Transitioning Your Race Horse
This article was previously published in the Washington Thoroughbred Breeder's Association magazine (WTBA) - written for the consideration of race horse owners and trainers.
Off the track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) are a popular choice for a number of equestrian sports because of their athleticism and performance pedigrees. They are known for being highly intelligent and willing workers. However, many are just as content with having the job of being a “pet” or trail horse. Some have injuries that define the choice for them.
Most race horse trainers are vastly knowledgeable regarding a race horse’s limitation and abilities. Any member of the general equestrian community who wishes to purchase an OTTB will likely need to be educated as to which job an ex-racer is best suited for. At Second Chance Ranch we evaluate temperament, confirmation and physical condition. Some of the more common injuries from the track are bone chips in the hoof or knee, fractures to the cannon bone, bowed tendons, bucked shins, or less often a hock injuries. Often, bone chips in the knee can often be removed and not impede the horse’s ability to work. Chip in the hoof often doesn’t even need to be removed unless it’s in the coffin bone joint. Fractures eventually heal, but prevent the horse from jumping. Ligament and tendon injuries are far more limiting. A hock injury will probably preclude dressage training. Trail or pleasure riding is still an option for almost any horse.
Hunter/Jumper and Eventers look critically at confirmation – the angle of the shoulder to neck, pasterns, stifle, and length of back. While dressage riders may not be as particular about confirmation, they require a horse that enjoys repetitive training.
A horse that has a strong hind end and healthy active hocks will be the most appealing to a dressage rider. Western riders (cutting, team penning, barrel racing) need a horse that can move fast, bend and turn on a dime, while working in close range with other horses and stock. All riders will require a horse that can stay sound. Otherwise, the options are pasture pet or brood mare. Keeping a horse sound completely depends on the environment, training and care they receive after they leave the track.
The most “at risk” OTTBs are those who go into a demanding and competitive second career such as the jumper and eventer circuit. Serious jumpers invest a substantial amount of money to compete, much like with racing. If the horse can’t do the job they are often not considered “pets” nor do they have a retirement plan. Anyone taking a horse off the track should consider what they will do if the horse is not capable or willing to withstand competitive sports. Second Chance Ranch appreciates the time, work and funding that goes into these careers. Our horses are adopted on a contract that states we will purchase the horse back if you can no longer keep it, or no longer want it. This lets the adoptor off the hook for having to re-home a horse who cannot work. It allows SCR to approve of the next home and continue following the horse through contract. Our repurchase price will not exceed the adoption fee – the purpose of our contract is not to have people put training on a horse only to sell it back to us at a high price. Although, we do work cooperatively with local trainers who want an OTTB as a project. They keep the proceeds of the adoption and SCR approves of the home and enters into a contract with the adoptor.
We must not forget lead ponies! Regardless of breeding, a horse who has fulfilled the job of escorting race horses to the paddock and gate, or through morning workouts are worth their weight in gold. Any horse who has that job on their resume will have a waiting line of people to take them home!
Beyond choosing a job for the horse, there are a few things you can do to set your race horse up for success (1) don’t give them away to the general public for free. This prevents people from taking on a cheap project and turning it around for quick profit (2) use a “right of first refusal” contract so that if the horse doesn’t work out for them, you have the option of taking it back. This keeps you in the loop and you will know if the horse is being passed on to someone other than the person you chose as an owner (3) Verify where the horse will be put into training. The initial transitional training and environment is critical to the horse succeeding in any sport, or even as a pet (4) consider or offer “consignment” to a qualified trainer. They will require a reasonable boarding fee while the horse is put into training. The trainer will find an approved home that has been adequately screened. The sales price would reflect compensation for training. as well as delivering heftier price for the race horse owner. Worst case scenario, the owner has cut out the cost of boarding and receives the horse back with training on it.
Retirement. Okay, let’s say your horse has such limiting injuries, or they are a senior citizen and need the job of “pasture pet.” There are rescue and retirement organizations who can help, however, you need to screen them as well (1) they should have 501c3 status with the IRS as public Charity (2) They will have written guidelines and policies (3) They will utilize an adoption contract vs. sales contract (4) they will be operated by experienced equestrians with knowledge specific to race horses (5) they will have vet, farrier, and client and sponsor references available. (5) they will agree to provide you with updates and adoption status if asked.
