March 2000 California Thoroughbred

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March 2000

Off The Track

By LEIGH GRAY

There is a misconception about Thoroughbreds I would like to correct. I have had people tell me that Thoroughbreds are high strung, hyper and that Thoroughbreds from the racetrack are crazy. This has not at all been my experience. As with people, some horses have different personalities. For the most part, I have found that they are sensitive and good hearted.

retiredhorses.gif (39319 bytes) The horses that come from the racetrack actually have an advantage. They have received valuable experiences and training. When a young Thoroughbred comes from the farm, it is exposed to many more things than the average horse living in a backyard. The young horse must learn to deal with large trucks and tractors, large crowds of people and large groups of other horses. They are bathed and groomed daily. Their exercise program is regimented and discipline is an everyday occurrence.

Young Thoroughbreds are also confined for long periods of time and fed a high-energy diet. Then they must compete at their maximum potential. All things considered, these horses cope amazingly well. Have you ever noticed a young child that has eaten too many sweets? Or a child that can't go out and play when it's raining? It is that kind of youthful exuberance Thoroughbreds must contain. We do not want them to run their race before they get to the starting gate.

Coming off the racetrack can be a life altering experience for the racehorse. They need time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Their diet needs to be modified. I have found that by switching their feed to just hay and fresh water can change a horse's demeanor. I usually start horses out in a small pen and with time let them graduate to a larger one. This is assuming they don't have an injury. After about a month or two of let-down time they can be turned out to pasture. Just letting a competitive Thoroughbred racehorse be a horse for awhile does wonders for them.

Now you can begin the horse's new career. Thoroughbreds, contrary to popular belief, do make excellent trail horses. They have long strides and can cover long distances with no problem. Some people enjoy taking their horses to the beach. Others prefer a mountain trail. So even participate in parades. retiredhorsesII.gif (59570 bytes)

Once a Thoroughbred is taken off the racetrack it is only limited in what it can achieve by its owner's ability/ Not all people are top-notch athletes. Some of us just enjoy the camaraderie of an equine companion and a day to venture out and enjoy nature. Each horse is an individual. Hopefully, they are treated as such. Once you have found your horse niche, there is no end to the fun you can have!