Retraining ex-racers thread

[AandK]

Charlie did hunter trials at Tweseldown at the end of Oct (we did pairs 80cm with a friend) he followed his lead very enthusiastically round for a very steady clear! He did disagree somewhat on the speed though, so did not have much control (hence my face!). Also need to rethink boots for him as my late boy's are a bit too big, and slipped down during the round.


Then Saturday we did a polework to gridwork clinic, he was super spicy after the last two outings being XC! But was really good, as this was his first go at a grid!

 

[Squeak]

Charlie did hunter trials at Tweseldown at the end of Oct (we did pairs 80cm with a friend) he followed his lead very enthusiastically round for a very steady clear! He did disagree somewhat on the speed though, so did not have much control (hence my face!). Also need to rethink boots for him as my late boy's are a bit too big, and slipped down during the round.
View attachment 150423

Then Saturday we did a polework to gridwork clinic, he was super spicy after the last two outings being XC! But was really good, as this was his first go at a grid!
View attachment 150424
View attachment 150421

He's looking great - just in case it's any help as I've struggled in the past with xc boots rubbing and slipping on TB's - I'm currently using the equilibirum hi impact sports boots and have had no issues

 

[AandK]

He's looking great - just in case it's any help as I've struggled in the past with xc boots rubbing and slipping on TB's - I'm currently using the equilibirum hi impact sports boots and have had no issues

Thank you and yes that is a big help, they were on my list of possible boots, so thank you!

 

[humblepie]

Charlie did hunter trials at Tweseldown at the end of Oct (we did pairs 80cm with a friend) he followed his lead very enthusiastically round for a very steady clear! He did disagree somewhat on the speed though, so did not have much control (hence my face!). Also need to rethink boots for him as my late boy's are a bit too big, and slipped down during the round.
View attachment 150423

Then Saturday we did a polework to gridwork clinic, he was super spicy after the last two outings being XC! But was really good, as this was his first go at a grid!
View attachment 150424
View attachment 150421

He looks amazing.

 

[AandK]

He looks amazing.

Thank you! I absolutely adore him. He does require some 'management' but he is such a clever little horse, it is worth it! There have been a lot of ups and downs over the years, but I am so lucky it has all paid off.

 

[BACR]

Charlie did hunter trials at Tweseldown at the end of Oct (we did pairs 80cm with a friend) he followed his lead very enthusiastically round for a very steady clear! He did disagree somewhat on the speed though, so did not have much control (hence my face!). Also need to rethink boots for him as my late boy's are a bit too big, and slipped down during the round.
View attachment 150423

Then Saturday we did a polework to gridwork clinic, he was super spicy after the last two outings being XC! But was really good, as this was his first go at a grid!
View attachment 150424
View attachment 150421

You both look fantastic, what a smart boy he is. We recently went to pole work too and had a fabulous time.

 

[AandK]

You both look fantastic, what a smart boy he is. We recently went to pole work too and had a fabulous time.

Thank you

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

So after much thought I am still very tempted to join the club. Any tips on finding the right one and any negatives to consider?

 

[Sail_away]

So after much thought I am still very tempted to join the club. Any tips on finding the right one and any negatives to consider?

They’re fab! Really genuine, kind horses.
Re finding one, some trainers will have a rehoming page on their website, or you can contact and ask if they have anything. Also there’s a big Facebook group that has a lot of horses posted. Pelvis asymmetry is fairly common in ex racers so have a look at them stood level behind. It wouldn’t put me off a horse necessarily but it’s nice to know what you’re getting. If they’re straight off the track be prepared to give them some downtime.
Negatives - they do better in a routine, so some busy livery yards don’t suit them. Any little cut will blow up and they’ll act like they’re on death’s door. Most will need a lot of feed, although you get the odd good doer. The first couple times they go out to shows/training they tend to wind themselves up as they think it’s racing, some sweat up travelling for the same reason. Not all, tbf, my current dude nearly fell asleep in the trailer when we picked him up.
That’s all generalisations of course, and the majority will chill out in a good routine that suits them. Good luck if you do decide to go for it - they are great fun!

 

[McGrools]

So after much thought I am still very tempted to join the club. Any tips on finding the right one and any negatives to consider?

Good feet! Vital. Their feet are challenging at the best of times.
Ideally talk to the trainer and yard staff. Find out about any previous injuries. I think you may get more info if direct from trainer rather than a reseller. I love their brains, but their bodies can be very compromised

 

[BACR]

So after much thought I am still very tempted to join the club. Any tips on finding the right one and any negatives to consider?

Do you know anybody who already has one doing the job you want to do with one or someone that has connections to yards? That would be a good place to start.

