New to Thoroughbreds

[sausagedogqueen]

Hello
Currently shopping at the moment, looking for a safe sensible confidence giver. I havent owned horses (welshies) for years and I just want to mostly enjoy hacking, fun rides, XC. I feel like im too old to be falling off now so just want something safe but can step up when asked. Ive been looking at cobs mostly, plenty around and all vary massively in price.
I enquired about a cob to a reputable dealer today and she mentioned she has a french TB 6 year old that is anyones ride, said hes very laid back, quiet, reliable type you can go two weeks without riding. Said hes not green at all.
Ive agreed to view him as he ticks all my boxes but I am a bit apprehensive as I didnt think this would be a breed suited for me. So my question is, does anyone have a TB that is suitable for even a novice even at a young age and also is there anything in particular I should be aware of in this breed, any particular questions i need to ask?
I asked if hes every raced and been told hes hurdled but not for long. Sorry for the long post, thanks

 

[AmyMay]

Have you looked him up on line? Why is he in the UK?

He may be a complete sweetheart. But he’s only six.

How reputable is the dealer?

 

[sausagedogqueen]

Have you looked him up on line? Why is he in the UK?

He may be a complete sweetheart. But he’s only six.

How reputable is the dealer?

Thanks for your reply

He is sired by Charm Spirit

Im on the dodgy dealers uk facebook page and when I searches the dealers name it was all very positive, apparently very honest.

 

[criso]

I had a French thoroughbred and he was a really safe confident horse. A touch opinionated at times but looked after his rider. I had a fairly novice sharer and he took care of her but did occasionally stop for snack breaks! Other horses could tank off, buck and misbehave and he would just watch them and sigh in a long suffering way.

I had him from 5 and he was sensible then.

He had been in training but was too slow and lazy and preferred to eat.

 

[sausagedogqueen]

I had a French thoroughbred and he was a really safe confident horse. A touch opinionated at times but looked after his rider. I had a fairly novice sharer and he took care of her but did occasionally stop for snack breaks! Other horses could tank off, buck and misbehave and he would just watch them and sigh in a long suffering way.

I had him from 5 and he was sensible then.

He had been in training but was too slow and lazy and preferred to eat.

This is reassuring. Snack breaks I could deal with but definitely not tanking off! I have ridden two thoroughbreds in my riding lesson days and both were hot headed beasts, I just completely wrote them off as a breed until today

 

[tyner]

Outside of the saddle there are a few other things to be aware of with a young new TB... make sure you have a great vet who you like because you might be seeing them quite a lot....
I wouldn't trade mine for anything but the accident prone and somewhat fragile reputation is well deserved. Of course every horse is an individual.

 

[saddlesore]

I’ve had 2 and wouldn’t touch another with a barge pole. Great horses but mine were always broken ?

 

[Mrs G]

A genuine ‘retired sound, just too slow’ ex-racer is something I’d def consider - horses like this can be diamonds. They’ll have seen a lot of stuff while training/racing, be experienced to travel and used to ‘competition’ environments. They might be more inclined to laziness than hotness and if they’re used to the rest of the racehorses zooming past them and leaving them behind it can mean they aren’t bothered by others misbehaving in a group and/or quite independently minded which can mean they are good to hack alone too. If they’ve managed all the training and racing with no significant injuries it can be a sign they are tough as well which bodes as well for future soundness as anything can.

 

[JBM]

I’d be looking to see him ride in an open space or a beach like area because my Barry (5yo TB) is a lazy little saint but loses his mind still a bit on the beach as that’s where he did a lot of his racing training, working on it!
He’s spooky at night sometimes but otherwise would let a tractor drive up to his bum and do nothing so very safe that way!
He’s also the cuddliest horse I’ve ever met absolute dote
But I’ve owned him 6 months and he’s seen the vet like 8 times so..pros and cons

 

[sausagedogqueen]

A genuine ‘retired sound, just too slow’ ex-racer is something I’d def consider - horses like this can be diamonds. They’ll have seen a lot of stuff while training/racing, be experienced to travel and used to ‘competition’ environments. They might be more inclined to laziness than hotness and if they’re used to the rest of the racehorses zooming past them and leaving them behind it can mean they aren’t bothered by others misbehaving in a group and/or quite independently minded which can mean they are good to hack alone too. If they’ve managed all the training and racing with no significant injuries it can be a sign they are tough as well which bodes as well for future soundness as anything can.

