Opinions on Thoroughbreds?

[paddi22]

I never realised how high maintenance they were until I got a proper low maintenance horse. I have a trotter who is part tb, and she lives out all year with no rugs, goes barefoot over any surface and lives off air. She literally costs NOTHING to keep and has never been sick or sore a day in her life. But she still has the tb athleticism, paces and intelligence. From now on I'm going trotter all the way!

 

[Evie91]

I think that’s half the issue- lots of people buy them because they are cheap without realising they can be expensive to keep and often require a certain standard of looking after. I think if you go in with eyes wide open and don’t mind and perhaps enjoy a bit of mollying (and the expense that may involve)then they may have less of a ‘reputation’.
I have also come across owners who wanted one because they saw event riders with one (professionals) and thought they’d like a go!
I admire Lewis Hamilton but don’t think I’d be giving him a run for his money- the arrogance and ignorance of people is also often the TB’s downfall.

 

[huskydamage]

I never disliked tbs, they just weren't my thing( I wanted an Arab)I have a whizzy nf x pony with loads of personality and I just thought tbs were a bit boring and everyone had one. I've ended up with an Anglo Arab who is 3/4 tb and very tb looking, no one believes me she is Anglo ? she is a lovely horse and a real character once I have got to know her. She is so laid back she would fall over. What I wasn't prepared for was the super increase in costs! Needs shoes every 5 minutes, loads of feed(the more I do with her the more ridiculous the feed gets), bit accident prone and destroys everything. If there is a way to break something she does it! But she is genuinely one of the nicest nature horses I've known and lots of fun to ride. She is also to my surprise very warm and hardy. I've never seen her shiver and she's always chooses to be outside in her caral whatever the weather! Pony is quite delicate by comparison ?

 

[Evie91]

Ooh love an Anglo Arab - knew a couple of wonderful chestnut mares when I was a teenager (many,many years ago), beautiful horses and great fun!

 

[emilylou]

Haven’t read the whole thread but I’ve ridden countless. All have been completely different. I’ve just got my first. A dainty ex flat chestnut mare. A little nappy, has separation anxiety but good feet and a good attitude towards learning and likes work. I think the overriding factor with them is that they require more work and stimulation than other breeds to keep them sane and have better baseline fitness so a bigger engine. They are horses built to work hard, so if you can accommodate that then they are a good choice. If you’re going to shut them in a stable and hack out a couple of times a week, choose something else.

 

[Foxychops]

I've had 3. Currently on number 3. He is built like a warm blood. Chunky as he is an ex chaser. Lovely boy and has taught me so much. Great feet, eats everything, coming on nicely in all disciplines. Doesn't like turnout in winter but other than that a lovely horse.