Racehorse rescue?

Question

I am an intermediate horse back rider and have been riding for 6 years. I am looking to get a horse this spring and am really interested in adopting a retired thoroughbre race horse, wether the horse has recovered from an injury or is simply to slow/old to race. I read on the thoroughbred breed and know the downs. I am just looking for a pleasure horse. But not every thoroughbred is your spooky, flighty racehorse right? I would really appreciate advice from this breed's owners and especially people who have adopted retired racehores. Thanks.

Sites:

Rerun.org

Horseadoption.com

Answer 1

usually the older geldings are calm and not a problem a lot of the pony horses you see at tracks are thoroughbreds

Answer 2

Get a good trainer you trust, and start looking and be honest.  If you do not like the horse, pass.  There will be another.  I have had ex-racehorses, and most are fine pleasure horses.  You need a good trainer and a good gut feeling about the horse.

Answer 3

You are right, not all thoroughbreds are flighty and spooky, but a lot are - especially those that have spent a large amount of time on the racecourse.

I have ridden ex-racehorses and to be honest how they beahve is down to two things - how well they have been retrained and their temperament.

The racehorse rehabilitation charities here in GB will assess your riding capabilities to the horses they have on offer for rehoming.  They will watch you ride and then try their best to match you up with a horse that suits you and your requirements.

All horses, whatever their breed, have the potential to be flighty and spooky, so don't dismiss a thoroughbred without careful thought.  You could have a lot of fun!

Good luck.