horsimous
Well-Known Member
Some of the best horses I’ve ridden were TB’s. Light on their feet, responsive, forward going and intelligent. I found they needed to run from time to time, in fact they lived for a good gallop.
Talk to me about TBs…
- Thread starter Amye
- Start date
Lois Lame
Well-Known Member
I've had one Thoroughbred, a gelding, who was too slow for racing. I think his heart wouldn't have been in it either because he was such a calm sort or horse. He was advertised as a semi-retired 16yo when I saw the advertisement in the newspaper (in those times of newspaper ads).
It had been 15 years since I had ridden. I wanted something quiet.
(I always want something quiet.)
He wasn't more accident prone than any other horse I have known. But I don't really believe in this 'accident-prone' theory. I see all sorts of accidents waiting to happen due to things being present that shouldn't be present.
Feet were fairy awful. Flattish, not good strong horn like ponies tend to have. Standardbreds, however, the ones I've seen, tend to have good feet.
I probably wouldn't search for a TB because I tend to prefer a stronger, broader build. But depending on how one was advertised, I might take a look. And buy, as I did.
It had been 15 years since I had ridden. I wanted something quiet.
(I always want something quiet.)
He wasn't more accident prone than any other horse I have known. But I don't really believe in this 'accident-prone' theory. I see all sorts of accidents waiting to happen due to things being present that shouldn't be present.
Feet were fairy awful. Flattish, not good strong horn like ponies tend to have. Standardbreds, however, the ones I've seen, tend to have good feet.
I probably wouldn't search for a TB because I tend to prefer a stronger, broader build. But depending on how one was advertised, I might take a look. And buy, as I did.
Kaylum
Well-Known Member
Some have very soft feet and they are hard to keep sound.
One of the best horses we had on the yard was a big chaser type. He did everything including side saddle. Was unflappable but had been out and seen everything. Got the work he needed and had very good feet.
One of the best horses we had on the yard was a big chaser type. He did everything including side saddle. Was unflappable but had been out and seen everything. Got the work he needed and had very good feet.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
Getting used to doing things on his own took mine quite a while as in the whole used to going with their mates. He eats a lot of hay but little hard food. My previous one was the other way and eat a lot of hard food.
Pandapal
Member
There seem to be some common characteristics across thoroughbreds but they also each have their own personality and temperament, like any other horse.
I have an OTTB. He was a hurdler. He’s incredibly intelligent, moves beautifully, and is very loyal and sweet. He’ll come to the gate when he sees me, say hello when I come into the barn, and will come and “hide” his head in me if he’s worried about something. He’ll also follow me around if I’m setting up poles or in-hand exercises for him, and just generally tries to please.
He’s very well mannered on the ground. Doesn’t tug or pull, will stand on the yard and wait for me to be done with his stable, anyone can hold him, and he’ll back up for me to open gates etc. He also positions himself between me and other horses to create a barrier, which is very sweet. He’ll gently nibble treats from children and let them stroke his nose (but is generally a bit head shy with others).
However, he’s also a very anxious and sometimes sharp horse. He’ll have anxiety attacks if something isn’t to his liking. As examples, the other day he was turned out in drizzle without the dominant horse in the herd being there. He takes comfort from the dominant horse, and despite him having the other horses, he had a tantrum at the gate when I went to leave him. He’d have been fine if either the dominant horse was there, or if the weather was better.
Sometimes he’ll lose his head on a hack and start going sideways / backwards, jogging on the spot, lifting his front hooves off the ground and tossing his head. At first I’d get off and lead him for a bit but now I’ve found a way to get him to calm down and continue. It can be a bit distressing for hacking partners if they don’t know what he’s like yet though! To be fair to him, he’d never done road hacking before I had him and he’s still building his confidence and manners in that area. And I can ride him on the buckle for most of the hack, I generally get an idea of when he’s going to get upset. It definitely helps to ride out with friends and just natter with them. That relaxes me which relaxes him. And he loves going out with horses who have been there, seen it all as he gets so much comfort from them. I swear they sometimes give him a look as if to say “why did you massively overreact to that drain that has always been there” and then he just acts all sheepish.
