OTTBs- How much of a time commitment?

[snbess]

They absolutely are individuals, so it depends on the horse. My mare is happiest with full turnout 24/7 (she has access to her stall anytime she wants it) and at least 5 days a week of work.
Sandra

[EqTrainer]

All horses are individuals and this applies to OTTB's too.

We have had some who were absolutely bombproof and forgiving, straight off the track. Some of them were freaks. We have had some that needed time off, some who didn't. Some of them were in *bad* physical condition, some were in fantastic condition. Some had great ground manners, some were rude...

you get the idea. Don't ever let anyone tell you that they have a whole set of unique issues unto themselves.. they don't. Many, many of them are started exactly the way any hunter would be and they easily and happily go right back to that way of life.

If you are willing to put the horse in training for 90 days with a trainer that is happy to have an OTTB in their program, this is usually the smartest thing to do. It helps everyone understand who your horse is. Then a lesson and a training ride a week is great.

FWIW.. Mapleshade who posts here rarely works her horses 5-6 days a week, and they are all right off the track. She rarely lets them down, either. She DOES feed them a low starch, low sugar, high forage diet and I recommend if you get an OTTB that you do the same, even if the horse needs to gain weight. I truly believe a lot of the issues people have with their OTTB's is that they feed them inappropriately and create too much of the wrong kind of energy.

[Cherry]

The question you are asking is just too simplistic.

I agree! I bought an eight year old TB mare who had been off the track for years--she was a mental wreck!!!! She nearly sent me to the looney bin. Now, I know that not all TBs are like she was but my greatest fear is that I will have another one like her if I buy a TB. It may have been the fact she was a mare (raging hormones), I just don't know. I only know that with a TB every problem is exacerbated because they are much more reactive than other breeds (with the exception of possibly an Arabian)--that is also what makes a TB so appealing at the same time (no slow pokes here )....

Aubreyyy, it's a good thing you only have a part time job because you may need those hours to spend with your potential horse! I spent hours and hours and hours with my horse every day, working with her--I had to restart her from scratch because the people (I was her sixth owner) had all just thrown a saddle and bridle on her and jumped on her back! I don't think anyone ever taught her a single, solitary thing about being a riding horse and just let her do what she wanted to do, which was "go fast!". Fortunately she was a very smart horse and never landed any of her former owners in the hospital--but what a horse she was!!!!

Not saying that you will get a horse like this (one who thinks its in charge) but there is so much that I didn't know about Thoroughbreds--and I had worked with other types of horses for over thirty years by the time I bought my TB! I found myself woefully ignorant of the problems that could present themselves and, even worse, I had no one to fall back on to help me work through them either. Every time I hit a brick wall in her training I had to find someone to help me work through them....

I think I could retrain another one, but I don't know if I have enough energy at this point in my life!!!!

I really think I would have to encourage you to look at an off the track Standardbred! They are, as a rule, less reactive and, because of that, easier to retrain.... More of a pleasure horse.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Well, Ted was my first. And I was clueless. Ted came off a paddock sale at Fairmount straight to a riding school, he was that quiet. But he wasn't happy. He was traded to someone, 2 months or less after that who she her back riding another horse, and Ted just hung out. He was pretty green, had many issues, and I was a stupid moron.

And I have had him almost 11 years now, and he has my heart. Now, of course, I'll know so much more - you already know more, and have access to more resources, than I did. So you could not possibly be as green and clueless as I was.

Ted is a joy. Lots of energy, good work ethic, very smart, a fabulous teacher. Yes, he has his quirks, No, he is not a love bug (unless he is feeling ouchy). But I am so grateful, every day, I have him.

So, yes, educate yourself. But you should do that for any horse you purchase. And they are so, so worth it.

Good luck!

[Private JD]

I have had him almost 11 years now, and he has my heart.

And Peeps. Lots of Peeps.
I Love Peeps.
OTTBs LOVE PEEPS.

If you can arrange to bring one home right after Easter, you can buy cases, and your new friend will settle right in.

[TwoDreamRides]

I think the time commitment depends on what you make of it.

At first, mine was commitment-intensive due to a health condition he came with unbeknown to me. With a stomach infection of colitis, he needed 10 days in ICU at UGA [draining my college student account of $2500] just 3 days after he arrived at our farm. He needed penicillin shots, banamine shots, handwalking, etc. It was a 3x/day issue for 10 days. Thank goodness I was on Spring Break! Do you have time for medical issues [this is a question for any horse].

Once he was feeling better, we spent time every day on the ground, learning to tie properly, and not sit down and break halters/fences. We spend F-O-R-E-V-E-R fighting over me getting on at the mounting block. At first, he wouldn't even stand next to it, then he would walk past while I was getting on, then he would back up while I was getting on, then he wouldn't let me get back off at the mounting block without pitching a hissy fit.

