Talk to me about TBs…

[Amye]

Hi! Haven’t been on here in a long time.

I’m currently looking for my second horse, viewed a few, a couple I liked, one was sold before I went back and another failed the vetting unfortunately!

My budget is reasonable, I think, but not huge. I am really just looking for a step up from my current boy, something to do low level schooling/jumping/competing and hacking as I love to hack. I’m not after a world beater or anything. I’m a pretty confident rider but I don’t want anything too sharp as I like to relax and not have to be on edge a whole ride!

A friend at the yard suggested I look at TBs too. I’ve kind of steered clear as i am worried about them being too sharp for me but I’m not against TBs. The two horses I’ve liked so far have been ISH with a decent amount of TB in them and I’ve previously loaned a TB x ID who was high % of TB

Another worry I have is their proneness to injury. Is that a myth or are they really more prone to breaking themselves? Ex-racers worry me because of the risk of KS (I know a couple who have had it and had the op but are now semi-retired), would it be worth to always do x-rays before purchase? I would get a vetting for sure but wasn’t thinking to do X-rays for other horses I’ve seen.
They also seem very cheap! I have looked on the British and Irish thoroughbred agency and their videos show some lovely sorts but they are around 3/4k and if they were something else they’d be double that at least.

I know a couple of people who love TBs and wouldn’t have anything else.

So tell me, what are your TBs like?

 

[IrishMilo]

I've had two ex racers, have written about them both a lot on here. One straight out of training (Tucker) and one who had hacked for two years after retiring at 3 (Koby). Both very different.

Tucker was very fine and what you would imagine an OTTB to be - hot, quick and athletic with not an ounce of fat on him. Won and placed a lot of his races. Unfortunately he was PTS due to a myriad of physical issues.

Koby is big, heavy of bone, extremely laid back and slow. Was also a sprinter but only ran twice and came last or second to last both times! He's a granny's ride. Obviously, take him for a gallop and he's got a TB engine, and he is fast compared to your average ISH type, but not hot.

I adore TBs, particularly ex racers, and would have them happily forever. They're kind, smart, and I love that they have a 6th gear compared to most horses who stay in 4th.

Koby is tough as boots, touch wood never had any issues with him. Tucker would hurt himself at the drop of a fly. On three legs from a paper cut type thing! You'll have work to do with their feet, they are shod short, with horribly flat feet, but with time they come OK.

 

[lynz88]

My TB is also the laid back lazy type. In fact, the girls at the yard are almost ready to put him in a little cart or give him a piggy back ride when putting him out/bringing him in he can be so slow.

I would seriously consider contacting the British and Irish Thoroughbred Agency as I've heard a lot of very good stories from people about them. I've seen a number of TBs I would jump at in a heartbeat.

 

[Amye]

I've had two ex racers, have written about them both a lot on here. One straight out of training (Tucker) and one who had hacked for two years after retiring at 3 (Koby). Both very different.

Tucker was very fine and what you would imagine an OTTB to be - hot, quick and athletic with not an ounce of fat on him. Won and placed a lot of his races. Unfortunately he was PTS due to a myriad of physical issues.

Koby is big, heavy of bone, extremely laid back and slow. Was also a sprinter but only ran twice and came last or second to last both times! He's a granny's ride. Obviously, take him for a gallop and he's got a TB engine, and he is fast compared to your average ISH type, but not hot.

I adore TBs, particularly ex racers, and would have them happily forever. They're kind, smart, and I love that they have a 6th gear compared to most horses who stay in 4th.

Koby is tough as boots, touch wood never had any issues with him. Tucker would hurt himself at the drop of a fly. On three legs from a paper cut type thing! You'll have work to do with their feet, they are shod short, with horribly flat feet, but with time they come OK.

Thank you that is fab information! It’s good to hear there are chunkier types as I would probably look for that if I could find one as I am tall so I can look a bit leggy on really fine types!


My mum has a standardbred so I am familiar with bad feet haha! Though hers have come along way in the time we’ve had her.

My TB is also the laid back lazy type. In fact, the girls at the yard are almost ready to put him in a little cart or give him a piggy back ride when putting him out/bringing him in he can be so slow.

