Rehoming ex-racehorse

[sally678]

I'm seriously considering getting an ex-racehorse to, eventually, do dressage. If you've re-homed one was it a good experience or not?? Are they easy enough to retrain - really don't want anything that's too sharpe/mad, but quick to learn is fine. Do you go right back to basics and basically re-break them. My concern is that I could be biting off more than I can chew!! I have lots of experience but only had two horses present one has been with me for the last 12 years and the one before that 15 years.

Should I go for it or not???

 

[Grey_Arab]

They can be quite unpredictable, it really depends from horse to horse, some are lovely, calm and easy others can be a bit neurotic. I certainly don't think you can predict before you by them. Just my opinion, I may be wrong?!

 

[HairyHatMan]

I have a little 4yo mare that I share with my instructor. I was given her straight out of training last year. She ran 13 times on the flat at 2 & 3 years old and came to us 2 weeks after her last race.

She has actually been a doddle to retrain although she has serious attitude in the stable. I was surprised at how straightforward it was (although my instructor did most of the serious stuff).

She hadn't seen a jump in her life and hadn't got a clue what to do with a pole on the ground to start with, but she's going intro next year.

I'm sure we were quite lucky but they have all the basics there, and from what I've seen it's easier than having an unbacked horse. Would I do it again? Hell yes!

 

[seabiscuit]

Most of them are a doddle, easy peasy. no different from your average warmblood if not easier. Chestnut in my siggy is an ex racer,he has won loads of dressage. He is for sale by the way, due to university commitments!

 

[Tia]

To be honest, so long as they come from a decent yard, you'll likely find them better behaved on the ground, trustworthy in traffic, easy to load and generally good all-round guys. Just be careful about riding in huge open spaces.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

Like any breed or type of horse, there are sensible, and not so sensible types within the breed.

Try a few, and go for one that seems calm and trainable, and you will have a cracking horse.

Good luck!

 

[severnmiles]

[ QUOTE ]
Most of them are a doddle, easy peasy. no different from your average warmblood if not easier. Chestnut in my siggy is an ex racer,he has won loads of dressage. He is for sale by the way, due to university commitments!

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto.... Just like APBT's they get a bad rep because someone whose had 2 riding lesson see's one for sale at 500 quid.

They're ace and I'd rather an ex racer than anything else. Admittedly they have their quirks but you learn to love them, Ernie will pull faces at me if he doesn't get his apple first! lol

Bay in my siggy is an ex pointer

 

[severnmiles]

[ QUOTE ]
Just be careful about riding in huge open spaces.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ernie doesn't even change when his feet touch grass. Guess its down to the individual.

P.s Tia....didn't comment as I was quite blown away by some of the rudeness on the thread but I applaud your little girl...what a fab job she's doing!

 

[ExRacers]

Agree with what has been said above.

I have 2 ex racers both complete gents, one more excitable than the other but he's been out of racing for less time.

I am a Riding Club rider, certainly nothing special, but find them both easy to do & ride.

 

[HeidiBoo]

My gelding is an ex hurdler, he's my second ex racer, and I must say I've NEVER had quieter horses to handle in my life. I reschooled both of mine myself, well, my gelding's still a work in progress due to having a block of time off...

At the end of the day they're TB's, can be sharp, and are pretty green. I personally feel an individuals attitute towards an animal plays a huge part, I saw it several times during my time at the hunt yard-treat it like it's dangerous and it won't be long....

*awaits public slating* lmao

 

[severnmiles]

[ QUOTE ]
. I personally feel an individuals attitute towards an animal plays a huge part, I saw it several times during my time at the hunt yard-treat it like it's dangerous and it won't be long....

*awaits public slating* lmao

[/ QUOTE ]

Second that, they're senstive, bonding is important I think.

 

[Tia]

Aww thanks SM.

Rudeness doesn't bother me but it was uncalled for when it's aimed at a little childs pride and joy.

 

[zigzag]

Mine in my siggy is an ex racer, dream to handle in the stable, cool and calm as well training was going well til fractured her splint, hopefully get all clear next week to start again

 

[Nudibranch]

Am sadly having to let mine go tomorrow (luckily to retirement at a rescue centre) but am looking at getting another while I'm there! There seems to be a wide variety of types, though a lot of people do seem to have positive things to say... I'd go with sharp, sensitive, great in traffic, nappy, neurotic, affectionate, moody! So a bit of a lot of things. Probably depends on their past experiences.
One thing I would say is you do need a bit of experience and a seat like glue if you get an especially sharp one!

 

[zigzag]

I bought mine out of Ascot, and you can get an Idea of temperment by just watching their attitude hile being led around, when in the pre sale ring a colt got loose lots of the horses got excted and started rearing up, Rosie just stood there and looked as if to say "Why you doing that for!"

 

[Baggybreeches]

My ex-racehorse is the stereo-typical nut job, but on the other hand he is kind and generous in the stable. The only thing I do struggle with is the speed with which he can change direction without any warning!
On the plus side we are making our Elementary debut next weekend! I love him dearly and his quirks make him all the more special!

 

[rcm_73]

My ex-racer mare is currently off with a suspensory injury and has taken to box rest brilliantly. Generally I would say that if they have been on a racing yard they will be good to handle, well mannered in the box, good to shoe, load, traffic, clip having seen and done all this from an early age. My mare is all those things, however she is quite stressy, sharp to ride, a bit nappy, a confirmed jogger, takes off in open spaces so I only ride her in hilly open spaces lol and still thinks that when you take up contact it's time to ping! Takes time and patience and a LOT of sensitive riding but I will keep her now til the end (she's 17 going on 7!) she has raced and showjumped successfully, her injury now means she will only jump local level at best, she isn't a great hack as too lively so will keep her as a companion and for light work as I think I would find it difficult to rehome her with someone suitable now.

 

[Taboo1968]

Rule number one - remove their mobile phone and any type of communication with other thoroughbreds, if not they pick up tips for injuries or telephone the thoroughbred injury hotline to get another injury - Your vet bills could rocket as a result of this!

Other than that, I've got three and they are obviously all different, however one of them is so laid back I've always said he would fall over - he did twice actually and the other one, in my opinion is a nutter! The third has never been ridden since doing his tendon two years ago!

good luck with whatever you decide.... there are a lot of highs and lows..... but its great fun!