Tell me you ex-racehorse stories (add photos!)

[loverly]

OK, as many of you may know I'm still in the dilemma of finding my next horse. After months of searching I'm starting to look at other possibilities that weren't on my "list".

So as I've ridden racehorses for a trainer/owner who lives opposite me, it has only just occurred to me to look into retraining an ex-racer to do a bit of everything, mainly event and s-j as I do love the general liveliness of the thoroughbred!

So lets here your stories

 

[Abz88]

All I will say is be very careful (as I am sure you already know to be!). I have come across totally phycho ex-racers and no amount of new training can un-scramble their high skitty nature. A real shame. But some can never be relied on or 'nice/pleasant' horses to own. On the other hand, I have come across lovely ex-racers. Who have taken to their new jobs brilliantly and have become fantastic spirited yet sane horses. But one thing I have learnt is that they NEVER seem to forget or be trained out of 'straight line = full pelt til' the field stops'!!! Which, on a safe ex-racer is amazing and never gets boring,..but terrifying on a nutter! One good thing is they tend to not be spooked by crowds/vehicles/loading/stable.
Good luck!!

 

[3BayGeldings]

Ooh gladly, any excuse! I have two myself.

The first is called “Hoh’s Back” aka Teddy. I have him on full loan at present but am buying him soon. He has quite an interesting backstory – he was a flat sprinter from 2 – 6 (with a trainer now banned for cruelty), and then got sold on and ended up neglected in a field of horses for 5 years. These are some pictures from when his current owner rescued him:

And this is him 2 years later, I’ve had him on loan for 7 months now

He’s a complete babe. Perfect to hack alone or in company, never bucks/rears/naps/spooks or anything. Schooling isn’t great but he tries very hard and we’re beginning to make great improvements, so he is now happy working in an outline and his transitions and bends are getting there. He loves jumping! And he’s a dope on a rope to handle. Never gets hot or anything. He’s just great, I adore him and cannot wait to be his official owner, I’m a lucky girl Obviously he gets spoilt rotten due to his bad past. I’d love one day to try him in some BE90s, I think he could manage that.

My other ex-racer I’ve only had for a couple of months. He was given to me as a companion. He was a successful chaser, called Our Armageddon. He came to me as an unridden companion though, apparently he is very hot and difficult to ride – sooo I’ll give it a miss He’s sound as a pound though, and such an affectionate horse. He comes over to me in the field first out of all of them, whickering and kisses me all over my face. He’s just such a lovely character with a heart of gold I’ve nicknamed him Reilly

I used to be one of those people who believe the stereotypes about thoroughbreds… but Teddy and Reilly both live out all year round, hold their weight, and are a pleasure to own and Teddy is the most sensible horse I’ve ever ridden. Oh and they've both got great feet, Teddy only needs shod every 8 weeks and his feet are brilliant! Oh and he passed a 5 star vetting not too long ago

 

[Holly Hocks]

I've owned two and retrained another for someone else. My first was Rebel who I got when he was 11. He had seriously bowed superficial flexor tendons, enjoyed biting people, couldn't have his girth done up or he would rear (we had to do it up while he was walking and he was fine then!), but he was a lovely horse to ride. He was fantastic to hack, did a bit of dressage, but despite being a chaser, was not a good jumper. If I could have cloned him I would have.
My current one, Blue, has a wonderful temperament, a good looker, but a swine to ride. She has navicular, spavin, PSLD and arthritis of the fetlock. She has come back into light hacking after winter off but is not an easy ride. She likes to spin and rear and is generally nappy. I can't ever just relax and enjoy the ride. I love her to pieces, but I sometimes wish I had something easier which I could just switch off on.
Here are a few photos.
These are of Rebel who I lost in October last year

And these are of Blue

 

[xspiralx]

But one thing I have learnt is that they NEVER seem to forget or be trained out of 'straight line = full pelt til' the field stops'!!! Which, on a safe ex-racer is amazing and never gets boring,..but terrifying on a nutter!
Good luck!!

Rubbish!

I have ridden and hacked out many many ex racers at all speeds, and never had an issue whether we're going for a steady canter or a full pelt gallop. They can get strong and excitable of course, but no more than any other horse in that circumstance.