I would seriously consider contacting the British and Irish Thoroughbred Agency as I've heard a lot of very good stories from people about them. I've seen a number of TBs I would jump at in a heartbeat.

An he sounds like a gem! Thank you, this is the type I would be looking for, and it’s good to hear they’re out there.
I have been looking on their Facebook page today and they have a nice one on there at the moment who I was considering messaging about. They seem very reasonably priced, too reasonable when I think of the other horses I’ve been looking at haha

 

[SkylarkAscending]

I had a couple of TBs and have a friend who has 4 currently, I adore them. No other horses matches up to them once you’ve had one (except maybe for a Welsh Section D!)

I never understand the tendency to treat them differently to other horse breeds, I always treated mine just the same as any other horse I’d owned and they did just fine. Mine were definitely no more prone to injury than the multiple other horses I’ve owned in my lifetime….

 

[TheChestnutThing]

I have had 7 TB’s. All of them I could not fault.
They are such an undermined and overlooked breed since the warmblood fashion started and everyone seems to forget that all the top showjumpers had at least one in their string at little as 10 years ago and many of them won numerous and prolific titles with them.

I have never had one that is more prone to injury than another horse (I’ve had 2 WB and would have a TB over a WB every day) nor one that required more vet care.

You do however have to take your time with them. A 4 year old coming off the track needs to let down and mature into a riding horse. Let down doesn’t mean chuck it out, it means it needs to learn to mellow out and accept that it can live out and be a “normal” horse.

The reasons for me having had 6 will be explained:

Horse 1 - was more happy hack than competing and was sold to a farm to do just that
Horse 2 - jumped to 1.30 but he was little at 15.3 and built like a pony so was struggling with the strides. He was sold to a junior coming off ponies for eventing.
Horse 3 - the owner gave him to me but he was broken so I gave him back to be PTS
Horse 4 - the most incredible horse I have owned, jumped to 1.35 but sold when I left the country
Horse 5 - took on after a break, he was rising 17, he got me back into riding and is now retired
Horse 6 - bought to replace horse 5. He is incredible if not quirky. Loves his jumping and has been up at 1.20. I took him all the way back down as we had some issues and he is now back jumping discovery and schooling at elementary level.
Horse 7 - bought as a 2nd jumping horse, but sadly lost him in October due to a number of issues caused from years of abuse to his body

Honestly, do yourself a favor and go and try a few.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I've got an old fashioned NH type. He has his moments but then so does any horse!! He is great fun. A genuine all rounder. He has done, dressage, sj, xc, eventing, showing, WE, concours d'elegance, has hunted ( not with me) hacks one and in company. I've had a few that you could seriously put your granny on. Have a look at Darley House rehoming. They are fabulous and you have their back up.

 

[humblepie]

Racehorses generally had a very good education because they have to get on with life. As with any breed, of course, there will be many differing very variations. Most of the ones I have come across have retrained nicely and I have been easy horses to handle having been handled and taught that from an early age. It is as above, taking time and being patient, particularly if you have them in their early days of retraining, but with any horse in a new home, it is always going to be a change for them. They are quick, but that’s what they’ve been trained for . Definitely don’t disregard. Somebody called mine. the pony club pony the other day which I think gives an indication!!!

 

[lynz88]

TBs are a dime a dozen everywhere it seems. I got mine for free and nearly traded him for a few others that came my way.

But I find TBs are the most level headed horses out there, particularly OTTBs as, as someone else said, they are expected to just get on with things from early life. Patience definitely is key and I remember before getting my guy, I wanted a WB to the ends of days as I was sick of TBs....I ended up with a TB and wouldn't get anything else in the future.

 

[McGrools]

I wouldn’t worry about them being sharp. I’ve never come across a sharp one. They are very quick to learn willing partners. But they do need a bit of extra care in the foot department and some of them have damage from the wear and tear of racing. If you can find a sound one of mind and body you can’t get better imo

 

[lynz88]

Exactly what McGrools says. I remember the days when I wanted a WB....but I would never go back. So much more level headed than other breeds...!!

Definitely message TBITA and tell them what you are looking for.