He’s not a fan of the farrier but will anxiously stand and endure it. And his hooves are very soft and prone to abscesses.
He’ll bounce the whole way home from a hack if he’s turned on the spot (although he’s fine if we do a loop or a lollipop). And he’ll spook randomly at goodness knows what. He also gets very distracted and worked up if we ride in a school with other horses, but is better (still spooky, as in will suddenly jump sideways) by himself.
He does love to work. He likes to have a job to do, and once he’s listening he stops being anxious and performs really well. It’s like he has to constantly have his hoof (hand) held.
He’s got very sensitive skin and isn’t a fan of being groomed (although if I take it slow and he’s got something to eat he accepts it). He hates being bathed.
Cost-wise he does need shoeing more regularly than some, every 4 - 5 weeks. He’s very high withered so I’ve bought him more expensive rugs that accommodate him. His hard feed is quite expensive but it’s the only thing he likes that also helps him keep condition. Speaking of which, he can drop condition very easily. If he has a run of anxiety attacks / if he’s on stable rest / if he’s turning his nose up at the forage. So he’s now got an adjustable saddle and some quite expensive saddle pads to accommodate a changing shape. And he has to have a lot of sheepskin for his sensitive skin.
He also has the physio more frequently than some other horses, every three months. Injury wise he’s no worse than other horses at the yard. He’s been kicked in the field, he’s had mud fever, and he’s had abscesses. He does pull his shoes quite easily so has to wear over reach boots.
Ultimately, I adore him. He’s got so much character and when things come together I feel so lucky to have him in my life. I will say that when I tried him he’d been off the track for several years and was quiet and calm as a lamb. His personality changed when he moved yards and he’s gradually settling but it’s taken a lot of work, so just be mindful that when you view one, they could be very different when you get them home. I’m lucky to have a lot of support and experience at my yard, so even though he’s my first TB, I feel confident building our partnership and dealing with his “special moments” because I’ve had so much help.
Hope that helps!
Oh, and I did have x-rays of his back and a five stage vetting.
I have an OTTB. He was a hurdler. He’s incredibly intelligent, moves beautifully, and is very loyal and sweet. He’ll come to the gate when he sees me, say hello when I come into the barn, and will come and “hide” his head in me if he’s worried about something. He’ll also follow me around if I’m setting up poles or in-hand exercises for him, and just generally tries to please.
He’s very well mannered on the ground. Doesn’t tug or pull, will stand on the yard and wait for me to be done with his stable, anyone can hold him, and he’ll back up for me to open gates etc. He also positions himself between me and other horses to create a barrier, which is very sweet. He’ll gently nibble treats from children and let them stroke his nose (but is generally a bit head shy with others).
However, he’s also a very anxious and sometimes sharp horse. He’ll have anxiety attacks if something isn’t to his liking. As examples, the other day he was turned out in drizzle without the dominant horse in the herd being there. He takes comfort from the dominant horse, and despite him having the other horses, he had a tantrum at the gate when I went to leave him. He’d have been fine if either the dominant horse was there, or if the weather was better.
Sometimes he’ll lose his head on a hack and start going sideways / backwards, jogging on the spot, lifting his front hooves off the ground and tossing his head. At first I’d get off and lead him for a bit but now I’ve found a way to get him to calm down and continue. It can be a bit distressing for hacking partners if they don’t know what he’s like yet though! To be fair to him, he’d never done road hacking before I had him and he’s still building his confidence and manners in that area. And I can ride him on the buckle for most of the hack, I generally get an idea of when he’s going to get upset. It definitely helps to ride out with friends and just natter with them. That relaxes me which relaxes him. And he loves going out with horses who have been there, seen it all as he gets so much comfort from them. I swear they sometimes give him a look as if to say “why did you massively overreact to that drain that has always been there” and then he just acts all sheepish.
He’s not a fan of the farrier but will anxiously stand and endure it. And his hooves are very soft and prone to abscesses.
He’ll bounce the whole way home from a hack if he’s turned on the spot (although he’s fine if we do a loop or a lollipop). And he’ll spook randomly at goodness knows what. He also gets very distracted and worked up if we ride in a school with other horses, but is better (still spooky, as in will suddenly jump sideways) by himself.
