I am gonna get a throughbred off the track?

Question

I am gonna get a TB off the track. What are some things to look for when buying one? I am gonna make it a jumper!

Answer 1

It's a good thing to get a ex racer, you are gonna give him/her a brandnew life!
In general you can get a lot of horses that are healthy, just not fast enough for the track, if i was you i'd try to get a horse that ran LONG races. They are usually not as hard on the legs, as the speed isn't as fast.
Please take someone with you when you view the horse that has a lot of knowledge, especially in SEING lamness. A lot of people think it's easy to see, but only the experinced can really pick up on problems... If you can't do that make sure you see the horse on a loungeline if possible, or in a field or indoor arena, where you can see it move. What you are looking for is IF the horse is NODDING, if it is, it is lame! If you are uncertain, try lounging it, or have someone else trott it on concrete. That will intensify the lameness rather quickly.

Also, a lot of TBs have a sensitive back, in most breeds that means backproblems, not so in TBs, as they do not have a 'topline' they are just rather sensitive. If you right them properly, so the head comes down, like in dressage, they built the topline easily and quickly and you won't have a problem.

Once you do find a horse that fits you and it passed your first assessment make sure you get a vet to check it out. There might be some hidden problems, like wind sucking or other problems that might interfear with your goals.
Unfortunatly i don't know where you are, but here in the US there is websites where you can adopt a TB that has partially been retrained.
Check out this websites.
http://www.inishmoredowns.com/Thoroughbred_Racehorse_Adop.html
http://exforg.proboards32.com/index.cgi

if you have any more questions, or want me to specify anything don't hesitat to email me @ [e-mail]

Mel

Answer 2

You need to make sure that you get the horse vetted, including exrays of the legs. Make sure that the horse has smooth legs and hasnt been pin fired. Make sure that there is no swelling in the hocks or fetlocks. Make sure the horse trots out as well. Once you make sure that the legs are smooth, thats when you should get the vet in just to make sure

Answer 3

before you start with him or her make sure the horse is off all hot feed,that will help.
Check the horse's legs for past injurys.
Check the horse's breathing.
Run your hand down the spine all the way to the rump,if the horse dips, the back might be out of joint.
good luck.

Answer 4

BE CAREFULL!!!! TB can be very hard to handle and require alot of time and patience. but if your dead set on gettin one i would tell you to get one that wasnt bred for flat racing. there are alot of horses who didnt make it as jumpers that turn out perfectley well as showjumpers.