I have come across very few 'nutters' either. Of course they are out there, but most horses that have had a previous career racing are useful and sane people.

OP - in my experience retraining ex racehorses is pretty easy to do. They are smart, athletic and generally have a really good attitude to work. The basics are all there - they are usually good to hack out, good to load, shoe, clip etc. If you pick one with decent confirmation and a good attitude you'll be very well set, and get a quality horse for a fraction of the cost of a warmblood or any horse that hasn't raced.

 

[3BayGeldings]

But one thing I have learnt is that they NEVER seem to forget or be trained out of 'straight line = full pelt til' the field stops'!!! Which, on a safe ex-racer is amazing and never gets boring,..but terrifying on a nutter! One good thing is they tend to not be spooked by crowds/vehicles/loading/stable.
Good luck!!

I do hate these generalisations. You have to kick on to keep my ex-racer cantering through a field.

 

[Footlights]

I do hate these generalisations. You have to kick on to keep my ex-racer cantering through a field.

Yeah I agree! My ex racer can be quite lazy at times!

 

[Hot_Toddy7]

I have 2 at the moment;
http://mob827.photobucket.com/albums/zz194/Evie7/Horsies 2010/036.jpg

This is Blue, I got him 2 years ago as a 6yo straight out of training. He had raced quite a bit and did a tendon that ended his career! Was a bit of a git on the ground to start with, but he's calmed down alot! He's quite lazy to ride, but a very quick learner! If you let him go on a straight, then you have very little chance of stopping!!

http://mob827.photobucket.com/albums/zz194/Evie7/evie.jpg?t=1253459767

And this is Evie. I got her as a 3yo, raced once as a 2 yo. She is the complete opposite. Wonderful to handle on the ground, but a psycho to ride, she's taught me alot! If you let her go on a straight, she will always stop!

 

[ghostie-x]

Good Luck with your search! Owning and retraining an ex-racer can be very rewarding!
My horse Piper was given to me last July by my old boss and I had known him since 2008 when I worked on a TB stud. He is a very laid-back boy but not without his odd moments-mainly spooking and the odd joyful buck! He went to his first show last week and was very well behaved and my plan is to event him and hunt him too.

 

[3BayGeldings]

Aw Piper has a very cute face

 

[SS.89]

I do hate these generalisations. You have to kick on to keep my ex-racer cantering through a field.

Mines the same, take him through a field and you'll struggle to keep him going (think the racing put him off), yet take him into the indoor school and he will try and take the p**s by thinking he's frankel !

Ive had tobe 18 months now. This is him the first day I got him:

And this is some of the more recent one's within the last few months:

He's not a stereotypical ex racer, he's extremely laid back and most of his stupid behaviour is down to his age - he's only just turned 5
I will admit he is behind in his re-schooling and thats only because we don't have the facilities to progress (hence why we are moving yards next week) and why I don't have many ridden pics, so hopefully in a few months we'll be doing a few unaff dressage tests

Time and Patience is key

SS x

 

[Pampered Ponies]

As someone else said - any excuse. Apologies in advance for the long post!!

I've got 2 ex-chasers, both of whom retired due to injury. I had shares in them both when they were racing so I have the advantage of knowing most of their history etc.

First up is Max (Clemax) a competent and consistent 120 rated horse with a win/place rate of 66%. He retired due to severely tearing his superficial digital flexor tendon when winning at Cartmel. He had 10 months off to recover before coming back in to work/re-training (although I have always said he will never jump again) - that was now 3 years ago. Getting him to relax and concentrate when working is the key with him - he has a tendancy to be highly-strung but occupying his brain is key. He pushes the boundaries of authority permanently but in a really stealthy way, so for those who aren't eperienced he gets away with murder as they just say "he's cheeky but cute". Unfortunately, if I were to let them ride him, they'd soon be either on the floor or a county away. He can be a good boy though - you just can't ever switch off with him.

