Tell me about TBs

Ladybird L

Ladybird L

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I’m looking at getting my next horse somewhere in the near future.
I don’t have a big budget and I was looking at TBs… is that a mistake?
I’m wanting a bit of an allrounder, something able to hack alone (this is a must) then ideally, jump 1m or so comfortably, compete a small bit, go on fun rides, maybe hunt one or twice etc. Must be forward going.

I tried a lovely little TB (ex PtP, had done a little XC and schooling after) a few years ago who I loved but was a bit much for me then, however she would be just perfect now I think. It’s her really that makes me think maybe a tb?? She was lovely??

Then what sort of vetting should I get if it might work? X-rays for KS? Anything else in particular?
 
TBs are very versatile and can do almost anything they turn their hoof to but I do feel they take just that little more care and knowledge then almost any other horse. I had an exracer in the past and plan on buying another in June to do eventing with but I am very confident in my knowledge and experience.
Like every horse, each has their own personality, so you will find calmer ones and more excitable ones. But I do honestly believe TBs just need a little extra awareness in general. But at the same time I wouldnt fully get the 'typical TB' stereotypes stuck in your head. I have seen TBs sweating because they have been overrugged because 'TBs always lose weight in winter so must make them warm!'.
For what you want to do I think a nicely retrained TB wouldnt be a bad idea to at least view and then that way you can see. Do you have an instructor or an experienced friend that can go with you to viewings? Even if you are very experienced its always nice to have a second opinion from the ground.
If you want to vet I would do 5 stage and totally up to you for xrays. Most horses these days have KS, and a lot of TBs (especially the ones that have raced) have KS sadly.
I got quite lucky with my last TB as in the grand scheme of this was pretty easy. But my friend who is quite experienced herself wont touch a TB as she doesn't have it in her to be a TB owner.
Id honestly say if you feel you are experienced and knowledgeable enough and an instructor or good experienced friend doesnt think its a bad idea to at least go and try one, you lose nothing by having a try and seeing. Thats the whole point of viewings
 
I'm a tb fan. I've had a few. All different!! My current and last one has been the most fantastic all rounder. Hacks alone and in company etc etc. Only thing is he hates being turned out in the winter. In my experience they all have a quirk or two!! There are a few fb adverts that have seriously caught my eye but I'm not looking! I have only ever had this this last one vetted, had a 2 stage, no issues in 8 years. I suppose it depends if the horse has raced etc as to whether you x ray. X saying could save heartbreak in the long run. Just make sure you view a tb like you would any other horse.
 
Depending on where you are based, I'd get in touch with Sophie Spiteri - she always has lovely ones in and does a great job producing them for 'normal' life.

I love TBs and is I was looking for another horse right now, a TB is what I would go for. I would have xrays and 5* vetting.

Remember all horses are individuals and some TBs will be great, others not so. Same as any other breed of horse. Obvioulsy, there are the health issues that are due to being started way too early if ex-racers, but many don't suffer too.

I tink lots of people miss out on a very good horse when stating 'no TBs' - they come in all shapes, sizes, personalities and health.

Good luck, and of course, share photos once you've bought one :D xx
 
Another tb fan and don’t think I would have anything else tbh, the reality is, you have to look after them well, they are not the type of horses you can just fling out unrugged and not worry about.
But if you take care with them they are the most rewarding of any horse ive ever owned. The bond is incredible and they try their hearts out at anything at all ☺️
 
Ladybird L said:
I’m looking at getting my next horse somewhere in the near future.
I don’t have a big budget and I was looking at TBs… is that a mistake?
I’m wanting a bit of an allrounder, something able to hack alone (this is a must) then ideally, jump 1m or so comfortably, compete a small bit, go on fun rides, maybe hunt one or twice etc. Must be forward going.

I tried a lovely little TB (ex PtP, had done a little XC and schooling after) a few years ago who I loved but was a bit much for me then, however she would be just perfect now I think. It’s her really that makes me think maybe a tb?? She was lovely??

Then what sort of vetting should I get if it might work? X-rays for KS? Anything else in particular?
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Lovely horses. 5 stage vetting definitely, and only of a horse already doing the work you want it to do.

If there is the slightest asymmetry in the shoulders (look over the bum at them from the back) , unlevelness in the height of the chest between the front legs, hi/low front foot conformation, then do get ECVM x rays of C6/7 at the bottom of the neck.

The standies are great blood horses too, and possibly a bit tougher and a bit calmer, as a generalisation.
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I've got a TB and I think he's great. I agree that he was cheaper to buy but more expensive to keep than other breeds might have been - he does quite quite a bit of feed and I have him shod in pads, although that's my choice as I just think that's better for his feet. Other than that I just treat him like any other horse though - he goes out every day come what may and much prefers being out to in. He would probably be feral if it was up to him! He doesn't wear a particularly thick rug as he gets too hot if he does.

He has a good attitude to his work and I can hack him alone and in company. He tries hard with his school work and there are some things that he finds more difficult but that would be the case for a lot of breeds. He loves jumping and is bold as anything XC. There are quite a lot of TBs on my yard and they do a range of jobs. They are definitely the ones that kick off the most if they have to stay in their stables though!

