Are there any thoroughbred trainers or owners who would be willing to answer some questions?

Question

I am an elementary school student doing research on Thoroughbreds. I need to know. First, do Thoroughbreds require any special tack, training or treatment that normal non-racing horses don't need?

Second, what are thoroughbred health problems that are caused by racing or are more dangerous for thoroughbreds than other horses?

Third, if I was to buy a thoroughbred and race that horse, what important things would I need to know?

Last, what sets thoroughbreds apart from other horses?

Answer 1

Dear friend, Thoroughbreds are race horses!

Race horses dont require much training as relates to tack, so there's really no special tack used, like in movement disciplines. The training is focused on the horses athletic ability and endurance. Jockeys dont really have alot of control over a race horse like other equine sports, its kinda stop, walk and full throttle!

Their health issues stem around  hyper extension type injuries and over heating.

If you want to learn horse racing the right way, learn all you can about Charles Howard and Tom Smith, they trained one of the greatest underdog race horse champions of all time!

Answer 2

First question yes, to give a fair and honest answer it would take forever, same as the second question, there are many different problems that are unique to race horses, many of them are manageable.

Third, the most important thing is to get involved with a trainer who is honest and runs them where they will win.  It is possible to make money with race horses, you just need luck and the right people working for you (your trainer handles everything from the grooms to what jockey will ride, to the feed program and what level to run at).  I bought my first horse almost 10 years ago for $6,000, I now own just over 20 (it changes all the time, with claiming races and foaling season), I also now own a breeding farm.  I have put quite abit more money into it, but if I sold everything I have today, I would be way up.  The biggest misconception is that you have to be a millionaire and you will loose money, that is a risk, but if you are careful with you purchases, run them in the right spots and get lucky now and then you can make money.  The problem with the rich people in the business is that they throw all kinds of money around and try to buy the big races, overpaying for horses, that rarely pan out, the agents buying for them know they have the money to spend so they do, and take their 5% commission.  I was still in universtiy when I bought my first horse and spent money I save up since I was young, I studied pedigrees and the Racing Form, more than my school work so when it came time to buy I knew more than those millionaires who have all the cash.  I had nobody in my family who knew about the business but I talked to a trainer and went around to sales with him and that's how I learned (I was lucky to find someone who would take the time to teach me all the ins and outs of the biz).  My best advice is if you want to get a race horse eventually do it, it is the best feeling ever watching your horse cross the wire first, I could barely walk down the stairs to the winners circle my first win the adrenaline was pumping so much, its a bigger rush than any play you could make in any sport and I've scored to win a championship game, its also backed up by a friend who plays to packed houses every weekend.  But just make sure you learn as much as you can before jumping in, and know that no matter how careful you are bad things can happen, there are many ups and downs in the sport.

As for the las one, I don't work with any other horses, but thoroughbreds will give you back whatever you give to them, if you treat and train them with respect they will do the same to you.  People that say they are crazy are just not patient enough, repatition and reassurance goes a long way, results aren't seen in a day, they come with time.

Answer 3

Thoroughbreds require a racing saddle to enter races and they use a snaffle bridle to race in. They need to be trained to run, and only to run if they wish to win. This can cause problems later on when their racing careers are over, usually by age 6, because they don't understand when they are told to slow down and collect their gaits. They are taught to run when they feel a rider or the pressure of a bit.

Racehorses often get leg injuries or lameness problems. They sometimes have back problems. They are also bred for speed, not temperament, so they can be mean.

If you wish to buy a racehorse, look for good bloodlines. Famous sires often make famous offspring. Some thoroughbreds go for millions, so you should seriously consider if you have the money. You would need a trainer, jockey and groom.

Thoroughbreds have good speed and endurance. They are so fast they can go 40 mph. They are a main breed, and they are the best-known breed of horse to the non-horsey world.

