My retired Racehorse (thanks guys with the before question)?

Question

Im thinking about getting my daughter into jumping;

We currently live in Louisiana

and If you remember before I posted a question on who could find pictures of my boy racing; this is about the same horse,

im wondering if it would be alright to get him into jumping because the reason he doesnt race anymore he injured his leg

and i didnt know if that would interfer with jumping? so if you have anything to say let me know; I appreciate you guys

Im going to post some pictures of him on here so yall can see him :)

Destiny

Answer 1

It really depends on the type of injury. You will have to consult with a vet and maybe even a farrier and be cautious and keep a close eye on the horse throughout his career. But many horses do come back after sufficient time for healing to competitive sports.

Answer 2

wish you the best

Answer 3

If he was retired from racing due to a leg injury I would advise you to be very careful with him if you are going to start jumping.  Perhaps ask your vet and farrier what they think.

If they say it is ok to start jumping, take it very slowly with him and do plenty of pole work on the ground first.  Make sure you check his legs daily to make sure there is no heat or tenderness, and if there is be sure to give him a bit of time off from jumping.  

As with all horses, they get bored easily so try not to jump him everyday - even top showjumpers take days off!

See if you can involve a trainer, or even a friend that has experience of teaching a horse to jump and take plenty of advice.

Better to have a horse that can't jump than a damaged horse that can't walk properly!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Nick Zito's wife Kim takes TB's off the track and re-trains them for hunter jumper events all the time! It can be done, even a horse who has been injured in the past.

You will definitely need to confer with your Vet, if you already know the reason your horse was retired ( bowed tendon, sesamoid injury, cannon bone injury etc) this will help the Vet to decide.

Given ample healing time there are many many horses who do come back ( even to race! Look at Brass Hat... took off over a year and came back a winner!). I know one of Go For Gin's offspring bowed a tendon on the track( Kim Zito bought him and nursed him)  and a little over a year later he was eventing!