 

[Barklands]

My last TB was a much chunkier type and was so chilled out he was almost horizontal! However, absolutely great fun if you wanted to take for a blast along a beach or fly round an xc course! The main thing you have to keep in mind with TBs is the upkeep -they often need more feeding, ulcer management, a very decent farrier and seem to be likely candidates for KS. That said, good TBs are just wonderful.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I’ve had all! The highly strung, awful feet and cost a fortune to keep ones, the grumpy bad tempered ones and the lovely ones.
Current one I adore. He’s a bit of a grouch but loves a cuddle and is the first over in the field so say hello.
His fear response is freeze rather than flee or dick around. I let him look and process and on we go.
The vet once asked if he was ok, was he always like this because we were chatting and I’d just chucked the rope over his neck, he never moves!
I catch him in the field, pop him by the gate and go off to get the others. He just stands til we get back. He’s a total sweetheart.
He has had soundness issues and I’m hoping now to bring him back into work but if that could be taken out of the equation he’s pony perfection.

 

[Amye]

Wow thank you everyone! It’s great to hear all your experiences.

As I was writing the thread, I did have a moment of ‘they’re just a horse like any other’ thinking but thought I would ask anyway. You get so many people writing ‘no TBs’ on wanted ads that it makes you cautious! I will definitely keep my options open in my search.

The one thing that does concern me is Kissing Spine. I wonder if it would be worth getting x-rays before purchase? Or take the chance? The other upkeep things I think I could deal with.

My current boy is a WB - more old school type. He is mostly good but he does have his moments! it’s nice to hear that they are level headed mostly! I am not expecting a robot of course but would like something I’m not scared of haha

And I am more than happy to be patient and give them time. I don’t have any competition ambitions so, while I want to get out and about and have fun with the next one, I have no time frame and happy to take as long as it takes!

 

[poiuytrewq]

I would say be careful but yes they are the same as any other really except I suppose their reaction speed can be fast.
If you can get a good one they can be really good.

 

[J_sarahd]

I have a TB, she is my first and if I hadn’t promised myself I’d never get another horse after her, she wouldn’t be my last. She is the sweetest mare I’ve ever come across - a proper labrador type. She is also very intelligent and learns quicker than any other horse I’ve sat on - a good thing and a bad thing. She also isn’t particularly injury-prone compared to others. She would come in with cuts on her back legs from rolling on stones in her old field and she is sporting two white dots on her nose from a fly-mask that rubbed, but that’s about it.

However, we have had the “stereotypical” TB issues of ulcers and kissing spine. The ulcers weren’t much of a big deal for us - she had grade 2 squamous that were healing and after scoping again this year, they were all gone. Their lifestyle in training can cause them but equally, any horse can get ulcers. It’s just something to be aware of.

Kissing spine is a difficult one - I’m in the middle of rehabbing, so I’m learning every day. If I was to buy one again, I’d do a 2 stage vetting and xrays. Equally, I know some horses who have not-so-great back xrays who have never shown kissing spine symptoms. Nova is quite sharp and has taught me how to have more of a sticky-bum, but how much of that is the KS rather than her personality/the fact she is TB is yet to be decided.

I love them - I think they’re beautiful, intelligent and fun horses. They’re harder work than getting a warmblood who is bred/backed for the job you want as you often have to go back to basics with them already knowing stuff (if that makes sense) but I definitely don’t think they deserve the reputation they get!

 

[Amye]

I have a TB, she is my first and if I hadn’t promised myself I’d never get another horse after her, she wouldn’t be my last. She is the sweetest mare I’ve ever come across - a proper labrador type. She is also very intelligent and learns quicker than any other horse I’ve sat on - a good thing and a bad thing. She also isn’t particularly injury-prone compared to others. She would come in with cuts on her back legs from rolling on stones in her old field and she is sporting two white dots on her nose from a fly-mask that rubbed, but that’s about it.

However, we have had the “stereotypical” TB issues of ulcers and kissing spine. The ulcers weren’t much of a big deal for us - she had grade 2 squamous that were healing and after scoping again this year, they were all gone. Their lifestyle in training can cause them but equally, any horse can get ulcers. It’s just something to be aware of.