My second one is Aces (Aces Four) a Mild May winning 157 rated horse. He was a joy and superstar on the track and he is no different as a pet. He is an absolute gentleman and has taken to everything thrown at him from dressage to cross-country. He switched off from racing easily enough but he loves his work and so needs to consistently be worked and challenged to keep him at his relaxed best. The thing that took the longest time to alter was the way he jumps and it has taken the great help of my instructor to get him jump like a show-jumper rather than the long/low/fast skimming action that he raced with. Now he knows what to use his hind quarters for (rather than his shoulders) things are much better! He is a joy to hack out and great fun when we get to the gallops or fields that allow us to open up.

You're going in to this with your eyes open and experience so I'm sure youll make sure you get a horse that suits you. Enjoy it when you do.

 

[Holly Hocks]

Pampered ponies - my horse Blue (further up the page) was with the same trainer as yours....

 

[MissDior]

I have an ex racer and a lively one at that! We got her a year and a half ago and she hadnt had that great a start in life. She was bred and reced in France and then came over to the UK, a hurdler. looking back at videos of her 4 races... it is safe to say that wasn't really her scene. She hasn't raced since 2008 and when we got her she was just really a field ornament (sp?) that a young girl had got and rode out once in a blue moon... hmm. Anyway when we got her she was very much still in the mind set of a racehorse, she would jog/go sideways/buck not sure she understood what walk wasand generally very hot headed (but then she is also a chestnut mare ). Anyway I brought her on and its safe to say there have been many days that I have written her ad in my head with views to post it, on one occasion actually had it ready to go, but she has taught me so much and we have learned from each other. She is so bold on the cross country course and once she has truly established her flat work we will concentrate on her jumping as at the moment its zooooom jump flat through the jump. oh and she was a nightmare to load, hated her stable and crowds are her worst nightmare... she is a special horse haha. although saying that she loads like a dream now (touch wood) and loves her stable, crowds of people not so much.

Having an ex racehorse is a decision that needs to be thought about, they need a lot of attention and work and you have to be prepared for anything they will throw at you. On the other hand we have an exracer who you would think is sedated he is that laid back... and my friends one is the same. so it very much depends on the horse and its outlook on life, in diors case a very opinionated one

xx

 

[ghostie-x]

Aw Piper has a very cute face

Thank you! He has indeed

 

[Spotsrock]

I took redundancy last year and to stretch my severance pay I work rode 3 lots a day 6 days a week leaving afternoons free to job hunt. I rode beetle every day and just trusted him despite him being a bit of an eegit at times! I did ask about buying him but his breeding is ok and his future looked promising so I just registered my interest. I visited him every couple of weeks on his rest day for 7 months. Beetle didn't live up to his promise yet and really didn't seem happy racing. We're so lucky that his owner, rather than keep pushing based on breeding and performance at home, saw how unsuited he was and contacted me. He's still an eegit at times but he's my eegit now! I'm way over horsed at 5ft2 on my big rangy 16.2 brown eegit but I love him! The chap who breaks for his owner is great so my lad had a good basis in schooling before he ever raced and he's only just 6 so I only have to remind him stuff. Real gem of a boy, when he keeps a couple of feet on the ground!

 

[snopuma]

Mines the same, take him through a field and you'll struggle to keep him going (think the racing put him off), yet take him into the indoor school and he will try and take the p**s by thinking he's frankel !

Ive had tobe 18 months now. This is him the first day I got him:

And this is some of the more recent one's within the last few months:

He's not a stereotypical ex racer, he's extremely laid back and most of his stupid behaviour is down to his age - he's only just turned 5
I will admit he is behind in his re-schooling and thats only because we don't have the facilities to progress (hence why we are moving yards next week) and why I don't have many ridden pics, so hopefully in a few months we'll be doing a few unaff dressage tests

Time and Patience is key

SS x

I love your pics but please NEVER TIE UP A HORSE ON A BE_NICE HEADCOLLAR!!! Its so dangerous! (it does say when you buy one on the label never to tie up!)

