Would you buy/ride an ex-racer

tinkandlily

tinkandlily

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I have always owned ex-racers and find them to be very good horses, however most people think they are nutters and should be avoided at all costs. I admit they can be silly put with positvie and careful riding they are super horses that can do any job. What do you think?:cool:
 
I agree they are great horses, i have an anglo arab and i always get people going "oh thats brave of you" or "oh, is he a bit mad then" ect ect but he is a really sweet horse and no naughtier than any "safe" cobs and cheeky ponies ive ridden. People just have sterotypes in their minds that are hard to break untill the own that certain type of horse.
 
Yeah i have one and she is fab. It has taken a lot of work to get her to this stage. but it was all so worth it. She is a great jumper, pretty bombproof in traffic and with kamikaze pheasants etc. She isn't the easiest horse in a lot of ways, for example, if she's not happy in the field and wants to go in her stable, she will jump out. She had a bit of a tough past and bashed around a bit so next time I would get one from a reputable trainer and do it the easier way. But yeah, I would certainly have another.
 
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Yes of course. Current horse and previous horse were racers. Both are and were beautiful, talented and genuine horses that I would have not a hop in hell of affording if it wasn't for their ex racer tag.

Previos horse was a little quirky but that was just her, I never fell off her though in 5 years of ownership and we competed BD and BS. Current horse is the sweetest, easiest horse I have ever had the pleasure to know. Yes both had their 'moments' but what well bred, hot blooded horse doesn't?

I think ex-racers get a bad rep because not all are of a decent quality, like any breed you get good and bad so you have to be picky. Also because they are cheap they are often brought by numptys who see them as a cheap way to buy a horse. Also I think a lot of dealers pick them up for meat money at the sales and flog them to novices for a higher price as they don't realise what they are.

There is no horse IMO that can beat a good TB. They have
movement, jump and intelligence. Well handled they are well mannered, easy and brave. :) :)
 
Yes, they have completely unfair PR. Once they settle to the new way of life they are brilliant willing and adaptable
 
Personally no, as I have never felt my riding was up to it, and plus I’m a Cob girl at heart. However recently I had a go on Toomanyhorses26 (on here) lovely TB, Dillion, and actually got on better then I thought I would. I’m hoping to go back and have a jump. So maybe he has changed my mind???
 
I had a few in my time and all, after a bit of retraining turned out great, some as happy hackers, others showing, event, sj. Each to their own! They just need a bit of time and a sensible owner!
 
I have one now and love him, hes so sweet and talented. I would definately have another.

I think they often get labelled nutters as novice people buy them as their cheap then find them too sensitive and struggle.
 
yes. they have been proffesionally produced for the speed but have done more roadwork than most horses! generally they are well mannered but sadly far too many end up in the hands of novices who cant ride forward thinking horses! or who feed them too much in the feed versus work ratio!
 
Yes, love my ex-racer to bits. Its taken alot of hard work to retrain him in to a riding horse, but would definitelty do it again. You cant beat the feeling of riding them at a full gallop!
 
I'm normally a hairy cob type person but I have to admit I think I'm on my way to being a convert :o Have started riding some ex-racers and on the whole am really enjoying them- and my riding has [had to] come on in leaps and bounds for me :)
 
Had one ex hurdler for three yrs, and he was amazing. Ok so we never really schooled or did dressage and SJ was very dodgy. But he would never say no to a days hunting or XC. I have completly had to reschool my self to jump now because I just take off so early coz he did :D Plus anything could pass him on the road. His one downfall is he wouldnt hack out alone.
 
I think they can make amazing riding horses in the right hands. I had the pleasure of ride-judging some ex-racers and have to say it was a fantastic experience. At no point did I feel unsafe (even though there was a few moments of excitment - which is forgiveable!) and such a feeling of power in that canter.
I'm a cob girl at heart, though owned an Anglo for 16 years who I could trust far more than my "plod??" :p LOL.
I would definitely consider an ex-racer for my next horse if the right one came along :)
 
Yes because I wouldn't paint every breed with the same brush, every horse deserves a chance.
 
I've had one that went completely insane and I've got one now who's just super, he can turn a hoof to anything, and hes a very handsome man too! I'd never be put off just because they'd raced/trained to race - every horse is different, and with careful thoughtful training adapted to the horses needs they prove to be super horses :) In fact me and my friends love our ex racers, we've all got one :p :D
 
Yes! I took a chance on my boy and got him for nothing from his trainer, he is an absolute sweety, vice free, sound, sane and sensible.

Never thought I'd say it but I love him to bits. I feel very fortunate to have him.
 
tbh i think tbs are no different from any other breed/horse they all have there quirks! :) I no alot of moody, quirky horses and there not tbs lol ... I also no alot of people who would never buy one as they think they have a flat jump etc but its totally untrue

but i love my wee tb :) was rather hard work when we first got him as we got him straight out of p2p yard but he is completely different now :) would deffo get another; raced or not! ... but then again im not a cob lover lol i like nice fine horses :P
 
Thanks for the plug JoBo :) :) I am on my third ex racer now and have to say would have a real preference for them now :) My 9 year old at times has been the most frustrating horse but in the last year he has really matured and settled. He has made me looka t myself and how I ride which at times has been quite gutting but I think I have come out better for it. Yes there are still things that we haven't quite solved - he is absolutley terrified of cows and I honestly don't think anything will get him over this and our random dislike of a 50m stretch of path that leads to our hacking but he is honest as the day is long and has given me some great memories - my 1st 1st place ever, the first time I jumped 1.30m and qualifying for a national champs . My little project is a very different type - flat bred and only 15.3hh but he is a fab confident little horse who seems to able to turn his hand to most things and he is only 3 . Again he has a couple of things that need work and attention - we make it our aim to try and maim the farrier in as many ways as possible so sedalin is our best friend at the moment and he was very skinny when he arrived so we still have a way to go with our weight gain but I will be very sad to see him go when I eventually get round to selling him. I think ex racers are what you make them - Dylan was unbelievably precious about things when he came to me - a cut meant his leg was falling off and he couldn't possibly get his feet wet in a puddle - but I think alot of it stemmed from being insecure and unsure of himself but he has lived in a herd of 9 since I got him (shock horror - out in the rain and 24/7 in the summer - poor dear ! :) )and he has found his place - he gets told off by our welshie when he gets too full of himself and has paired up with a little mare as well . Little Rio again has settled so well into a herd environment and quite often you will see him flat out in the field snoring his head off with his little gang of ponies keeping watch. In other words they get no special treatment as such ( they are part of a riding school )and get treated the same as any other horse there - Dylan does his share of the lessons and they are all turned out come rain or shine and I expect the same from my two as any other horse that I have had.Mine are related but they couldn't be more different - Rio v cocky and confident but quick to react (and not always in a good way as my farrier will testify :) ) and Dylan needs calm and patient handling as he takes things very personally and bloody hell has the horse got a memory ! :)
 
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and for the disbelivers that think they don't jump properly - they can !!! Part of the reason he came out of racing was he spent to much time in the air as he used to showjump all the hurdles :)
 
ive had exracers all my life and each one has taught me so much and given me fantastic times.at the moment i have 3.each one totaly different with different needs but all do their job brilliantly.time and patience brings out the best in them which ive found is the only way to go,wouldnt have anything else
 
toomanyhorses26 said:
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and for the disbelivers that think they don't jump properly - they can !!! Part of the reason he came out of racing was he spent to much time in the air as he used to showjump all the hurdles :)
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I agree, I have just taken my mare to her first jumping comp, she wouldn't jump the practice jump but in the ring she was jumping 7 foot insted of 5.lol:D
 
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