He didn't want to track right at all. That caused a gigantic eruption of rearing and spinning and backing up. Mind you, at 16.1 his antics were nothing compared to what my 17.2 hand Oldenburg pulled when he was green haha.

Once we got past the basic manners I expected, it was smooth sailing on the flat. I had to wear spurs! He could go 2 weeks without being ridden and still be a wonderful flat horse.

When we started jumping, he did best being ridden 5x/week. 3 1/2 hour rides at the flat and 2 hour long rides incorporating jumping [one lesson, one practice session].

When I went back to school and slacked off on this schedule, there was a gigantic learning curve and we are basically back to square one on the jumping. He really needs constant work if thats what I expect of him.

However, as a flat horse and a trail horse for my mom -- she can ride him once every two weeks and he will go for two hour long mountain trail rides like an old pro.

It all depends on what you expect of them. The more you expect, the more of a routine you will need.

[magnolia73]

I think if you get an OTTB right off the track you won't know how much work they will need until you get into it. It may need 6 it may need 2. 5 days plus trainer ride should suffice in most cases though.

I have a really quiet TB who I bought as a restarted OTTB. That might be a good alternative as the seller can fill you in on the work schedule and you get a better idea of personality. CANTER Midatlantic always has a nice handful of well restarted horses.

[ddashaq]

Another place you could look for an already re-started ex-racer is New Vocations. They have a variety of TBs and STBs, all of whom have been evaluated and those that are sound have had some degree of re-training. I have not personally adopted from them, but it seems to be a pretty good rescue.

[caffeinated]

Several of the CANTER locations offer adoption horses who have already been "let down" and in various stages of retraining. Friends of Ferdinand, Midatlantic Horse Rescue, and New Vocations do as well. There are also many private trainers who specialize in restarting racehorses, some of who pop in here periodically.

I think for someone who is a first time horse owner, that would be a better option for you- the horse is a "known quantity" and the people involved in working with it can tell you how frequently it might need work to be happy. And the initial hard stuff is already taken care of.

TBs are just like horses of any other breed, really (at least, once they've learned new skills)- they're all individuals. Some are happy to go on a trail ride once a week, others really need a program. Getting one that's already had some work helps you figure out what you're getting into.

And of course... before taking the plunge (whether TB or otherwise) best to consult a professional who can assist you.

[DMK]

And you know, as with ANY horse, you get out of the training what you put into it. I don't care if you are Meredith Michaels Beerbaum, if you ride the horse on weekends (TB, OTTB, WB, Ayrab, QH and so on...) it is going to progress at a much slower rate than if you rode it 5-6 times a week. Now some horses of ANY breed prefer a regular work schedule and I don't think we know those horses until they've been in training and we get a feel for them. But I don't know if that "type" of horse shows up in any higher percentage in the JC registry...

I've always started my OTTBs on a lighter work schedule because I had a long commute to my day job and since I'm single, if there are errands to be done, the only one to do them is me, and I've almost always leased my own barn so there were horses to be fed and stalls to be cleaned before they can be ridden. Oh yeah, and there are other things I like to do to balance out my life. All this translates into the idea that no single horse gets ridden 5 days a week, week in and week out. Some weeks yes, some weeks no. Still, I've taken a few of them to success at the A levels. But my expectations are different BECAUSE I don't sit on them 6 days a week like a trainer. I know it will take longer to develop a reliable show horse and that my path to the same place will take longer. I don't mind, I find the journey just as much fun.

So the real question is not so much about time committments, but how capable are you in training a horse in general? Or training one that has to unlearn one job and learn a new one? That's the real question you need to be prepared to answer!

[Trevelyan96]

Although they are very accustomed to a standard routine at the track, many OTTB's adjust very well to 'life on the farm'. I've had 3 TB's, and as said by many others, they are just as individual as any other breed. Trav was a horse you could leave in the barn for a month and then just hop on him with no problem at all, but he was never on the track. Rico was picked up 3 days after his last race and settled down in 2-3 days. Was an angel under saddle for 2 years until his back problems 2 years ago, so I doubt our current issues are in any way related to his being an OTTB. And I have a new guy coming who is 5 years old, has had almost 30 starts, and is dead quiet and sweet as can be.

There's a lot of information out there regarding an OTTB, and frankly, I think some make it sound much more complicated than it really is. If you can find one that's quiet and calm on the track, then its only a matter of re-educating them a little under saddle in regards to seat, hand, and leg aids, and as each rider is an idividual, I think that may be the case with almost any horse you buy. Work with a trainer who either has experience with OTTB's or young horses.

[maunder]

I highly recommend the book "Beyond the Track", that was written by the folks at New Vocations, a Thoroughbred rehoming center.

It will give you an idea as to what the OTTB has been doing before the track and on the track and gives you a very good idea of what reschooling and care (in general) an OTTB will need.

I adore my Thoroughbred. He's an old campaigner and all business. He is learning the new pleasure horse routine and is having the winter off.