He does love to work. He likes to have a job to do, and once he’s listening he stops being anxious and performs really well. It’s like he has to constantly have his hoof (hand) held.
He’s got very sensitive skin and isn’t a fan of being groomed (although if I take it slow and he’s got something to eat he accepts it). He hates being bathed.
Cost-wise he does need shoeing more regularly than some, every 4 - 5 weeks. He’s very high withered so I’ve bought him more expensive rugs that accommodate him. His hard feed is quite expensive but it’s the only thing he likes that also helps him keep condition. Speaking of which, he can drop condition very easily. If he has a run of anxiety attacks / if he’s on stable rest / if he’s turning his nose up at the forage. So he’s now got an adjustable saddle and some quite expensive saddle pads to accommodate a changing shape. And he has to have a lot of sheepskin for his sensitive skin.
He also has the physio more frequently than some other horses, every three months. Injury wise he’s no worse than other horses at the yard. He’s been kicked in the field, he’s had mud fever, and he’s had abscesses. He does pull his shoes quite easily so has to wear over reach boots.
Ultimately, I adore him. He’s got so much character and when things come together I feel so lucky to have him in my life. I will say that when I tried him he’d been off the track for several years and was quiet and calm as a lamb. His personality changed when he moved yards and he’s gradually settling but it’s taken a lot of work, so just be mindful that when you view one, they could be very different when you get them home. I’m lucky to have a lot of support and experience at my yard, so even though he’s my first TB, I feel confident building our partnership and dealing with his “special moments” because I’ve had so much help.
Hope that helps!
Oh, and I did have x-rays of his back and a five stage vetting.
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Squeak
Well-Known Member
I think they're the same as every other breed - you get some easy, some hot, some sound and some broken. People say about tb's being accident prone and having health issues but I hear so many stories and know of so many other horses that have issues I think it's just horses and tbs issues just get blamed on them being a tb rather than a horse. If a horse has come out of racing sound you at least know it can stand up to work, the flip side is that it may have some wear and tear from racing but a different breed can also have some wear and tear, there is just a huge amount of luck to it with any breed of horse. Re feed, I do find mine eats more hay but he lives out 24/7 and only gets a fairly minimal hard feed. There's also a lot to be said for having something that can eat as much as it wants all year without having to worry about weight management!
If there are some that you like the sound of I'd go and try them and meet them. A tb could certainly do what you're looking for and no reason to rule them out or treat the any differently to any other horse.
If there are some that you like the sound of I'd go and try them and meet them. A tb could certainly do what you're looking for and no reason to rule them out or treat the any differently to any other horse.
Fransurrey
Well-Known Member
I've never actually owned one, but I do know a few ex racers and there's only one I wouldn't ride (and I'm a nervous rider!). I did very nearly loan one many years ago who was utterly amazing to ride, but the owner had already sold her (without telling the current loaner!), so it wasn't to be. I wouldn't discount one, now. It's Welsh blood that I don't get on with! I find them far more spicy than TBs!
ihatework
Well-Known Member
I like TBs in general but they are not all equal.
When looking differentiate between ex-racers and non-racing TBs.
Non-racing TBs I'd say essentially consider like any other breed, treat them on their own merits.
Ex-racers or those that have been in training have plenty of pro's but also a number of cons.
You need to consider their early years, NH types might have had it pretty good for an increased chance of longevity, but flat types can draw the short straw - they are often prepped for sales from a young age (feed, stabling, walker, lunging - often from yearlings) and are often backed 18 months/2 years. So whilst they may be well handled and seen a lot it can take a real toll on their bodies and brains.
In your situation I'd say don't discount a TB but don't leap into something straight off the track. If its finished racing sound and gone and done another job for a bit and is open to trial and vetting then take a look.
I have found that provided they are mentally and physically sound they are no sharper/trickier than any other sporty type horse and easy enough to keep. It's when they are compromised (which so many are) that they are difficult and expensive to manage
When looking differentiate between ex-racers and non-racing TBs.
Non-racing TBs I'd say essentially consider like any other breed, treat them on their own merits.