I mostly want to hack on my own so this would be essential but he would also need to be good in open fields and have brakes.. im going to visit him today. Excited but nervous...

 

[Barton Bounty]

I am another all for tbs! Kindest sweetest horses you can find. They are snowflakes and do break easily. Sometimes you will be lucky and hit the jackpot and get a quiet safe sound one. Mine wasnt quiet but he was sound. I have made him safe and he is relatively quiet. I can put a child on him to plod then when I get on its yeeehaw! ? They are very much insecure horses and take confidence from their owners ? yes I would most definitely buy another one ?
Actually my boy raced for 6 years , gave him some downtime and started again, wouldnt change it for the world so definitely consider them if you can ride ?

 

[criso]

I mostly want to hack on my own so this would be essential but he would also need to be good in open fields and have brakes.. im going to visit him today. Excited but nervous...

That's what might need working on. Depending on what he's done before, he may not be used to hacking on his own. Both of mine took a lot of work to get them to do that.

Do you know his registered name? You will be able to Google and see if he's raced.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Echo what criso said on the working on it but it is very rewarding when you do get there!
my boy would not hack alone BUT we did short trips and built on it, now he hates company lol ?

Good Luck today! Open mind and open heart ?? hope all goes well for you and of course we need pictures ?

 

[ycbm]

I've had quite a few TBs. It's possible that this horse is one, but my experience is that there are very few 6 year old TBs which would fit your needs.

One of the biggest problems with them is how they can blow a fuse if there is a horse to catch up in front of them, so meeting other horses on a solo hack can be a challenge. Fun rides and busy farm rides can be explosive.

Since hacking is a prime activity for you do make sure you try him on a solo hack, and on a hack in company where he is asked to stay behind while a horse in front leaves him.
.

 

[Ouch05]

I love my boy, had him 10 years from a 4 year old. He can be tricky to hack (was not always this way but had an incident that caused it) but brilliant to school/lunge etc, I've done everything on him. He is no snowflake touches would rarely sees the vet and has been barefoot now for over a year and his feet look great.

Please, please get at least a 2 stage vetting with x rays of back and legs.

edited to add - good luck today they really are the best horses

 

[Hackback]

Depending on how your set up you may also want to ask the dealer what he's like in the stable too - whether he's happy to be left in/out on his own etc. A friend has one and she has terrible separation anxiety, but I know others that are fine. Just something worth knowing.

 

[sausagedogqueen]

That's what might need working on. Depending on what he's done before, he may not be used to hacking on his own. Both of mine took a lot of work to get them to do that.

Do you know his registered name? You will be able to Google and see if he's raced.

Apparently he already happily hacks on his own. But something I'd need to see for myself, my old welshie hated leaving the yard without his friends.
I dont know his registered name I'll ask the dealer

 

[sausagedogqueen]

Depending on how your set up you may also want to ask the dealer what he's like in the stable too - whether he's happy to be left in/out on his own etc. A friend has one and she has terrible separation anxiety, but I know others that are fine. Just something worth knowing.

I would definitely like to spend some time in the stable with him first and tack him up myself. I will be checking what his current routine is. Whichever horse I decided on, I want to make sure the settling in period is as smooth as possible for them

 

[Barton Bounty]

You might be very lucky! Mine isnt a snowflake either but I know plenty that are and plenty will verify that on here too.
My friend bought a colt and he is now 5 and he is the calmest boy, he has only turned into a drama llama twice?

Apparently he already happily hacks on his own. But something I'd need to see for myself, my old welshie hated leaving the yard without his friends.
I dont know his registered name I'll ask the dealer

 

[sausagedogqueen]

I've had quite a few TBs. It's possible that this horse is one, but my experience is that there are very few 6 year old TBs which would fit your needs.

One of the biggest problems with them is how they can blow a fuse if there is a horse to catch up in front of them, so meeting other horses on a solo hack can be a challenge. Fun rides and busy farm rides can be explosive.

Since hacking is a prime activity for you do make sure you try him on a solo hack, and on a hack in company where he is asked to stay behind while a horse in front leaves him.
.