 

[Arniebear]

my lad is an ex hurdler/PTP hes 8 now came out of racing at 6 started racing at 5 so wasnt heavily raced, only 10 times and came last 10 times! lol bless him i cant take the credit for his retraining thou i brought him off a dealer last yr but whom ever retrained him did a fantastic job, he jumps like a stag, is scoring in the high 60s in dr and i aim to event him next yr already hunted him and he was perfect Hes a gentleman to own, very cheeky mind you perfect to hack alone or in company doesnt bat an eye lid at anything bold as brass at jumping espec xc!
I always said i wouldnt get a TB out of racing (seen my sister have a few mental ones!) but freddie has definatly changed my mind i walk down a main road with my feet hanging out of my stirrups, and reins like washing lines!! do get some dirty looks of drivers mind but heyho!!
he has never bucked reared or done anything naughty! hes had plenty of chances to but just never has! wouldnt change him for the world

heres freddie:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...1106262820494.786073.652960493&type=3&theater

 

[EMC]

This is Freddie. I rode him in training in his P2P yard earlier this year and fell in love with him. Luckily he was for sale and due to a job change I was able to afford to buy him. He's had a month at grass and has now come home to me.

This photo was taken at the weekend, on my second time in the saddle after getting him home (sticking to my exercise saddle until he changes shape) and our first time in the outdoor school. Neither of us are great at circles but we can go fast in a straight line!

Have to say he has proved to be very laid back, suprising many of the other liveries....

He seems to remember the bond we had, although we had three months apart and has taken to Crabbies Ginger Ale and cuddles in the sun.

Would love to ride him sidesaddle eventually, but for everything else the sky is the limit

Thumbs up for ex-racers, you either love 'em or hate 'em.

 

[The mad TB]

Would like to second Pampered Ponies, her boys are lovely (if hilarious in the field) and live on the same barn as another gorgeous Thoroughbred...


I love ex-racers and tried 4 or 5 before I went to Karen's for Conn. I found them all to be wonderfully natured and quick to learn (both good and bad) but I was told to watch those that had retired due to lameness unless you know the full circumstances behind it? Conn is a TB so has all the perks and quirks but never EVER races another horse if were out hacking, it's marvellous

 

[Gingey]

I got my ex racer just before his 9th birthday, he raced until the end of his 7th year. He's v well bred for racing, but from what I can gather just stopped trying!
He wasn't very impressive to look at just standing up but he had really nice paces, lovely to hack, scopey jump and seemed like an allround nice person.
When I got him:

One year on:

Now (2 yrs on):

His, er, interesting pole technique when I first got him- not sure he really knew what to do with his legs!

Don't have many non-professional pics of me riding him, but here's a blurry one of us having just qualified for Trailblazers 2nd rounds (early 2011?)

Looking pretty at dressage

Wow sorry hugely long and way too many pics. I quite like him!
I wouldn't say he's been easy- his jumping in particular- but I'm sure a better rider would have made light work of it! As it is, we have great fun, and he has literally done a little of everything (jack of all trades, master of none..)- dressage, showjumping, hunter trialling, Le Trec, he hunted a couple of times v successfully this season, and like I say he's huge fun to hack (very forwards but great in traffic). He's also really really sweet on the ground, the type to follow you around while you poo pick! However he is quite opinionated when he wants to be, and sharp.
I agree they're all different really, but it seems they turn out well more often than not! I think one of the great things is that they're often well travelled/have seen a lot so not much by way of traffic etc phases them. Mine loads himself and travels well too and I'm sure that's due to all the travelling he's done as a racehorse. Even though I haven't had the easiest time with him I would get another in a heartbeat (glutton for punishment maybe? )

 

[Queenofdiamonds]

Not me personally but a friend has just bought an ex racer, raced, then schooled a bit then left for 3 years.

She's bringing him back slowly, He's lovely, I went to see him today, She's only riding him in walk at the moment but he seems very laid back, Went for a little walk in open fields and the worst he did was have a little spook at some water and a big rock but nothing major just stopped and backed off a little.

 

[Scarlett]

Rubbish!

I have ridden and hacked out many many ex racers at all speeds, and never had an issue whether we're going for a steady canter or a full pelt gallop. They can get strong and excitable of course, but no more than any other horse in that circumstance.

I have come across very few 'nutters' either. Of course they are out there, but most horses that have had a previous career racing are useful and sane people.