Ex-racers or those that have been in training have plenty of pro's but also a number of cons.
You need to consider their early years, NH types might have had it pretty good for an increased chance of longevity, but flat types can draw the short straw - they are often prepped for sales from a young age (feed, stabling, walker, lunging - often from yearlings) and are often backed 18 months/2 years. So whilst they may be well handled and seen a lot it can take a real toll on their bodies and brains.
In your situation I'd say don't discount a TB but don't leap into something straight off the track. If its finished racing sound and gone and done another job for a bit and is open to trial and vetting then take a look.
I have found that provided they are mentally and physically sound they are no sharper/trickier than any other sporty type horse and easy enough to keep. It's when they are compromised (which so many are) that they are difficult and expensive to manage
toppedoff
Well-Known Member
Love em
Though have found the NH ones more chiller than the flats here. Some here i get on with, some not so much
I think they're like any other breed mentioned above
Suppose it's finding who you get on with rather than what you get on with if that makes sense..
Though have found the NH ones more chiller than the flats here. Some here i get on with, some not so much
I think they're like any other breed mentioned above Suppose it's finding who you get on with rather than what you get on with if that makes sense..
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
Why not approach a rehoming stable? The horses will have been checked over for physical problems and have had some re=training.
I have had some Owners Group horses and a couple of those have been retired and have proved to be wonderful riding horses for their new owners.
One other was retired as a companion only as he was so unsound, having been raced in France and winning but only stood another season in training in the UK with joint problems I think.
I have had some Owners Group horses and a couple of those have been retired and have proved to be wonderful riding horses for their new owners.
One other was retired as a companion only as he was so unsound, having been raced in France and winning but only stood another season in training in the UK with joint problems I think.
Cates123
Well-Known Member
I looked into the British TB Retraining Centre - a great set up where you pay a fee to long term loan your horse. They've done all the x-rays and checks already and are completely upfront about issues, plus they make sure you're a fit for the horse before taking one on. They don't always have suitable horses available immediately but it's definitely a great option. It also means your horse always has a home to go back to should anything happen.
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
TBs are definitely the best type…. I currently have a beautiful french tb.
If you are looking for one I cannot recommend Solway Racehorses highly enough
If you are looking for one I cannot recommend Solway Racehorses highly enough
Lucky Snowball
Well-Known Member
I have worked in racing. Some are fed up with galloping and can even be lazy when rehomed, particularly if kept out 24/7. Others are crazy and sharp all their lives. I love them all.
Amye
Well-Known Member
Thanks all! I have been reading all your replies but been crazy busy with work. I’ll reply properly tonight!
Horseysheepy
Well-Known Member
I adore my young TB, even though I've written a for sale advert for him 3 times in the 3 years I've had the silly donut!!!
He's a beautiful creature, looks just like his grandsire, an oil painting of perfection.
However, his paper thin skin makes him prone to rubs and scratches and mud fever. His feet are not the best but he is unshod until he needs shoes. His winter coat resembles a natives summer coat, so needs a bit of extra help with a rug.
He's incredibly suspicious but so so brave! He's also very intense in that he has to know everything and what's going on and likes to stick his nose in everyone's business. It's like he watches everything you do!
He's the boss of the three youngsters, they can chill whilst he's looking out for danger and scandal!!!.
He's a beautiful creature, looks just like his grandsire, an oil painting of perfection.
However, his paper thin skin makes him prone to rubs and scratches and mud fever. His feet are not the best but he is unshod until he needs shoes. His winter coat resembles a natives summer coat, so needs a bit of extra help with a rug.
He's incredibly suspicious but so so brave! He's also very intense in that he has to know everything and what's going on and likes to stick his nose in everyone's business. It's like he watches everything you do!
He's the boss of the three youngsters, they can chill whilst he's looking out for danger and scandal!!!.
exracehorse
Well-Known Member
Lost Spirit a few years back. Amazing on the ground. Perfect manners. Good with vet. Farrier. Daughter schooled him to a high level. But. Pulled more shoes off than I can remember. Bone spavins in hocks. Didn’t like turnout. Stayed in all winter.
danda
Well-Known Member
I had a flat racer who had finished racing and was scheduled for the butchers ( he had won but not massively and was a gelding). These horses who were considered to have no future were kept badly until there were enough of them ready to be transported. I bought him for the price of meat. He was very quiet and down BUT my point being that once looked after properly he changed completely and was a very strong horse. I kept him until his death at 27 But he was never a loving horse, always ready to protect himself with teeth and heels. What some of them must have gone through in the past we don’t know.
