Thoroughbreds?

Question

What are some important things to remember when buying an off the track Thoroughbred? Tips for introducing them into jumping? Anything else that I should know when I first bring my new horse home? Thank you.

Answer 1

I don't know about introducing them to jumping, but Thoroughbreds just off the track often need a period of time to "let down" before you can start training them.  

For starters, I would recommend that if it is at all possible, get a list of the medications your horse may have been on at the track.  A lot of trainers use steroids (far too many, IMO), and you really need to know if your horse has been on steroids before you got him (or her-- mares get steroids too).  If you find out your horse has been on steroids, I would suggest you talk to your vet about how to deal with that issue.  There are behavioral and physical issues relating to a horse being on/coming off steroids, and those issues are serious enough that you really, really want to consult with a vet.

You will want to know if your horse has any other medical issues to deal with-- bone chips, arthritis, and soft-tissue damage (tendons and ligaments) are the most common for ex-racehorses.  If there are medical issues, you want to factor those in to any training/conditioning plans you make.

Take your time letting your horse "let down" in his new home.  If you know of a trainer in your area who has worked with racehorses coming off the track, you might talk to that person.  FWIW, the United Pegasus Foundation works on rehabbing racehorses, and this is their website:  http://www.unitedpegasus.com/.  You might contact them for more specific information about how to proceed;  I'm sure they can put you in touch with someone who can answer your questions.

One of the horses I owned was a former racehorse, and he was a beautiful horse with the most cheerful character.  He also had the most god-awful arthritic ankles you'd ever want to see on a horse, a legacy from his days on the track.  With Bute and a lot of TLC we had some fun times, but eventually he got beyond what I needed a horse to be capable of and I donated him to a therapeutic riding center for use with disabled kids.  He soaked up the attention and was good for the light use they put him to.

Good luck to you.