Thoroughbreds who have never raced

I have had TB's throughout my competing career. All of mine have raced but i've ridden plenty for clients that have not raced. Just like ANY horse, it all depends on whom has nurtured them through the initial stages of life.
I've also had 3 bred for sport warmbloods and never again will I have one unless it has alot of TB blood.
Raced or unraced, the TB is unrivalled in bravery and want to please. Many forget that up until about 20 years years ago, the majority of horses at top level were TB's. And more purpose bred sport horses and warmbloods are cross-breeds that stem back to the TB.
At the risk of engaging WB owners, what was it about them that made you decide never again?
 
At the risk of engaging WB owners, what was it about them that made you decide never again?
I just personally didn't like the feeling they gave me when riding. I never found any that I had or have ridden, agile or quick enough. Almost too clunky so to speak. Kind of like driving a sports car vs a minivan. I also find the TB's I have owned and ridden much easier to train, more willing to do things and cleverer in their thinking. It's a very personal opinion. Maybe i've been unlucky with the WB type's or maybe I've just been incredibly lucky with the TB's I've had.
I'm the only person with a TB on my yard, and also the only person who doesn't constantly need to call the vet out or have schooling issues (again maybe I'm lucky but have also found that to always be the case). I also find the TB super adaptable and always up for something different or a new challenge. I am speaking broadly here.
Like all horses you need to take your time as you know and you can't rush. And maybe this is why I have been lucky. It hasn't always been a walk in the park, not going to lie about that, but I've found coming out the other side much quicker and easier.
 
Dan Skelton said in an interview that thoroughbreds are 1000 times easier to train than warm blood describing them as clever placid and quick to learn - racehorses that is not the warm bloods. He said they’re less needy 😁. Yard, it’s definitely the racehorses who kick
the door, can’t be left on their own or have to be sedated to be clipped or for the dentist. I think thoroughbreds and particularly racehorses are used to being professionally handled and essentially having to get on with life.
 
ok he was in training for a few months but this is our boy:

olly jan 26 1.jpg
olly jan 26 2.jpg

Winter Games- now 7yo stallion by Mehmas he is still entire and available at stud, aimed at sports horse market (rather than racing)

ive had some nice horses, TB and WB and i have to say this one has the nicest brain
 
I just personally didn't like the feeling they gave me when riding. I never found any that I had or have ridden, agile or quick enough. Almost too clunky so to speak. Kind of like driving a sports car vs a minivan. I also find the TB's I have owned and ridden much easier to train, more willing to do things and cleverer in their thinking. It's a very personal opinion. Maybe i've been unlucky with the WB type's or maybe I've just been incredibly lucky with the TB's I've had.
I'm the only person with a TB on my yard, and also the only person who doesn't constantly need to call the vet out or have schooling issues (again maybe I'm lucky but have also found that to always be the case). I also find the TB super adaptable and always up for something different or a new challenge. I am speaking broadly here.
Like all horses you need to take your time as you know and you can't rush. And maybe this is why I have been lucky. It hasn't always been a walk in the park, not going to lie about that, but I've found coming out the other side much quicker and easier.
So interesting thank you. My TB is definitely clever, and as a consequence can often get himself out of scrapes without injury. I'm amazed by how agile and quick thinking he is. But you're right, one can't rush them. I had to be patient for a good three years getting him strong, fit and sure footed compared to the weak 8 yr old (but try hard) boy i originally acquired. I find that because they're sensitive you absolutely experience every new adventure through their eyes and ears. Something else I'm very proud of is his incredible stamina and turn of speed.
 
Dan Skelton said in an interview that thoroughbreds are 1000 times easier to train than warm blood describing them as clever placid and quick to learn - racehorses that is not the warm bloods. He said they’re less needy 😁. Yard, it’s definitely the racehorses who kick
the door, can’t be left on their own or have to be sedated to be clipped or for the dentist. I think thoroughbreds and particularly racehorses are used to being professionally handled and essentially having to get on with life.
For riding i absolutely adore my TB. SO forward going and interested in everything. On the ground a bit cheeky nippy, playful...I put this down to clever, looking for fun and testing the boundaries. Sedated for clipping in his case. Everything else he's good apart from his precious substitute mum mare field mate leaving his side! 😅. As with all horses theor early days are formative, but there's no doubt TBs are not for the faint hearted generally 🤭
 
ok he was in training for a few months but this is our boy:

View attachment 171772
View attachment 171773

Winter Games- now 7yo stallion by Mehmas he is still entire and available at stud, aimed at sports horse market (rather than racing)

ive had some nice horses, TB and WB and i have to say this one has the nicest brain
Beautiful. Can I ask, how did you manage to load a picture? I've been trying with no success.
 
This was my briefly in training in France tb. I was always arguing with people who insisted he was a wb/part bred. Sadly retired at 12 with a shoulder injury and no longer with us.


View attachment 171778
Everyone who has asked me about mine has asked if he is a warmblood. They are very surprised when I say no, he is a TB.

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