OP - in my experience retraining ex racehorses is pretty easy to do. They are smart, athletic and generally have a really good attitude to work. The basics are all there - they are usually good to hack out, good to load, shoe, clip etc. If you pick one with decent confirmation and a good attitude you'll be very well set, and get a quality horse for a fraction of the cost of a warmblood or any horse that hasn't raced.

^^^^ what she said...

I have 3 currently, another that I used to own who now belongs to my friend who still lives with us and have helped restart/rehome several more... I got my first one, sold the cobs I had and bought more of them, We ahve had our ups and downs but no more than any horse and I wouldnt swap them for the world. They are smart, willing and athletic as a whole, sometimes too smart for their owners and that's when the problems start. There are certain things that can help the reschooling go a little better so educate yourself in the ways of the TB, and have fun. You can't beat a lovely TB...

Some pics of mine...

I could be here all night showing you pics of our adventures...

 

[Henry02]

Ex racer retrained well are normally ok... It's the ones that fall into hands of idiots that are the problem

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I have 4 retired racers. The first one, Kyle, came out of racing due to injury. He had slipped the tendon off of his hock and as I had ridden work on him for the previous 8months he came home to be an adopted native The first of many! Kyle ran in 73 races on the flat, over hurdles and over fences winning 5 of them and £28k prize money. Kyle is now technically lame and is more of a field companion these days though he is perfectly capable of being ridden he is just a bit of an opinionated toad about it. He will do what I ask the way he wants to do it. He has lived out 24/7 for the last 2 years with a rug on, hay and food in the winter and this suits him down to the ground. He is so chilled and relaxed now that I can just chuck tack on him after 6months of trundle off!

A video of Kyle first time back under saddle after 6months on box rest due to the injury (by the way that's the most energetic he has ever been under saddle since leaving training!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e28AG2VsPVg&feature=fvsr

Kyle:

Then you have Jeff. I rode Jeff in work for 4 years and there was no other option than that he was coming home with me when he finished training. His final season as a racehorse he won 3 of his 5 starts and his owner felt that he would never better that so he retired him sound and well. He ran in 43 races - flat hurdles and then predominately chases where he won 7 and £63k in prize money. Jeff is a big 17.2hh gangly french Hocamaffe who I went through hell and high water with when he was in training. Twice I thought we had lost him. Both times he bounced back to win more races. Since leaving training he has been show with sucess before he injured himself again But he is back under saddle and working away nicely. He is another that you can just chuck tack on and hop on after a year and a half off

Jeff's first day ridden at home 3 days out of training - Who says racehorses are loonies?!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0afdFsckffo&feature=relmfu

Jeff:

Then along came Laurel. I got Laurel from Richard Fahey and he was a 6furlong sprinter, so the 2nd quickest of the quick lol! As I work with jumpers and stayers on the flat a 6f horse was a whole new kettle of fish to me. I admit that yes, I thought he was going to be a lunatic but he really, really isn't! In fact he is the LAZIEST horse I have ever sat on! He was a sucessful racehorse to an extent. He ran 20 times, winning 4 and £31.5k in prize money. He retired due to a tendon injury that you would never know he had To ride he is a dude. Again just chuck your tack on and off you toddle. He lived out with Kyle this winter and has done well for himself. Laurel is such a lovely, kind, sweet, loving horse that always aims to please. His flatwork is progressing. He had never had to go round a bend before - even his races were straight lines! He has a long way to go but he is getting there

This is Laurel a week after completing his injury box rest and being turned out in the field fo rhte first time since he was a yearling. I too him to my local show where he behaved beautifully in the in-hand and finished 3rd. Not bad all things considered :

My final one, and I mean my FINAL one (ok I have one more in my sights but the boss might keep her as a broodmare ... is Gray. Again I worked with Gray for a few years in racing and he was a good horse. He started his career in America but was too slow for their short races and so he came over here to jump. He won his first 3 hurdles starts and then ws 6th, whilst doing a leg, in a Grade 2. 2 years later he gets back on the track where he goes chasing. 4 starts, a win, a place, a fall and a pull up with a complete rupture of his SDFT hence why I now have him as a show ring ponce!

