Hor are x-racers for becoming jumpers or hunters?

Question

I am thinking of buying a 16.1 thoroughbred gelding that was an x-racer. I ride english and western but i mostly like English, and jumping. he raced his 2 year old year,and thats all, didnt want to race. He is sound, and has had tests done on his legs and passed. He is now 4, and is skinny because he hasnt been worked with in a year or more. When i went to see him i rode him, and he did fine., really smooth, and light aids. I was just wondering if him being and x racer would make him difficult to work with, and tempermental.. he seems really nice and calm, and he is low on the pecking order, but the lady that owns the barn i board at say theyre bad news. Also, are they okay in winter when its -30 and summer when its +30 ? thanks.

Answer 1

It depends on the horse.  Since this horse sounds like he has had some re-training, it sounds like he'll be fine.  Some horses who come right off the track are hard to handle but with some re-training they're fine.  Some horses that come right off the track are perfect angels.  There's a little chestnut filly at my barn for re-training and she's just perfect... she stands in her stall in 1 place all day and never moves.

Remember that ex-racers need to get their exercise though.  It's really not a good idea to leave a TB in their stall for an extended period of time.  You should either ride, lunge, or turn out your horse every day.

When an off track racer acts up, it's usually not because they're a mean bad horse... it's just because they don't understand.  Sometimes they'll act up on the lunge line but it's just because they've never been lunged before... they just don't know what you're asking.  Once they get the hang of it, they might be fine.

It's really common for an off track TB to become a hunter-jumper.  Some of them have difficulty with jumping if they have leg or back problems... a lot of horses get retired for their leg or back problems... they can be perfectly fine for some light flat work, but asking them to do more is a little much.  Your horse though sounds fine since he only raced as a 2 year old and the vet checked him out as fine.

Maybe if your barn manager is concerned about you having an ex-racer, maybe you could do like a trial period where the horse comes to your barn for a week and if it really is a problem you can opt not to buy him...  just an idea ;o)

Answer 2

I have OTTBs and they live outside 24/7 with run in sheds all winter and we live in the midwest with cold and snow.

They need to be retrained and they are great horses.

But they are sensetive and it takes patience to work with them. They are more reactive to things and people think they are nuts.

Many people just have never rode or worked with one.

Once you gain their trust they will try harder for you than any other horse on the planet. They have so much heart.

As long as his legs are clean no bows or injuries he could do fine as a jumper. Many go on to have second careers as jumpers.

Answer 3

Ex-racehorse thoroughbreds are wonderful for some people and a nightmare for others.  I have a 17.3 had ex-racehorse that I purchased 2 weeks after her last race.  She is my favorite horse and I wouldn't trade her for the world.  We do both hunters and jumpers, her big even stride and agility allows me to do both however we do prefer the jumper ring.

I don't know the history on why the gelding would be skinny, however, ex-racehorses tend to be hard keepers and especially in the cold climates look for something low in starch and high in fat, moderate protein, they don't need it extensively.

Everyone said don't get an ex-race horse, they are bad news, but I have never had one single bad news ex-race horse, most of mine are big friendly giants who would ride to the end of time with me.  I have currently retrained over 20 ex-race horses and have kept 5 as my own/family horses, each of the others has gone on and done the HITS in Florida and other Rated shows, each is still going strong and loves their new career!

Answer 4

horses will adapt to you

just be kind and patient

they also love pepermints....

Answer 5

It all depends on the horse. Some are complete Angels and some are Devils. Some are difficult to get out of old habits and tend to bolt etc but because he has only done a few races then don't I think that this would be an issue. If he was fine when you last rode him then there isn't any reason he should be different now. Although he might be a bit fresh from not being ridden for so long!

If he is 'skinny' I wouldn't be too worried because at that age he still needs to bulk out and thoroughbred horses are generally quite light weight.

If it is possible then I would try to put him in a stable at night but if it isn't provide a stable shelter. And make sure you have a good quality, water proof, heavyweight rug. In the summer he should be fine, just make sure has access to fresh water.

Answer 6

Under weight bothers me some feel if you keep them starved they will act different watch out

But yes they make great Jumpers and some fantastic hunters

But be ware of that weight thing he should be gaining weight NOT LOSING IT

Get a good trainer ok I hope he works out

some of my BEST HORSES HAVE BEEN X RACE HORSES

Answer 7

A 4yo TB is a lot of work, he will be okay in yur environment but it will cost a lot to keep him.  Lots of extra feed and he'll need to be stabled and rugged in winter!!