 

[BACR]

Se and I ventured to the South East RoR club afternoon at the British Racing School in Newmarket a couple of weeks ago for a poles and grids session. Had a great time and finished off with him skipping over this decent sized oxer at the end. So pleased with him, he's such a super lad. I think it's fair to assume he'll have more than enough scope to go BE100, maybe even Novice one day! Sorry about the quality of the image, it's a still from a video.

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

They’re fab! Really genuine, kind horses.
Re finding one, some trainers will have a rehoming page on their website, or you can contact and ask if they have anything. Also there’s a big Facebook group that has a lot of horses posted. Pelvis asymmetry is fairly common in ex racers so have a look at them stood level behind. It wouldn’t put me off a horse necessarily but it’s nice to know what you’re getting. If they’re straight off the track be prepared to give them some downtime.
Negatives - they do better in a routine, so some busy livery yards don’t suit them. Any little cut will blow up and they’ll act like they’re on death’s door. Most will need a lot of feed, although you get the odd good doer. The first couple times they go out to shows/training they tend to wind themselves up as they think it’s racing, some sweat up travelling for the same reason. Not all, tbf, my current dude nearly fell asleep in the trailer when we picked him up.
That’s all generalisations of course, and the majority will chill out in a good routine that suits them. Good luck if you do decide to go for it - they are great fun!

Thank you so much I had a good 9 months sharing the rehab of a 14 year old ex racer that had SI dysfunction so I am used to the handling and he was in the nicest way sometimes a little emotionally sensitive. I have a very kind guaranteed space at a quiet livery yard with a very good routine so I am comfortable that that would work. I have had experience of understanding the best feeds to go for when the weight does become an issue. So I think I am going to spend the winter reading Beyond the Track and researching confirmation and feet and see what is about in the New Year. I have only just said goodbye to my hairy boyfriend so still a bit sore and in no rush.

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

So I have a lot of ex racer groups on my facebook (sorry I like to look at the pictures lol). There seems to be big gaps in prices in the market so for a 8-14 yo that has been out in the field doing nothing which I maybe overthinking but is surely more than just off the track downtime prices start anywhere from £500-£1000. Straight off the track and nothing pursued again presuming this is due to being sent to be retrained and maybe there is too much stock or could it be a case that a horse shows no potential for anything (I know sounds harsh as to me every horse has a purpose) or could be getting over a recent injury seems to go from £1000-£2000 and then something that has had some retraining beyond hacking seems to be £2500 to £5000. I am trying to think really simplistically that if something has a decent confirmation and feet that can be worked on as I havent seen many horses in the past two years with perfect feet, and has only had a minor injury but has not been retrained could be a nice project compared to something that has been through retraining as you get to build trust doing groundwork and get to know your new best friend before jumping in the saddle or am I just being too much of a believer in Unicorns? Also I am presuming I could get insurance as appreciate ulcers are a big risk to consider?

 

[Sail_away]

So I have a lot of ex racer groups on my facebook (sorry I like to look at the pictures lol). There seems to be big gaps in prices in the market so for a 8-14 yo that has been out in the field doing nothing which I maybe overthinking but is surely more than just off the track downtime prices start anywhere from £500-£1000. Straight off the track and nothing pursued again presuming this is due to being sent to be retrained and maybe there is too much stock or could it be a case that a horse shows no potential for anything (I know sounds harsh as to me every horse has a purpose) or could be getting over a recent injury seems to go from £1000-£2000 and then something that has had some retraining beyond hacking seems to be £2500 to £5000. I am trying to think really simplistically that if something has a decent confirmation and feet that can be worked on as I havent seen many horses in the past two years with perfect feet, and has only had a minor injury but has not been retrained could be a nice project compared to something that has been through retraining as you get to build trust doing groundwork and get to know your new best friend before jumping in the saddle or am I just being too much of a believer in Unicorns? Also I am presuming I could get insurance as appreciate ulcers are a big risk to consider?

I’d prefer to buy the best conformation I can, it makes retraining easier and gives them a better chance of staying sound - feet are important, I wouldn’t expect perfect but if you buy a horse with flat feet and thin soles you’re setting yourself up for issues.
Re previous injuries, it’s a risk, personally I don’t buy anything, racer or otherwise, with previous injuries as they’re hard enough to keep sound without adding on vet history. Personal choice though.
With the ones turned away, or not retrained, a lot of yards just don’t have the time or inclination. It doesn’t mean they don’t have talent. I had a gorgeous chestnut who’d shown no talent for racing, just been kept ticking over and then eventually put up for sale. He was a gem and was doing BE100 six months later.
Re retraining, depends on your experience. I find them pretty straightforward to retrain, they’re usually quite systematic and once they’ve got something they stick to it. But if this is your first ex racer I’d be tempted to go to a retraining yard and try a few that have had a bit of schooling. Even the quiet ones can have a bit of a toys-out-the-pram moment when you start retraining, it’s so different to what they’re used to and it takes a while for them to get used to processing requests in a different way.