Gray at his first ever show on Saturday less than a year out of racing:

All of my horses are bombproof in traffic in company, Kyle needs the company to get past big things but they also all hack out on their own fine and in most traffics. None of them would tank with you across a field. In fact 95% of the horses we have in full race training wouldn't ever tank with you across a field or on the gallops no matter what numpties we put on them. They are all the nicest natured horses you could meet. Well -ish. Kyle doesn't like men. Jeff is grumpy about his girth. Gray is very much still coltish but Laurel is an absolute diamond! I honestly couldn't wish for nicer horses!

I am very privileged to own such truly amazing horses and they will be with me till the end of their days.

 

[Wimbles]

I have three at the moment

Monty
18 hands 16 years old - done EVERYTHING including eventing, pure dressage, showjumping, side saddle, gymkhana games, western barrel racing, hunting, beach rides, showing, wedding horse and much more.....

Tiger
16.3hh 12 year old Evented to BE Novice, hunted, SJ, showing. Very aggressive on the floor but super to ride.

George
16.2 hh 5 year old. Came from the local market nearly a year ago. Was meant to be buying a saddle, came home with him................... one day he's going to be a superstar. He just needs to stop being an absolute tit first!!

I've had every shape and size over the years and not one has been completely mental and all of them have been very useful in different disciplines.

Some of the others that were retrained and found new homes include;

Myrtle Turtle 15.2hh

James 16.3hh

Avie 16.1hh

Chance 17hh

This photo shows how different ex racers can be

 

[pedilia]

Some stunning horses!! I love ex-racers, I was heartbroken that I had to have mine PTS last year after an unsuccessful KS op, he was a real gent!
I'm on the lookout for another so if anyone hears of anything feel free to give me a nudge!

 

[Lolo]

Al needed a new horse as she had outgrown her very lovely 14.2hh mare. We can only loan, and loan horses that will event are hard to come by. In an ideal world, she'd have found a 15.2hh horse who knew his job round a XC/ SJ track and the dressage/ age/ looks were unimportant. Mum was told in passing of a 17hh ex-racer a mile down the road from our house so went to check him out as Al did need a new ride.

He lacked any muscle, having been turned out for 18 months. His owner was happy for Al to take him on (a brave move, as Al was only 15 at the time, and had only ridden ponies) and off they set.

He's always been an angel out hacking, always been 100% snaffle mouthed and is a gentleman to handle. He does get stressed by stuff but mum and Al manage him very well and with 24/7 turnout and correct feeding and being ridden often he's pretty chilled. He's nicknamed Donkey he's so dobbin-ish at times!

Now, 2.5 years later, he's competing at BE100. They're doing mid 30s tests and he's an XC pro. The SJ is a bit hit and miss still, but his technique is solid now and he just needs the confidence- he's a sensitive soul and needs lots of nice outings which he's getting

Not been ridden in nearly 4 months (he has the winter off totally, and then Al had an operation so he had another month to allow her time to recuperate!). As ever, he was Mr Cool and pootled home on the buckle.

He's a stressage pro!

He's a jumping machine

And he is very much adored by his jockey/ Team Reggie.

Been very hard work for Al and at times she has felt like there's been no light at the end of the tunnel but he is so 100% worth it. He is one in a billion and Al owes him a lot and they have such fun together. It may have been a odd move to have a 16.3hh ex-p2p horse who's had no reschooling as a young teenager's first horse but he's been a star. Much love for Reggie pony!

 

[mrsk29]

some fantastic photos... I have one too... I got him at 11 (hes 12 now) he retired from racing at 6, i can do anything with him, jumping, flat out gallop (and he stops in a snaffle without argument!) currently learning dressage.. (think hes done it before!) lol hes the most kind, gentle, cuddly horse I know.. my instructor has said shes never met a tb like him lol hes like a big dog ;-) I know some Tbs are a handful, my friend has one... hes completly nuts.

 

[madmav]

Love all of the above stories. Those ex-racers have a mystique about them that they're all going to be dead scarey. It's a bit like teenage boys. They all look mean and moody, but they are generally quite sweet once you pull their hoods down and talk to them.