From Race Horse to Sport Horse

Everyday I meet people who have an interest in owning a horse of their own. Some are experienced horsemen and some are not. It's on this page that I hope to lend some valid advice to those who are interested in owning an ex-racehorse.

Mr. J Peterman

It's extremely important to do business with a qualified person and farm when looking to purchase a Thoroughbred. I always tell people to do research not only on the horse they're interested in, but also the seller. It's unfortunate, but there are 'self-proclaimed' experts attempting to sell Thoroughbreds, and if you're a novice while searching for a horse to purchase, WATCH OUT! Ask as many questions as you can.

• always do a pre-purchase exam with a vet of your choice
• be very observant of what you see and hear
• bring an experienced horseman with you when viewing Thoroughbreds.

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Zeb up on Sweet Valley, Ireland

For me, the Thoroughbred is an incredible animal because of their athletic ability and heart. Being raised with them all my life, I've come to appreciate the centuries of inherited bloodlines, the characteristics that are passed down generation after generation. It's also an awesome thrill to ride a Thoroughbred on a race track, or see a lovely Dressage test performed at a 3-Day event.

Zeb up on The Quiet Man - Open Novice Poplar Place Trials '05

As a new rider to your Thoroughbred, what you are now about to do is teach the horse to slow down and become collected. This can be difficult for some ex-race horses and requires someone with time and knowledge to retrain or reprogram the horse.

Many new Thoroughbred owners discover that their horse is quite different from the Quarter Horse or pony they had as a child. They discover that they need to be careful about maintaining their feet. They discover that their personalities are more prone to be energetic and that their bodies will continue to change physically as they make the transition from a race horse into a sport horse.

*Please take note: If you are unable to commit to a schedule of training and work with a Thoroughbred, then do not purchase one. Ex-race horses will most likely be the type of horse that needs a 'job', and if you cannot invest your time and money into a Thoroughbred, then you need to consider a different breed of horse.

I tell owners to be prepared to work with their Thoroughbred at a minimum of 4 days a week. I've discovered that if you dedicate yourself for 4 to 6 months in putting the time and training into an ex-racer, the payoff will be satisfying for you and the horse. The trick is not to become impatient, take short cuts, become intimidated, or lose interest. If there is a knowledgable horseman with Thoroughbred experience that you trust, I would definately work with them. People with little to no experience in handling Thoroughbreds will not be of any help.

Zeb & Captain Arias

Feed
It's likely you'll be dropping his grain and upping his hay, and there will be differences in what kinds of grain and hay you'll be feeding. PLEASE consult with your vet as to the amount and type of feed and hay to give. Stay away from Bermuda and Coastal hay since it is traditionally known to cause impactions and doesn't have much nutritional resources. Choose an Orchard grass, Timothy or an Alfalfa mix hay. As for the grain, feed either a 12% or 10% protein feed and avoid pelleted feed. Pellets can cause loose manure. I have my horses on a high fat diet, plenty of quality hay and the proper amount of low sugar sweet feed such as Purina's Omolene 200. It's a 14% fee

The time you feed will also be different. Racehorses are fed around 4-5 a.m. because they work early in the mornings between 5 and 10 a.m. Give them the time to adjust to their new home and schedule.

An important note to all horse owners whether they have a Thoroughbred or a different breed is to STOP GIVING TREATS! Many people think it's a nice way of showing the horse affection or think that they can give a treat to reinforce training. Peppermints, carrots, apples, cookies, etc., are some things people give their horses for any number of excuses. I discover very bad behavior is generated from this such as begging, pawing the ground, bobbing the head, kicking at the stall walls, running the handler down and getting into your 'space' or being mouthy and biting or nipping. That is usually when I'm called in to correct the bad behavior.

Horses should be trained via voice command praises and soft rubs - NOT CANDY!!! Horses have no clue as to the reason why they're given a treat, only that they want more of it and they want it NOW. If you feel that you have to give your horse a treat to satisfy your own emotions, then put it in their feed bin and walk away.

Horses should stand quietly in the cross ties, should freely walk on a trailer, stand immobile for the farrier, stand immobile while mounting, etc. via consistent handling and use of touch and voice commands. Nothing can tick off a farrier more than to have an owner cramming Peppermints down a horse's mouth and the horse jerking it's body around while the farrier struggles to keep their composure and temper

Attention
In the morning with work outs and prepping for the day's upcoming race, the horses will be handled by a variety of people hired on the team. They'll be with the groomer, the exersize rider, the trainer and stall workers.Taking the time to watch your horse's habits and getting to know their personality will help you understand their individual characteristics. You can see if they are girthy, if they're possessive of their stall space, or if they enjoy the one-on-one contact.

Activity at Home
Some Thoroughbreds will have been stabled at the track for many weeks, walking on the hot walkers and not be able to graze or have turnout time in a pasture. Be careful of the amount of time you let them graze for the first week. They're not use to grass and you may see their manure will be very runny. The next thing to watch out for is that they may become body sore from the sudden 'freedom' they're allowed to have in the field. They're also more proned to loosing shoes if they're running around, so make sure their shoes have clips to help secure them.

Realize that at the track, the horses are not shod with clips, but rather light aluminum racing shoes. When replacing their shoes with those that have clips, be careful as to how tight your farrier makes them. Tight clips will initially make their hooves sore. Thoroughbreds will be more active in the fields, so my horses go out with bell boots and splint boots as a precautionary.

ASPEN RIDGE

All the Thoroughbreds at Little Kentucky Farm are well started in their careers for Eventing. They're handled and trained everyday to be well mannered, well schooled and started over fences both cross country and stadium when they're ready to do so. Some are prospects and some are further along in their experience and education and are being competed.

The Thoroughbreds for sale at the farm are horses of quality, purchased from well known and respected locations and contacts such as our Bloodstock Agent, Keeneland, Churchill, Fasig-Tipton, or family track trainer. What sets these horses apart from others is not only their correct confirmation, soundness and ability, but the fact that they're are well represented .

Sandburg's Remorse