I expect he'll need some help from the vet at some point but I have honestly seen horses of all breeds break at varying ages, including quite a few cobs that broke catastrophically when they weren't very old.
 
Massive TB fan, especially ex racers.

I would set aside £500 and get some pre purchase x-rays done - it will hopefully save you a lot of heartache down the line.

They’re cheap to buy but as others have said not cheap to keep so bear that in mind.
 
I love a TB - they are all very different though so difficult to pigeonhole!

My last horse was an ex racer, a big NH type who was always mistaken for a hunter. He wasn’t the most straightforward horse to jump or to compete, but was amazing to hack and we hacked alone in rush hour city traffic, past bin lorries and buses and cycling pelotons, he was ace. He was barefoot after about 18 months with good feed and good farrier, a reasonable doer and lived out 24/7 in the Cairngorms in winter.

When coming back to riding after a break, I looked at exracers off the track. But they do need reschooling, and until they suss out their new job it can be a really unsettled period. I know what to expect with them (don’t climb your reins, don’t expect them to tie up well or stand to mount or have any understanding of contact and leg aids beyond ‘go’), but the few I tried out just felt like they’d be a lot of horse until we got through that. So I got myself an older ¾ ID ex-broodmare instead who has been better for me right now on the same budget.

However she lives with 3 exracers, two of whom are in late teens and twenties and have lived out all winter with no rugs, barefoot, on the side of a hill in the Borders. And she’s the most stroppy and routine-reliant of the 4 of them. So YMMV!

One thing not mentioned so far is the brain. Most TBs I’ve met have been very clever - certainly compared to WBs. They can have their moments and definitely have blood but tend to be more sensible and self aware.

I fully intend on finding another big NH type TB in the future. Very jealously watching my mate with hers, although she has been tricky so I’m not envious right now!
 
Thanks everyone! I’m quite liking the sound of them 😊
I wouldn’t say I’m very experienced, probably somewhere middling so will def bring someone with me.

I definitely think I like the NH types but will have to see what I can find..

Tentatively planning to start looking mid-summer, depending on how we’re getting on with our stables…
I will of course post pics when/if!!
 
Are TBs almost always ex-racers? Only asking as I'm also hoping to be a position to own again in the next couple of years and TBs are definitely my preference, but I think I would prefer to buy unraced and even maybe unbacked (and then budget to get someone like Joe Midgeley to do the backing process).

Does anyone breed TBs for the leisure market?
 
They can vary so much. I have 3 who have wintered out. Two have access to a shelter, one only has a hedge as a wind break, and he has been in a 100g rug with no neck cover. He looks like a hairy native!
I have another who won't stay out for more than 30 minutes if it's cold, raining or windy.
 
Art Nouveau said:
Are TBs almost always ex-racers? Only asking as I'm also hoping to be a position to own again in the next couple of years and TBs are definitely my preference, but I think I would prefer to buy unraced and even maybe unbacked (and then budget to get someone like Joe Midgeley to do the backing process).

Does anyone breed TBs for the leisure market?
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I bought an unraced tb, he is french had been in france for training but never raced 😊 he is absolutely out of this world 🥰

Oh and just to add to the fun? I never vet and i buy unseen only from a picture lmao 🤣🤣
 
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Art Nouveau said:
Are TBs almost always ex-racers? Only asking as I'm also hoping to be a position to own again in the next couple of years and TBs are definitely my preference, but I think I would prefer to buy unraced and even maybe unbacked (and then budget to get someone like Joe Midgeley to do the backing process).

Does anyone breed TBs for the leisure market?
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They have almost all been bred to race but not all of them will have raced. Some are identified as no good for racing in training. The tiny proportion which were bred as sports horses not racers will likely cost a lot more than a failed racer. And the untried racers also fetch a lot more than the tried and failed.

You would also need to be very wary of anything which had been in training but never made the race course. It raises big questions about whether they stood up physically to training or are harbouring early problems that will come out once you have them in work.
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ycbm said:
Lovely horses. 5 stage vetting definitely, and only of a horse already doing the work you want it to do.

If there is the slightest asymmetry in the shoulders (look over the bum at them from the back) , unlevelness in the height of the chest between the front legs, hi/low front foot conformation, then do get ECVM x rays of C6/7 at the bottom of the neck.

The standies are great blood horses too, and possibly a bit tougher and a bit calmer, as a generalisation.
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This. I've given up horses and the one I miss the most is my TB. He was the loveliest, gentlest boy, moved beautifully and had a huge jump, safe to hack out and just an all round good egg. I chose him carefully, he retired sound after a fair few races at a young age and had been ragged around by a teenager and stayed sound for over a year after that. Hes still sound with his new owner. I had hassle getting his feet right, but that's because I wanted him barefoot and didn't want to mask issues with shoes. He was absolutely dead straight and even. I was always happy to take on projects and issues, but with a TB I wasn't. The potential for career ending stuff is too high. I miss him dearly.
 