Answer 4

Thoroughbreds are the most common type of racehorse, but there are others. ( Arabians, standardbreds and quarterhorses) What makes thoroughbreds special is that they run faster for a longer distances than quarterhorses are just plain faster than arabians and standardbreds. ( standardbreds run without a rider pulling a thing called a sulky). thoroughbreds can be more likely to get sick than other horses because of  racing it is very stressful. they tend to get lung infections more than a horse who is just turned out.injuries are common among racehorses young horses will buck shins from training on the race track about 50% of the time. there are millions of things you need to know to train racehorses, I've been training horses for 15 years and working with them for 25 +years.  with race horse we use english style saddles (no horn like on a western saddle) when a horse runs in a race the jockey supplies his own saddle so he can make the weight the horse was assigned. when racing we put 2 girths on them an under girth and an over girth so the saddle doesn't slip. bridles consist of a headstall,reins,bit, throat latch. bits vary i.e. ring bit eggbut snaffle,d-bit, leather prong,spoon bit and to many more to list. we also use nose bands, figure 8s, drop nosebands, shadow rolls, blinkers and tongue ties. the key is to figure out what horse needs what equipment. as far as owning a thouroughbred race horse you either need to have alot of money or be in a partnership. the cost of buying the horse isn't what gets you its the bills of keeping it , a trainer can charge anywhere from $35 a day to $125 a day plus a % of the purse (generally 10%) now add on your vet bill, blacksmith and you are looking at roughly $2,000 a month to keep a horse. hopefully you get a good one who makes enough to pay for himself if you ever do own one. I hope I helped you some.

Answer 5

Thoroughbred are ridden in a racing saddle. Basically a leather flap with a thing to hold two stirrups on the side of it. It is ultra light weight. They have a bridle and many people use a racing D bit. Some horses have their tounges tied down when they race. It helps them to breathe easier and it keeps the tounge from geting over the bit. They use a soft nylon sotcking type thing to do it and remove it after they race.

Problems caused by racing run from heat and swelling in the legs to broken bones. Most things like "bucked shins" and "wind puffs" and "bowed tendons" can be treated and the horse may return to racing and his regular exercise schedule.

In order for you to buy own and train and race a horse you would need to understand how to condition the horse or have a trainer handle the training for the track. The horse needs to get a gate card by showing he knows how to stand quietle in the starting gates and load into them safely. YOu have to have a vet and someone who can exercise the horse for you. You have to have someone who will do the day to day care of the horse and you will need to get to know a jockey agent so you can pay someone to ride him in a race for you.

Having lots of money is the main thing you need to own and race thoroughbreds.

In my opinion the thoroughbred has more spirit and desire than other horses. They have a quite way about them (sometimes) until you get them into a racing situation and then they show how much they love to run.

Answer 6

I can't answer all of your questions.  I was a liscensed groom for 5 years at Southern California Race Tracks & I can tell you that the #1 most dangerous thing for a TB Racehorse is HUMANS & THE BACKLOT OF THE RACE TRACK.  More horses are ruined due to mishandling, poor judgement, & unsafe conditions more than anything else.  Humans are the ones who spread disease from horse to horse when they fail to adhere to the rules of cleanliness & the sanitizing of their equipment & themselves.

Answer 7

Lots of special tack, training and treatment. There alot of different reins and bits, helping the rider with better control of the horse. Some race horses will where blinkers. They look like a hood over the horses face. You'll notice they have "cups" on these blinkers. Keeps horses from looking around and focusing on what's ahead of them. Different kinds of shoes, saddles, bandages, etc. All kinds of different training philosophies. Speak with 100 different trainers, and you'll get 100 different answers. As far as health issues, thoroughbreds will have all the usual things as any horse, then you have to add on sports injuries. Most common injuries in racehorses will have to do with their legs. As far as owning a race horse, i think the biggest thing you should keep in mind, you WILL lose money. dont let anyone fool ya. if you notice the big time owners at the big race days, they didnt make their millions in the horse business. it is a  hobby to them. i would not invest anymore money in it than what i was willing to throw away. it will be the thrill of your life to hit the winners circle with your own horse, but dont count on it. keep it fun. last, all thoroughbreds can trace their ancestory back to 3 stallions. kind of like the fancy dog shows, they all have a registered pedigree.