So - what's wrong with thoroughbreds?

[Nudibranch]

There've been a lot of posts recently about horse prices and so on. So, my question is; why are TB's so cheap atm?
Admittedly I am biased, having had an ex racer and now looking for another. But IMHO they are versatile, athletic horses with a lot to offer. Not all, but many...
Opinions?

 

[MissSBird]

IMO there's a surplus. Its a basic case of supply and demand. There are too many bred a year and not enough thoroughbred lovers to keep them all.

And they do have a reputation. I work in a tack shop and when I tell customers I have a TB in chatting I always get the 'a handful then/unpredicatble/injury prone' type response.

I love my TB though!

 

[lilym]

probably because there are so many about, it's a buyers market?? thousands are produced for the racing industry, only a few make top level, so the market does tend to be somewhat saturated with them, also people often have misconceptions about them being sharp etc, and they do tend to be a bit more high maintenance than say, a crossbred. it's the same with new forest ponies down south, loads of them about, so very cheap, but try buying a higland around here - you won't get much change from £3500!!

 

[Natassia]

It could be because they generally cost more to keep: potentially higher insurance, higher farrier/vet bills, they need more feed in the winter and thicker rugs etc etc. Native horses are much cheaper to keep and with the credit crunch buyers will be more aware of how much their horse will cost to maintain. I'd still buy one though its my horsey ambition to have an ex racer one day!

 

[pinklilly]

I think its just the sheer amount around, if you look at the numbers for sale on horsemart compared to other breeds. I like them myself though.

 

[Hollycat]

I really like TB's - TB lovers should take advantage of the lower prices if they can! I think they do have a bit of a reputation for being sharp which is why perhaps many people do not consider them, when in reality many are pretty bombproof and some can be downright lazy. Also, a lot of people are getting more into dressage these days and although many TB's have great potential in this area, they probably automaticvally think dressage=warmblood instead of looking at TBs, natives, cobs etc who would also do a good test.

 

[Tiffany]

I think there a lot around and I also think people who don't always have enough experience buy them and then have problems because they can be sharp.
I had one years ago and she was athletic, sharp and adorable

If I was younger I would have another TB but not sure I'd cope with one again if I'm honest

Having said that I've got ID and when I first got her 6 years ago she was more of a problem than my TB ever was

 

[Booosh]

There is nothing wrong with thoroughbreds - they are gorgeous, intelligent horses who just need gorgeous, intelligent owners

 

[itsme123]

I used to be of the belief that TB's were sharp and generally exciteable. Someone I know has one atm that's the total opposite of the stereotypical Tb it's unbelieveable. He's 4, and an ex racer, he hacks out alone and in company, is traffic proof, as bombproof as you could expect of a 4yo, and is a total saint! It stands in the ring next to older ex racers who are flipping out and doesnt bat an eyelid, the judges love him! Look at his pic in picture gallery ( by Fleur100) and tell me all TB's are flighty! (and before anyone starts YES it is for sale, but no it's not advertising, TBH no-ones in any hurry to sell him as he's a pleasure to have around and his regular rider is loving having him and he could stay forever as far as she's concerned, and she hasnt even TRIED advertising him, he will go in his own time ).

I think ex racer fans have the pick of the crop atm. The advantage with ex racers is that most have had a very good basic education by professional trainers, and are generally nice genuine horses.

 

[Storminateacup]

I don't really think they are that much different from any other horses. TB, Cob, Warmblood or Natives. In all breeds and types it just depends on the individual.
I ve known placid TBs and cranky Cobs.
Ok, TB may need a thicker rug or two in winter but there are plenty in the Highlands living out in winter and they look fine to me.
TB may be a little more prone to accidents perhaps, with their fine limbs, but I have known many X breeds with tendency to foot/arthritis problems and lameness.
And I have had a few TBs that were tough and as hard as nails and sound all their lives.
I think its just a matter of prejudice, that makes TB so cheap. People are prepared to pay more for something different, when they could pick up a super little athlete that will do any job for most people at riding club level and quite often well beyond that.
TBs have been bred to be the ultimate performance horse, and by and large they hold that position in many disciplines. particularly eventing and endurance but also many in dressage.
I may be a cob owner but I acknowledge that the TB is a superb breed.
I also acknowledge that a TB for me would probably be an accident waiting to happen!!

 

[jesterfaerie]

I personally used to some what beleive the stereotypes because I had no-one to tell me otherwise.
Where I bought my pony from the rest of their yard consisted of ex-racers, the 2 that were ridden (rest broods) were fantastic and fantastic to ride, one of them was extreamly lazy!

When I was looking around for a new horse I did actualy avoid TBs and exracers (mainly because of their feet) and I found nothing I liked in my price range. But I ended up falling for an ex-racer with bad feet. Many advised not buying him but I couldn't he has been more laid back than any horse I have ever had.

Because of him I would consider having a TB for my next horse over any other breed.

 

[Flame_]

Of course there are a lot of good thoroughbreds but they do often have flat feet and often have high milage from racing and or training at a very young age.

 

[M_G]

I love TB's I think alot of people are put off by the reputation of them being a bit of a handfull & prone to injury.

In the same way that all cobs are supposed to be plods and dead from the neck up now we all know that neither is true & each horse is an individual

 

[sarah23]

I have 3 TB's. I worked in racing so i LOVE the TB, and i understand them.

The big problem is, there are too many people who don't know the first thing about them and have this pre-perceived Concepcion about them being nutty.

Also the people who just have to have a ex-race horse, even though they are out of they're death, just so they can say look at me i have a ex-race horse (yes there are many around)

I think they are just the same as other breeds, as in you have your nice ones and you have some that can be bu@@ers.

My one horse is so laid back that if he was to be any more he would full over. The other 2 aren't to bad either.

 

[hellybelly6]

I have known a few TBs in my time and have found them to be friendly, loyal and well mannered.

I have known some fast TB's, I have also known some fast cobs/natives. There are certainly more thinned skinned and feel the cold more.

I would rather have a TB/ex racer than a warmblood.

The market is saturated with them due to the racing industry, but there is certainly nothing wrong with them.

It is my ambition to have an ex-racer one day.

 

[BlackDiamond]

I have a TB. Flat bred. He is a darling to do, hack out and generally do everything with. He has settled well into his new home and hasn't been fretty or silly at all.
So there are good TB horses out there.

 

[RachelFerd]

it's a mystery to me, but I'm not complaining, because at least I can afford what I i like!

there are plenty of full thoroughbreds eventing to a very high level - there used to be an even greater proportion of TBs back in the heyday of full format. These aren't cheap horses - but that's because they have become more than just an 'ex racer' or 'TB' they are 'event horses' .. no reason why many more TBs and ex racers can't go on to event though.

there are so many different stamps, types and personalities of thoroughbreds, I find it completely mad that people discount them purely on their breeding (do they forget that an ISH or a warmblood is probably 50-80% TB?)

I recently bought my first ex racer - she was produced for jump racing in ireland though, which means that she has had a lot more of an education than a flat racer. She is a well balanced youngster, who is impeccable manners to handle and has been taught to go forwards and is enthusiastic about work - traits that aren't easy to find in youngsters for sale.

 

[Ziggy_]

Ditto RachelFerd, I'm not complaining!!

I love the fact that if you had a TB and a cob with identical nice personalities and that were very similar to ride, you'd probably have to pay at least £1500 more for the cob.

Nothings wrong with them, its just that there are loads around and not a lot of people looking for one, so its a buyers market and we should all take advantage of it!!

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

I have the most wonderful ex racehorse who came out of training a couple of months ago and is way more laid back than my old hunters have ever been!!