I had one I absolutely adored and who was my horse of a lifetime. She cost a fortune to keep though, in feed and rugs and vet bills. I would not buy another but they are amazing 1:1 horses if you can afford to keep them - so loyal and versatile.
 
ycbm said:
They have almost all been bred to race but not all of them will have raced. Some are identified as no good for racing in training. The tiny proportion which were bred as sports horses not racers will likely cost a lot more than a failed racer. And the untried racers also fetch a lot more than the tried and failed.

You would also need to be very wary of anything which had been in training but never made the race course. It raises big questions about whether they stood up physically to training or are harbouring early problems that will come out once you have them in work.
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So they're either unraced and probably broken or raced and probably broken 🤣
As a teenager I had a tb x Welsh, and my first horse as an adult was a tb x trotter so maybe i should look for a cross, or resign myself to the high chance of a TB breaking
 
Art Nouveau said:
So they're either unraced and probably broken or raced and probably broken 🤣
As a teenager I had a tb x Welsh, and my first horse as an adult was a tb x trotter so maybe i should look for a cross, or resign myself to the high chance of a TB breaking
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Sadly if you buy a race trained TB then you do need to resign yourself to a higher than average chance of it already being broken. Though as someone said above, the straight hind legged cobs that are now so prolific are giving them a run for their money. As are the over bred over height "sports Connies".
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Art Nouveau said:
So they're either unraced and probably broken or raced and probably broken 🤣
As a teenager I had a tb x Welsh, and my first horse as an adult was a tb x trotter so maybe i should look for a cross, or resign myself to the high chance of a TB breaking
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I had one that had never grown tall enough to put into training. Backed and brought on in the normal way, same chances of injury as any other horse. To be fair, she loved a good vet bill but was pretty sound throughout (flesh wounds were her speciality!).
 
between myself and my sister we have had 4, all totally different personality wise so you really have to judge the horse in front of you.

have to say its too soon to comment on my current boy but the other 3 were very tough and sound, all worked barefoot. 2 of them were VERY quirky wouldn't have been many peoples ride and the other boy was genuine as anything, such a trier but very sensitive and forward thinking.

the quirky ones had barely raced, the genuine boy had run 33 times across 3 different countries so again the race training isnt always a negative.

my current chap WOULD be anyones ride despite being a stallion, he is super chill, super genuine, super reliable.......i have hacked out bareback with mares and have NEVER lunged before riding him even when we re backed him.

100% vet and get x rays done
 
I have learnt to ride on a TB and also looked after quite a few so I've seen both ends of the spectrum - the stereotypical TB's who are completely anxious all the time and jump at anything, and also the TB's who are so laid back you have to use a ton of leg on them and you're lucky if you get out of a trot with them 😅

I would personally go for a 5* vetting as you can never be too sure - although do bear in mind that issues can crop up with any horse so a 5* vetting is a literal screenshot of the horse on the day, at that time.

X-rays are also a must as TB's are prone to kissing spines etc due to their racing careers, and I'd get the X-rays done all over as joint issues can also be an issue I've heard (this is more so for the steeplechaser side though in my experience). They can save you a lot of heartache as you might find the one, only to find that they aren't suitable for the job(s) you wish to do.

Another good idea is to go for one who is doing similar to what you wish to do - that way you know they can stand up to the workload without any problems.

The TB I learnt to ride on truly made me the horsewoman that I am today - she was a beautiful chestnut mare, with four white socks, a big blaze and demanded the absolute best of you every ride no matter what. She took me from an unbalanced novice to storming around 1 day events and consistently placing well. Her name was Belle and she truly was a beauty - her trot was so much like a warmblood that people did a double take when I'd say she was a full TB! A piece of me went with her the day she galloped over Rainbow Bridge, but I am forever grateful for all the lessons she taught me. She was truly a beautiful soul inside and out - even my mother who is petrified of horses would come and give her a carrot and a pat.

I truly believe that TB's are one of the most intelligent and quick thinking breeds out there (and this is coming from someone who is a die hard Appaloosa fan aha!) - they are nimble and quick on their hooves, are able to think their way out of problems pretty darn quick and I've found are incredibly loyal.

On the other hand I've been through the heartbreak of trying to help a TB who was sadly too far gone with his injuries and we had to make the kindest decision for him. He was a walking vets bill (so much so that we always had the vet on speed dial!) and he couldn't cope with quite a few things , but he was such a friendly lad and was genuinely frightened of the world.

Overall, I'd say go for it but be very cautious and if your gut has doubts then listen as gut instinct can be quite telling :)
 
Ladybird L said:
Thanks everyone! I’m quite liking the sound of them 😊
I wouldn’t say I’m very experienced, probably somewhere middling so will def bring someone with me.

I definitely think I like the NH types but will have to see what I can find..

Tentatively planning to start looking mid-summer, depending on how we’re getting on with our stables…
I will of course post pics when/if!!
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I had an ex NH TB. Great big lad he was. He was an absolute gentleman in all ways. Granted they're not all as laid back as was.
 
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