ROMANY 1959
Well-Known Member
My sons first horse when he was 12 was a TB descendent of Northern Dancer the great racehorse, my son rode her and learnt to play Polocrosse on her. Second horse after first retired was part TB x Irish sports horse , ex polo pony that he retrained to play polocrosse
why not look at ex polo ponies. Often Part TB but more laid back as they get older
why not look at ex polo ponies. Often Part TB but more laid back as they get older
lynz88
Well-Known Member
If mine doesn't get to go out he throws a temper tantrum. I don't ride/work him first thing in the morning because he gets so worked up and upset....he's 18 this year BTW!
lynz88
Well-Known Member
Honestly it's just like any other horse...they are unique and have their own personalities. Mine thinks he is a teddy bear and the size of a cat....and sometimes reminds me of Scooby-Doo
RachelFerd
Well-Known Member
I worked in racing for ten years (both flat and NH) and have also brought on my own ex-racehorses to event. They're essentially just like any other horse - and the spectrum of types, abilities and temperaments across the thoroughbred population is huge - there is a TB out there to suit anyone - the challenge is finding it.
I'm personally a fan of horses who have stood up to a bit of racing. I wouldn't be put off a horse that had never entered training, but I *would* be put off from a horse that had been in training but didn't run - of all of the problem TBs I've met, it has often been these ones - beware the statement 'too slow to ever race' as being synonymous with 'too lame to ever race.
Statistically lots of thoroughbreds will have kissing spines. And lots of those TBs with kissing spines will not be impacted by them if they're taught to work and use their bodies correctly. I wouldn't waste time x-raying potential purchases, but I would steer very clear of anything that shows pain on palpation or gives any feeling of being tricky to mount or cold-backed.
I'd also steer clear of the BTRC just because they tend to have horses with issues come through their doors. Nice straightforward ones probably aren't going there. Would look out for something that has done a little bit of normal riding work post racing so that you can properly try them out.
Of course, I failed to follow my own advice and bought the horse in my profile pic unseen off the internet. He's a proper horse of a lifetime, has now gone intermediate eventing and is a total joy to own. He's hard as nails, has great feet, lives on fresh air, is the soppiest thing on four legs. His only foible is that he can be a little bit sharp and spooky hacking alone. He's safe enough for a novice to ride in the arena or in company hacking (although for my purposes I like to try and keep him as sharp to the aids as possible - so he isn't allowed to get too kickalong!)
I'm personally a fan of horses who have stood up to a bit of racing. I wouldn't be put off a horse that had never entered training, but I *would* be put off from a horse that had been in training but didn't run - of all of the problem TBs I've met, it has often been these ones - beware the statement 'too slow to ever race' as being synonymous with 'too lame to ever race.
Statistically lots of thoroughbreds will have kissing spines. And lots of those TBs with kissing spines will not be impacted by them if they're taught to work and use their bodies correctly. I wouldn't waste time x-raying potential purchases, but I would steer very clear of anything that shows pain on palpation or gives any feeling of being tricky to mount or cold-backed.
I'd also steer clear of the BTRC just because they tend to have horses with issues come through their doors. Nice straightforward ones probably aren't going there. Would look out for something that has done a little bit of normal riding work post racing so that you can properly try them out.
Of course, I failed to follow my own advice and bought the horse in my profile pic unseen off the internet. He's a proper horse of a lifetime, has now gone intermediate eventing and is a total joy to own. He's hard as nails, has great feet, lives on fresh air, is the soppiest thing on four legs. His only foible is that he can be a little bit sharp and spooky hacking alone. He's safe enough for a novice to ride in the arena or in company hacking (although for my purposes I like to try and keep him as sharp to the aids as possible - so he isn't allowed to get too kickalong!)
