Rehoming a racehorse

[donkeyboy]

Hi everyone

I am looking to rehome an OTTB but I am doubting myself whether I am capable at this moment in time or not...

I am not a novice rider, been riding since 2008 and focused on dressage in recent years but been jumping as a teenage too. Worked with various types of horses both on the ground and ridden. I’ve ridden regularly an OTTB too so I am aware what comes with off the track horse in the package.

The culprit is due to career change and university I have not sat on a horse for 2 years now. So whilst the theory is here, I am probably not fit ridingwise anymore.

Do you guys think it would be better to maybe get a couple of refresher lessons prior to applying to charities to maximise the chance they have something suitable? Or maybe find a share horse for some time before commuting to this? I literally have no idea how raw those horses can be straight out of charities, maybe someone has done it and would like to share their beginnings?

Ideally I would like to do some BE80’s for fun... just looking to out and about really, of course with trainers help since I am mainly dressage experienced... but that is the end-goal, not something to do straight away of course.

 

[bonny]

There is a search facility on here which if you have a look will answer your questions.

 

[IrishMilo]

I'm usually of the mindset that if you're questioning whether it's a good idea, it probably isn't.

 

[milliepops]

I haven't a clue how much retraining they get via the charities (I got mine direct from the trainer) but it is never a bad idea to get yourself some saddle time on a reliable horse after a break.

 

[Sail_away]

I think a share horse after some refresher lessons sounds like a good idea. OTTBs are not the easiest to look after - some manage a fairly relaxed lifestyle but for a lot it’s boots, rugs and a lot of hard feed to keep them going. And for the majority of the ones I know who went to first time/novice owners their go-to behaviour was rearing after a while. Have you considered an Irish sports horse if you want a sporty type? The traditional ones are at least half Tb but they won’t have raced and the ID blood makes them a little hardier.

 

[Equi]

Definitely have a few refresher lessons as a starting point. Is there any particular reason it has to be a ottb? What practical experience have you got for actually owning a horse full time?