Why are ex-racehorses so cheap... thoughts?

[Meowy Catkin]

no the show made a point of showing how TBs differed from other breeds due to the way they are bred for the track. Very very interesting program.

I agree that it was a very interesting programme. It didn't give me the impression that TB's are 'weaker' than any other breed. You must remember that every breed has been bred for certain characteristics through artificial selection. Any breed that has performance as the main goal isn't going to be improved by breeding from substandard specimins. You could argue that the quest for dainty heads (arabs) or beefcake looks (halter quarterhorses) has had more negative impact on those breeds than anything that you find in the TB population.

 

[vickyb]

They are cheap because there are so many of them, and there are so many misconceptions about them. I have worked in flat racing, and also with non racing thoroughbreds, and have bought one from a racing yard (jointly with a friend). I can honestly say I have had many more hairy moments with non TB's than I ever had with any TB. The one from the racing yard had raced a week previous to us buying him (ex hurdler), but he took to his new lifestyle like a duck to water and we were competing him within a few months. I just love them, and no one can deny they are handsome!