McGrools
Well-Known Member
100% agree on the ‘trained but never raced’. Means they probably didn’t stand up to the training,
And yes be aware of anything a bit cold backed
nikkimariet
Well-Known Member
I know of more Connie’s that have soundness issues than TBs 
In all honesty you just have to take account of what they’ve done already. How many runs over how many years. The ground they preferred may be a factor too. Good feet and a nice brain (ie not retired because it’s nappy / used to deck it’s jockey).
In all honesty you just have to take account of what they’ve done already. How many runs over how many years. The ground they preferred may be a factor too. Good feet and a nice brain (ie not retired because it’s nappy / used to deck it’s jockey).
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
I have had one that was a successful racer and was an absolute psycho sometimes. Loved the bones of him but unpredictable.
Now I have a baby french TB who was simply not interested and he is just too nice. He is not lame so far
and no health issues so far so fingers crossed that continues 
Now I have a baby french TB who was simply not interested and he is just too nice. He is not lame so far
and no health issues so far so fingers crossed that continues 
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
This is good advice and is information you can find. In innocence decades ago I bought a mare who was declared by the auctioneers to have failed to start twice after having been presented at the starting stalls. Without exception, I found the mares more tricky than the geldings but she was by far the most tricky of all, off like a rocket when her feet hit grass out on a hack.
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humblepie
Well-Known Member
That is lovely - an oil painting of perfection. Mine could be an oil painting from a 100 years ago. I saw his head looking over the stable door and it was instant wow.
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
Great advice again. I had a nice year and a half with the one of those I bought, but he never could jump and the reason was obvious once his neck was x rayed, and looked very like he'd had a neck crunching fall when in training as a hurdler.
The story the trainer/breeder told me was that they just never got round to racing him as they were too busy getting money from clients to race theirs. I accepted that as the trainer was also the breeder. If he been through other homes on the way to being sold out of racing I would have felt he was too big a risk.
I'd also, having very recently been bitten by this one, be wary of the "he just lost the love for it" comment that you also hear quite often. What they mean is "he isn't running as fast as he used to but he's reached a stage in his career when it isn't worth the money to do any investigations to find out why". If you're lucky it will be a mental issue that will disappear in a private home, but it so often means an undiagnosed physical one.
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RachelFerd
Well-Known Member
I know of more Connie’s that have soundness issues than TBs
In all honesty you just have to take account of what they’ve done already. How many runs over how many years. The ground they preferred may be a factor too. Good feet and a nice brain (ie not retired because it’s nappy / used to deck it’s jockey).
I've yet to meet a sound Connie
shanti
Well-Known Member
I have three at my place, a TB a Standardbreed and an Arab.
The TB is a saint, kind and calm, rather spooky, has terrible feet and is hard to keep weight on but otherwise no issue.
The standy is only 5 but as close to bombproof as you would get, he's a bit grumpy at times but they are an incredibly under-rated breed, very hardy and has excellent feet.
The Arabs a nutcase
that's all I have to say about him.
If I had to rate them in terms of general maintenance the Standy wins hands down.
The TB is a saint, kind and calm, rather spooky, has terrible feet and is hard to keep weight on but otherwise no issue.
The standy is only 5 but as close to bombproof as you would get, he's a bit grumpy at times but they are an incredibly under-rated breed, very hardy and has excellent feet.
The Arabs a nutcase
that's all I have to say about him.If I had to rate them in terms of general maintenance the Standy wins hands down.
Marigold4
Well-Known Member
I know of more Connie’s that have soundness issues than TBs
In all honesty you just have to take account of what they’ve done already. How many runs over how many years. The ground they preferred may be a factor too. Good feet and a nice brain (ie not retired because it’s nappy / used to deck it’s jockey).
More Connies have soundness issues than TBs?? Really? I've had 4 connies over the years with no soundness issues whatsoever.
In all honesty you just have to take account of what they’ve done already. How many runs over how many years. The ground they preferred may be a factor too. Good feet and a nice brain (ie not retired because it’s nappy / used to deck it’s jockey).
More Connies have soundness issues than TBs?? Really? I've had 4 connies over the years with no soundness issues whatsoever.