Kissing spine is a difficult one - I’m in the middle of rehabbing, so I’m learning every day. If I was to buy one again, I’d do a 2 stage vetting and xrays. Equally, I know some horses who have not-so-great back xrays who have never shown kissing spine symptoms. Nova is quite sharp and has taught me how to have more of a sticky-bum, but how much of that is the KS rather than her personality/the fact she is TB is yet to be decided.

I love them - I think they’re beautiful, intelligent and fun horses. They’re harder work than getting a warmblood who is bred/backed for the job you want as you often have to go back to basics with them already knowing stuff (if that makes sense) but I definitely don’t think they deserve the reputation they get!

Thank you! Yes the kissing spine is my main worry to be honest. I would look for one that had had a bit of retraining as I would worry about getting it wrong with one straight off the track!

 

[catembi]

I have 2 x ex racers.

Trev (Trans Siberian), 16.1 ex Flat racer, owned since 6 & just off the track. He is like the girl with the curl - either very very good or horrid! He is very non spooky, even if a plastic bag flies right in his face. Bad to shoe, couldn't keep his shoes on, barefoot since 2015 & his feet are now great. We have done the whole ulcers & ks thing. He is a very fast learner & scored 70s in dr. Also very straightforward & bold to a jump, & we did BS on a ticket. BUT he also used to get very hysterical & giddy. Very bad to load, absolutely wouldn't travel alone, totally hysterical at comps to the point of having my work cut out just to tack up & a nightmare in the warm up, particularly if he saw a horse in a stripy racing type rug. Wouldn't hack alone as in absolutely not, but hacked out like a trekking pony with another horse, regardless of whether the other one was in front, behind or misbehaving. Thrown into instant hysterics by Heras fence panels (reminded him of horse walker/starting stalls?) He is pretty much retired as he has type 2 PSSM which might explain some of the behaviour esp iro travelling & he was 20 today. He is very, very bright, very athletic & somehow kind of wise.

Thor (Line Mason), 17hh ex jump racer, owned for 2 years, rising 12. Very, very laid back but gets odd moments of inexplicable hysteria when he stares at nothing & is in such a state that I won't bother with his feet until he's got over himself. Weaves for England despite only being in long enough to eat. Very athletic, warmblood type paces, enormous powerful jump. He has navicular changes, type 2 PSSM & neither he nor Trev will go faster than walk, & he is hardly ever without an abscess. He is b/f as well & we did everything b/f before he pretty much retired.

So...athletic, bright, laid back except when they're being giddy, beautiful to look at, thrive b/f, can have psychological issues.

 

[maya2008]

Loyal, kind, easy to be around and love people. BUT…so expensive to keep! What you save in ££££ buying them you spend many times over in care. More feed, more rugs, more bedding, more veterinary care. Always injuring themselves after 5pm or at the weekend!

My TB was my horse of a lifetime and I will never regret buying her - but never again will I buy a TB.

 

[catembi]

Oh yes, I forgot about the serial self harming! You often find yourself wondering, how TF did you do that...??!! It sometimes feels as if you ought to turn them out in one of those Zorb things... And as Maya says, any 'incidents' will be out of hours! My far too clever TB managed to work out how to get into the tack/feed room on New Year's Day last year, so I started the NY with a bill for an emergency call out to deal with choke...

 

[maya2008]

Oh yes, I forgot about the serial self harming! You often find yourself wondering, how TF did you do that...??!! It sometimes feels as if you ought to turn them out in one of those Zorb things... And as Maya says, any 'incidents' will be out of hours! My far too clever TB managed to work out how to get into the tack/feed room on New Year's Day last year, so I started the NY with a bill for an emergency call out to deal with choke...

I filled in an insurance claim form once, having to admit that the accident (external head injury deep enough to expose bone and require multiple stitches in the dark in the snow, lots of fancy antibiotics etc) had occurred…while the horse was stabled.

I should also add the sheer terror of bringing said TB back into work after box rest. Think total personality transplant from safe as houses and very sweet to…completely and utterly nuts, bordering on dangerous!

