Is adopting a retired Thoroughbred racehorse a smart thing to do?

Question

Is adopting a retired Thoroughbred racehorse a smart thing to do?

Answer 1

You can purchase Thoroughbreds who have been retrained for trail riding or jumping from any number of quality retirement facilities in the U.S. Refer to the ReRun website for information....it is as good a start as any.

Answer 2

Oh yes it is.  I have seen thing on the internet that when the retire a racehorse that they send them to a slaughter house because they are either worthless or sterile (they aren't good breeding or mare is sterile too.) Keep in mind to that since they are retired they think that they can be fussy and just plain rowdy. Most racehorses just want a life in the pasture with no disturbances or people riding him/her because they have had jockeys on their back their whole lives. Personally I think it would be awesome to have a horse no-matter what the breed or size, but since I am in the city I can't have a horse. Best of luck to you and the racehorse.

Answer 3

yes it is, and in fact, there have been great sires and mares who wasn´t very good in races but had great descendants.

Answer 4

yes, i would if i could afford it....go for..if you can

Answer 5

If you are an experienced horsewomen, then yes!

I plan on adopting one as soon as I have enough experience and am a proficient rider. And of course when I can afford a horse :)

Answer 6

I dont see why not, some are high strung but when properly acclimated make fine riding pets...good luck

Answer 7

no itl cost you a load of dosh

Answer 8

Absolutely, however if you are not an experienced rider or cannot afford to work with someone who can help you with this horse if you are lacking in experience a thoroughbred is not a wise choice. I'm not saying it cannot be done but being over mounted is really no fun. Depending on how fit ( right off the track) the horse is you will have to give him some time to let down and in essence calm down. If you are getting a horse from Rerun or the Exceller Foundation (TRF) they will be already let down and had some retraining so these people should be able to help match you up to a horse that will be able to do what you are interested in doing as well as match your riding abilities. Good Luck. There is nothing better than a thoroughbred in my opinion.

Answer 9

These can be wonderful horses with many many years of rewarding activity ahead of them. Make sure that the horse you choose is appropriate for your experience as this thoroughbred will likely be VERY fit and therefore even more spirited than the average Thoroughbred. Many of the younger race horses can need a period of a few months of "turnout time" to chill out a little before you start retraining them to whatever discipline you choose. Also, as with any horse, you will want to have your vet check the horse out before you adopt just to have an idea of any preexisting conditions or racing related injuries. These horses often go on to become loving and trusting champions in many disciplines. Your patience, consistency, and time will reward you in the end.

Answer 10

As a really expensive hobby sure but horses are a serious financial drain. You have to be willing to put in the time and the resources. Personally I would just get a dog, less expensive.

Answer 11

Personally I'd only recommend getting an ex-racehorse if you are a experienced with horses.  Despite things propl on here have said, most thorougbreds ARE highly strung and fractious and it takes an experienced person to know how to deal with this.

If you are looking for a riding horse I am sure there must be some charities in your area that take in and retrain ex-racehorses, why not look around.

Here in GB we have charities such as Moorcroft and Greatwood that specialise in taking in ex-racehorses and retraining them before reho,ing them with a new owner.

Horses, regardless of breed, are expensive to keep.  Even if the horse is living out in the field he will still need to see the farrier every 6 weeks, be wormed every 8 weeks and see the vet on a regular basis.  On top of that you will need insurance to protect against huge vet bills, as well as the regular food he will need to eat.  Please only consider taking on a horse if you are sure you have the money.