THOROUGHBRED HELP

[lauren]

My dad is wanting to get me a thoroughbred off the tracks. But my friends say I won't be able to cope. But I'm sure I will. Is there anyone out there who has an ex-racehorse and can help me. Oh yes I've been riding for 2 years I jump,trot,canter and aren't scared of riding new and big horses.

[Daventry]

I WOULDN'T GET A TB OFF THE TRACK FOR YOU!!!! Thoroughbred's (off the track) take a lot of time, patience and knowledge. If you have only been riding for two years, jumping or no jumping - I am sorry to say - you just don't have the knowledge. TB's, off the track, are taught to run harder and faster when you pull on the reins. Would you know how to re-train your horse so that he stops when you pull.
If you are still considering purchasing an off the track TB I would highly consult an experienced trainer and let them help you!

[Kristy]

I'd have to agree with Davenport on this one. OTTTB's are a nightmare. They need to have a kind but firm hand and someone VERY knowledgable.
Sorry I know this is probably not what you wanto hear but don't so it for your own sake.
Kristy

[lauren]

Thanx, yes I know all about it. My dad has lots of friends who always get their horses off the track. I have told him all that you guys and others have said and he might get 1 off the track but give it to his friend who trains ex-racehorses. And he is going to train the horse for me and when it has done it's training and is safe to ride then I'm going to get it back. Thanx for replying.
Lauren

[Jess]

I have three exracers and I have trained all of them.... I LOVE them! I would have either a trainer do the work for you (that will take at least 6 months to get him to a calm point... even then, they are more to handle than a normal horse) or I would wait. But I don't want to discourage someone who wants an exracer. Ex racers are wonderful horses and they really appreciate you because chances are, they haven't had love in the past. Give yourself some time and a little more experience.... but I would definetely recommend an ex racer in a couple of years.
Jess

[giddyupgirl]

Hi,
I worked at a racing stable for 3 years, and when I left I was able to take one of the horses with me as she was retiring at the time, she was 4 years old (gggrrr hehe old enough to have learnt a few tricks) and she was very very toey, anyway I am still not a very confident rider and I rode her (she was race fit)in a GP saddle with my irons long for several weeks before she decided that she was going to walk for me, and after that she was wonderful, tied up anywhere etc etc I suggest you take the horse of all the high energy feed (wean it off!) and dont ride the horse at any great pace until the effects of the feed and the fitness level have dropped down to a manageable level. I found it really hard with my horse because she had a "dead" mouth and she wanted to bolt all the time, and on top of that I was riding with long irons, she used to put her head down low and just pull on the bit, then I changed bits to a dutch gag so that I was working on her poll not her mouth and everything worked out fine, I hope everything works out well for you.....Good luck!!!