. Do plenty of schooling/lessons and take your time. I believe I have a years' good work to be where I want to be with mine. However I am enjoying it immensely. When I asked for opinions from other HHO members I had some really supportive, well meant and honest advice. I hope I've done the same and good luck in whatever you decide!
 
Ditto Dubble. You sound a bit unsure. Please don't rush into anything. I know I'm old and boring but the tone in your post doesn't seem that confident or positive. You're probably a much more confident rider than me so I shouldn't compare my experience with yours but I did learn the hard way.
 
I have an ex-race mare...I bought her as a 9 year old who had unfortunately been ill-treated. We have been together now for 11 years. I am useless at advising about buying as I saw her in the field and wanted her straight away, despite knowing she was a complete handful, well actually she couldnt be handled!!
Our problem was always the handling on the ground...not the riding. She did go through a bronco stage...but we addressed this and I loved riding her, I only expected a happy hack but we did dressage, showing and jumping too.
What I will say, this is from my own experience and meeting other ex-racers, they tend to like routine, they like things black and white so they know where they are, they are quite one-person horses, it takes time to get trust, they are sensitive and have active brains!!!
I have spent a lot of time thinking very carefully about why she does certain things and what to do about it....you have to really think about things and see what could be the root cause of problems.
My mare has been classed as the most contrary horse possible...what you think she will do, she then goes and does the opposite...so she keeps you on your toes!!!
You will need support and help...sometimes I have had it and sometimes I have not...its a big learning curve.
Having said all that...I absolutely love her to bits...she is fascinating and wonderful!!
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