 

[Amye]

Blimey! It’s good to hear the other side! they certainly all sound like characters. And it’s good to be aware of the downsides too. Definitely going into it with my eyes open

 

[lynz88]

Oh yes, I forgot about the serial self harming! You often find yourself wondering, how TF did you do that...??!! It sometimes feels as if you ought to turn them out in one of those Zorb things... And as Maya says, any 'incidents' will be out of hours! My far too clever TB managed to work out how to get into the tack/feed room on New Year's Day last year, so I started the NY with a bill for an emergency call out to deal with choke...

Yes, agree. However I find that it's when mine doesn't have a job that he gets himself into trouble....bubble wrap is what I would gladly wrap mine in and I'm all for horses being horses...!!

 

[criso]

Just to add to all the comments above, they get through a lot of food.

Was making up some hay and haylage nets for the following day. Someone looked in shock "is all that just for tomorrow? " " No, that's just for overnight, I've still got to do the daytime"

 

[criso]

I filled in insurance claim form once, having to admit that the accident (external head injury deep enough to expose bone and require multiple stitches in the dark in the snow, lots of fancy antibiotics etc) had occurred…while the horse was stabled

I had one of those. A cut that needed stapling on the side of his head, so clean and sharp, the vet said he would have suspected some sort of attack had he not been in a stable and people around. We searched high and low for anything sharp but couldn't find anything.

They also can spot a bank holiday and a double call out charge, current one has a boxing day, a good Friday and several bank holiday Mondays to his name.

 

[lynz88]

Just to add to all the comments above, they get through a lot of food.

Was making up some hay and haylage nets for the following day. Someone looked in shock "is all that just for tomorrow? " " No, that's just for overnight, I've still got to do the daytime"

Hahaha! Yes!!! Mine (who is 16.1 but is rather chunky for a TB) would eat at least twice as much as the 18.1h WB that he was kept with. I have found that since feeding oily herbs, mine does very well weight wise without needing a mountain as high as everest in feed

 

[ycbm]

Thank you! Yes the kissing spine is my main worry to be honest. I would look for one that had had a bit of retraining as I would worry about getting it wrong with one straight off the track!

I've had about a dozen in past years and I love them but they can have some issues.

Since hacking is your thing insist on trying it on a hack alone, which is something ex racers rarely do and can be quite a problem. Then try it in a group and try going first, going last and having another horse come past you. They can have completely diffeent personalities in each scenario.

My last one was an absolute angel in all scenarios ... except if he was on a path beside a strip of trees and a horse was cantering on the other side of the trees where he couldn't see it properly, when he became quite a handful.
.

 

[paddi22]

I have a few tbs, some are absolute pets and you could stick a baby on, but some are absolute sharp spinning hysterical nightmares. it totally depends on their temperament. all have physical issues from their racing pasts, ranging from kissing spine, to SI pain, to smaller issues like nerve damage, pelvic issues or muscle tears. mine are all barefoot and live out 24/7 and cope well. But I do find they take way more rugging/feeding than the others. and they are 100 times more prone to injuries and more sensitive to physical issues. the tbs have way more vet bills than the others over the long term.

To be honest if I was a single horse owner I wouldn't take a risk on one unless I knew its history. i also wouldnt' be keen on doing a five star vetting on a cheap horse. I've gone the x-ray/check-everything route on exracers in the past, and I still ended up retiring a few due to various issues like neck arthritis/sciatica/tendons that couldn't have been picked up during the original vetting.

If I was in your position with a low budget i'd only go for a horse through word of mouth. or else i'd take a risk and get one with a good temperament, but decide a figure for vets bill/physio etc and draw the line and pts if it went over that.

 

[paddi22]

just reading your other post. i don't think tbs are horses like any other.. we have all types here, but tbs are def different mentally and physically from other horses i think?

 

[Carrottom]

All of mine have hacked alone, but some definitely enjoyed it more than others. Some are happy if you stick to the same 2 or 3 routes.
Hocks and feet are probably the main problem I have had. And skin problems with some. But our land seems to cause hoof deterioration in other breeds too.
But I currently have 2 that are in their 20s living out 24/7.