This is great advice thank you!

 

[HelenBack]

I'm on my first TB so am no expert but I really like him. He's great to hack on his own and pretty bullet proof with things like tractors and big lorries. If you take him somewhere new and he's a bit anxious he will walk very quickly but that's all. When I first had him he would very occasionally spin if he saw something that frightened him but it was a low and slow spin and I'd just get my leg on and turn him round again and then he'd go. I will say I'm a confident hacker though and happy to push on where needed so I don't know whether that's made a difference or not.

He can be a bit strong and pull a bit if he wants to go but he doesn't actually do anything and won't go unless you say he can. He's also fine on a group hack and goes anywhere in the order. He's a dope to lead around in hand, good to handle, although he was a bit rubbish at picking up his feet initially, fine to be stabled or go out, although he had a spell of box rest and you could tell he was fed up of being in but again he didn't do anything, I just had to persuade him back in through the door a bit!

How downsides are that if he gets a cut he will generally swell up quite easily but most of the time I've learned to look the other way and it will go down after a few days. He's also socially inept and can't read the signs when other horses are telling him to get lost. I don't know whether that's because of his breed or because he's young too and just needs to learn but he can get on the other horses' nerves sometimes and just doesn't realise.

I had him from a dealer who specialises in ex-racers and I probably paid more for him but she has a good reputation and I presume she knows what she's looking at with them so I'd go down this route again.

Other TB's I've known have been complete morons to hack out and turn out. My aunt's TB was an absolute saint and looked after my novice uncle and never really put a foot wrong. In fact they sold him to a riding school in the end which I didn't think was a very kind way to thank him for his years of loyalty but not my business.

I guess maybe it depends what their environment and routines were like when they were in training, and also individual personalities.

I'd say just go and see and ask to test the horse in the circumstances you want it for. I rode in the arena but specifically asked to ride him out on my own because that's what I do a lot of. He was good in the school but when I found myself riding along on a long rein and having a daydream to myself that was when I knew I'd buy him.

 

[Starzaan]

Some of the quietest, safest and most wonderful horses I have owned and dealt with have been TBs. They are absolutely wonderful horses, and I would never rule them out of a search. Much like any other breed, some are fabulous, quiet, confidence givers, and some are fruit loops.

 

[nagblagger]

If you are proceeding, photos are mandatory. Good luck with today.
I don't go on any type - just whether i get that feeling, so enjoy the experience.

 

[sausagedogqueen]

I'm on my first TB so am no expert but I really like him. He's great to hack on his own and pretty bullet proof with things like tractors and big lorries. If you take him somewhere new and he's a bit anxious he will walk very quickly but that's all. When I first had him he would very occasionally spin if he saw something that frightened him but it was a low and slow spin and I'd just get my leg on and turn him round again and then he'd go. I will say I'm a confident hacker though and happy to push on where needed so I don't know whether that's made a difference or not.

He can be a bit strong and pull a bit if he wants to go but he doesn't actually do anything and won't go unless you say he can. He's also fine on a group hack and goes anywhere in the order. He's a dope to lead around in hand, good to handle, although he was a bit rubbish at picking up his feet initially, fine to be stabled or go out, although he had a spell of box rest and you could tell he was fed up of being in but again he didn't do anything, I just had to persuade him back in through the door a bit!

How downsides are that if he gets a cut he will generally swell up quite easily but most of the time I've learned to look the other way and it will go down after a few days. He's also socially inept and can't read the signs when other horses are telling him to get lost. I don't know whether that's because of his breed or because he's young too and just needs to learn but he can get on the other horses' nerves sometimes and just doesn't realise.

I had him from a dealer who specialises in ex-racers and I probably paid more for him but she has a good reputation and I presume she knows what she's looking at with them so I'd go down this route again.

Other TB's I've known have been complete morons to hack out and turn out. My aunt's TB was an absolute saint and looked after my novice uncle and never really put a foot wrong. In fact they sold him to a riding school in the end which I didn't think was a very kind way to thank him for his years of loyalty but not my business.

I guess maybe it depends what their environment and routines were like when they were in training, and also individual personalities.

I'd say just go and see and ask to test the horse in the circumstances you want it for. I rode in the arena but specifically asked to ride him out on my own because that's what I do a lot of. He was good in the school but when I found myself riding along on a long rein and having a daydream to myself that was when I knew I'd buy him.