[nightsong]

First off, no horse NEEDS riding. And a straight-off-the-track is better off with NONE, because of the muscling that makes them stiff enough to be painful, the DRUGS that need to come out of their system, the high-octane fuel system that needs to be purged, the FEET, the mental STRESS, etc. etc. etc. And Thoroughbreds in GENERAL are hot-blooded, sensitive, relatively DELICATE animals who need a whole lot more care than the AVERAGE horse. Food, shelter, clothing, FARRIER, etc. etc. etc., usually including vet bills cost a WHOLE LOT MORE than a typical Quarter Horse or mutt, for instance. Be aware!!!!!!! Be PARTICULARLY aware of digestive disturbances.

And, by the way, my OTTB came off the track perfectly well-trained. Not "green" or untrained AT ALL.

[wishnwell]

I can't help you with the time commitment, but with any young, green horse, it will take time. Bonding is important and you will most likely have to let the horse down for a couple months anyway. My suggestion to you might be to look at www.leightonfarm.com . She has giveaways and has seen these horses and can tell you a bit about them which could give some reassurance for a better fit. Don't worry about trailering. If you find the right horse all of that will come together.

[Dapple Dawn Farm]

To quote Forrest Gump "life is like a box of chocolates...", well, OTTB's are like that as well. You never know what you are getting until you take a bite. True every horse is an individual and patience is key to success. I wouldn't recommend adopting and retraining an OTTB unless you are an experienced rider or at least working very closely with a trainer. Routine is very important to an OTTB and my guy needs light training work about 5 days a week. Good luck if you do adopt and there's noting like the OTTB, I'll always have one!!!

[olympicprincess]

individuals

They are all such individuals. I think you'll want to find one who doesn't need, or want , to be worked more than 3-4x/wk.

They ARE out there... I've had 2 of them so far that could sit for 5-7 days and be the same horse when you came back. They'd crack me up to think they ever raced as they seemed soooo laid-back.

Not sure of your location, but I have had great success with CANTER Ohio; when I tell them what I'm looking for, whether it be for me or a student/friend, they have always come through and matched us up well.
There's also bound to be someone on COTH who can help you find one in your area.

I think the biggest thing I'd look for with you is laid-back personality; one who is in *no hurry* to get anywhere and be honest with the seller about how often you will REALLY ride. If it's 3x MAX per week, say so.

[TBrescue]

And Peeps. Lots of Peeps.
I Love Peeps.
OTTBs LOVE PEEPS.

If you can arrange to bring one home right after Easter, you can buy cases, and your new friend will settle right in.

LOL! my OTTB is a peep ho too!


But seriously, there are many different personalities to OTTBs, each one is an individual. My recommendation is to work with a trainer who can help you find one that will be the right fit for you as a first time horse owner-you may not have the ability to assess the horse's fit to your needs yet. Canter is a great resource, and there are many other folks who take TBs off the track and place them in new homes. New Vocations, the TRF there are so many resources for OTTBS. Good luck in your search!

[findeight]

^^^

Would it be stupid or beneficial to buy an OTTB and put him in 60-90 days***? I kinda don't want to do it myself, but I really would miss that bond that comes from training horses yourself...

Neither. Depends on the horse more then anything else.

But, instead of thinking about bonding during that 60-90 days, how is your faith in your ability to take one right off the track and train it? What experience do you have breaking colts? A horse right off the track has more in common with a colt that needs to learn everything complicated by needing to unlearn what they already have learned at the track.

But some just have absolutely no trouble forgetting the track, others never do.

I think your biggest obstacle will be in selecting the proper horse to start with. Honestly think you need some experienced eyes to make that selection and would be best to let a pro with a sucess record in retraining the ottb take over that first couple of months. That is going to probably follow another 60 to 90 day let down period.

Right now you can get well restarted ottbs that have been let down and can w-t-c normally quite reasonably to downright cheap. Consider one of those.

Oh, and the answer to your "how many days" question? Most of them at any age do best on 4 or 5 days a week. Mid summer, if you have one that is older and well broke, maybe get away with 3 on an every other day schedual. Not with a greenie though. So you would need to plan on at least 2 additional days (3 is better) a week to the pro ride and lesson, every week, at least the first 6 months and maybe a year depending on his progress before you can think of getting more sporadic with it.

[Moesha]

To answer your questions, yes whatever time commitment your horse needs is what you need to put in to have a successful start.

All horses are unique and there is no way to know how much of a time commitment you will have to put in....you just have to see what you get.

You can gage what others have put into their horses off the track...I am guessing you are talking directly off the track with no let down or any kind of break...so see what others have done...and then see what you get and how things go..honestly even the same horsre with different level riders and different training ideas and programs will come along differently.

Definitely make sure you are ready to commit to any horse at an early training stage and if you choose a professional route before you start than fine...do what is best for you and your horses....more important than time is your attitude and your willingness to literally see what you get and go on the best path to develop your horse in the best way you can.