 

[YourValentine]

Deleted.

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

I’d prefer to buy the best conformation I can, it makes retraining easier and gives them a better chance of staying sound - feet are important, I wouldn’t expect perfect but if you buy a horse with flat feet and thin soles you’re setting yourself up for issues.
Re previous injuries, it’s a risk, personally I don’t buy anything, racer or otherwise, with previous injuries as they’re hard enough to keep sound without adding on vet history. Personal choice though.
With the ones turned away, or not retrained, a lot of yards just don’t have the time or inclination. It doesn’t mean they don’t have talent. I had a gorgeous chestnut who’d shown no talent for racing, just been kept ticking over and then eventually put up for sale. He was a gem and was doing BE100 six months later.
Re retraining, depends on your experience. I find them pretty straightforward to retrain, they’re usually quite systematic and once they’ve got something they stick to it. But if this is your first ex racer I’d be tempted to go to a retraining yard and try a few that have had a bit of schooling. Even the quiet ones can have a bit of a toys-out-the-pram moment when you start retraining, it’s so different to what they’re used to and it takes a while for them to get used to processing requests in a different way.

Thank you so much, its nice to hear the positives as a lot of people I speak to just would not entertain the thought due a preconceived opinion that they are more than likely all broken and will cost a fortune.

 

[McGrools]

So I have a lot of ex racer groups on my facebook (sorry I like to look at the pictures lol). There seems to be big gaps in prices in the market so for a 8-14 yo that has been out in the field doing nothing which I maybe overthinking but is surely more than just off the track downtime prices start anywhere from £500-£1000. Straight off the track and nothing pursued again presuming this is due to being sent to be retrained and maybe there is too much stock or could it be a case that a horse shows no potential for anything (I know sounds harsh as to me every horse has a purpose) or could be getting over a recent injury seems to go from £1000-£2000 and then something that has had some retraining beyond hacking seems to be £2500 to £5000. I am trying to think really simplistically that if something has a decent confirmation and feet that can be worked on as I havent seen many horses in the past two years with perfect feet, and has only had a minor injury but has not been retrained could be a nice project compared to something that has been through retraining as you get to build trust doing groundwork and get to know your new best friend before jumping in the saddle or am I just being too much of a believer in Unicorns? Also I am presuming I could get insurance as appreciate ulcers are a big risk to consider?

I love them but their feet are a pita. They generally just don’t tolerate a decent workload without a load of help with the feet.
If someone could please breed a big footed thoroughbred I would be super happy. It would be my idea of perfection in a horse. X

 

[YourValentine]

All the ones I've known have had good feet. Maybe a tad flat, but solid.

 

[LEC]

Posture, posture, posture. Be absolutely critical watching them. Loose in the stable, being stood up, being ridden. Are they soft and relaxed in their posture. Is it even? Posture tells you more about how they carry themselves, weaknesses and soreness than anything and if they have something that’s going to be an issue.
Do they have a good wither with the neck coming out well from it? Are they uphill? Do they stand pretty square comfortably? Can they walk a tight circle flexed and cross over behind evenly? Can they stretch well through their body on a carrot stretch? These are all things I look at. If you can let them loose anywhere - do they trot about relaxed? Is the stride length the right size for their size?

Watch their racing videos - the one I bought was a terrible hurdler as so slow over a fence and made the wrong shape for racing. Perfect for sport horse.

Look at the breeding. Does is have good sport horse breeding? Princequilllo, busted, high top, prince chevalier, bold ruler, riverman, sir Gaylord, noble jay, mr prospector.

I bought one just from chasing it round a field a bit as able to look at all the above things. Been a lovely horse and went DC at 100 last year.

 

[humblepie]

I only saw mine led out and trotted but someone very knowledgeable had suggested me for him. I think you need to like the horse and their demeanour. As you would for any horse look at their confirmation for what you want to do which is pretty much what LEC has said re posture.

 

[ozpoz]

Oh, saw him online before you got him and thought”I would if I was looking right now!” He is

 

[ihatework]

I want this one. She is a supermodel!

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I want this one. She is a supermodel!View attachment 151172

Gorgeous isn't she.

 

[Hallo2012]

a few pics of Winter Games working on sunday, starting to understand how to stay connected in the walk and trot, canter is very much WIP just staying light off his back and letting him figure it out a bit.

Really pleased with how he looks weight wise too