Your TB sounds great, when you were shopping were you already looking at this breed?
I would never even of enquired about one before the dealer brought him to my attention

 

[maya2008]

I bought my first horse, a TB, when she had just turned 4. She was an absolute angel - had her moments but nothing scary, nothing dangerous. Horse of a lifetime, but cost £££££ to feed, rug and in vet bills. Had her 19 years, and she was my very best friend.

So yes, go and look, but be aware they are not cheap to keep and do like to be in regular work with a reasonable amount of canter. I can recommend NFU for the endless vet bills too ?!

 

[HelenBack]

Your TB sounds great, when you were shopping were you already looking at this breed?
I would never even of enquired about one before the dealer brought him to my attention

I'm sure he's not as perfect as I've made him out to be and he can be a bit thick at times but I like him!

I did go out deliberately to buy a TB but it's a breed I've always liked and I fancied having one for a long time. I used to really like riding my aunt's horse and I do like something with a turn of speed rather than having to kick on.

Just re-reading your initial post and what you want to do with whatever you buy, I've only had mine about six months and already have done a couple of fun rides and taken him cross country schooling twice. He did get a bit excited at one of the fun rides and was very keen on the cross country course (i.e. did try to "go" after quite a few of the fences). On the flipside though he seems brave as anything and has gone over every fence I've pointed him at, jumped into water and so on without batting an eyelid. Obviously I've been sensible about what I've done with him but he's taken it all in his stride and even when he's got excited and mucked about a bit I haven't at any point felt unsafe on him.

I think it's probably individual preference though, Welshies aren't my cup of tea at all and I see quite a few of those who are willfull and snort and prance at a leaf that's the wrong way up or something equally as ridiculous.

I say go along and have a look and I'm sure how you feel when you ride him will give you a great indication of whether he might be for you or not.

 

[criso]

I've had quite a few TBs. It's possible that this horse is one, but my experience is that there are very few 6 year old TBs which would fit your needs.

One of the biggest problems with them is how they can blow a fuse if there is a horse to catch up in front of them, so meeting other horses on a solo hack can be a challenge. Fun rides and busy farm rides can be explosive.

Since hacking is a prime activity for you do make sure you try him on a solo hack, and on a hack in company where he is asked to stay behind while a horse in front leaves him.
.

A tb could already have seen a lot at 6, if it went into training early and came out at 4 with a couple of years of non racing experience now, it could be further along that other types of the same age. When I got my first one, someone at the yard got an ISH of the same age at the same time and commenting how Frankie seemed years older than hers.

Each horse has their triggers and even Tigger who is more challenging is not bothered about catching up. He can be sharp and spooky but not about horse activity. We have fields behind the school and especially at this time of the year, the horses in the field can gallop around because of the wind or because they want to come in. Completely ignores it but I did nearly come off because a butterfly flew past and he is very suspicious when the school is harrowed and the ground looks different. XC schooling we cantered with other horses around without trying to catch up and when a loose horse galloped past he just stood and watched.

One of the problems I have with him is if a horse catches up and overtakes, he slows right down to let them through. So when I'm in front, hacking companions are under strict instruction not to overtake as he will grind to a halt. Y

But then I think I got the ones that showed no interest in keeping up in training/racing and aren't going to start now.

I would ask where the horse has been and what he has done. Agree with trying him on a hack, I always like to canter, open up a bit and check they come back to you when asked. Also if you are less experienced do you have an instructor or experienced friend who could try him to assess his temperament.

 

[Squeak]

Some of the quietest, safest and most wonderful horses I have owned and dealt with have been TBs. They are absolutely wonderful horses, and I would never rule them out of a search. Much like any other breed, some are fabulous, quiet, confidence givers, and some are fruit loops.

100% this. There are some absolutely wonderful tb's out there.

 

[nagblagger]

Any news ? How did it go?

 

[Barton Bounty]

Some of the quietest, safest and most wonderful horses I have owned and dealt with have been TBs. They are absolutely wonderful horses, and I would never rule them out of a search. Much like any other breed, some are fabulous, quiet, confidence givers, and some are fruit loops.

I agree with this too ?