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ABOUT YOUR PROSPECTIVE NEW EX-RACEHORSE
Thank you for your interest in our program and our Thoroughbred ex-racehorses! Here are a few thoughts that CANTER would like you to know about these magnificent horses.
These horses are generally used to the following:
- Daily grooming
- Being stalled most of the day
- High energy feeds (These horses may eat more than your average stock horse breeds do.)
- They are used to the farrier, and wearing racing plates, but they have never been hot shod
- Most of them will load well
- They are used to being hosed off after workouts
- When they are exercised, they are only worked to the left, and may have never galloped or cantered to the right with a rider
- They are used to full out galloping at 38 miles per hour
- "Whoa" to them means to start slowing down
- They grab, and lean into, the bit when they race. Pressure on the bit does NOT mean whoa to them!
- They are used to the crowds, and the excitement of race day.
These are the things that they are not generally used to:
Dogs. They are not allowed at the track. Not knowing the horse’s background, it is unknown if the horse has ever “met” a dog!
Children. Some of these horses may have never been around children and can be spooked by these “little people”!
Cross-ties. You should use care in using this method of restraint until you know that your new horse is comfortable in this situation. Teach him like a young horse, or he could flip over backwards. NEVER leave the racehorse unattended in cross ties until you are sure that he is completely comfortable and familiar with being cross-tied.
Leg cues. Jockey's legs are not dangling at the horse's sides.
Western saddles. Most will adjust easily from their little racing saddle, just use caution when using one for the first time.
Shank bits. These bits have different pressure points than D-ring, O-ring, Egg-butt or similar bits.
Large open spaces to run freely in. Make sure that they know the fence lines before turning them loose.
Lush green pastures. It may have been some time since these horses have been in pastures like this, if ever! Work them into it gradually so that you don't have a case of colic on your hands.
Bending to the Right. They may be stiff when you ask them to bend to the right, remember that they have to go to the left while racing. Horses gallop to the left in the morning, and walk, trot and canter to the right.
Hot wire. Their past is a mystery to us. They may never have felt the sting of a hot wire and may attempt to bolt forward causing severe injury. Use only with extreme care and caution.
Please Remember...
As with any new horse introduced to a herd, do so slowly by keeping the racehorse in a separate area where they can meet over the fence first.
They are very thin skinned and are not used to flies. Leaving them without a run in for protection from flies should not be done until they have adjusted over many months.
They have extremely sensitive soles. They will stone bruise easily if left unshod especially on hard, dry, or frozen ground. Racehorses are normally kept with very long toes and although this must be changed, it should be done gradually. The racing plates should not be left on because of the toe grabs that can cause them injury. After the racing plates have been pulled, front shoes are strongly recommended, and horses that jump or travel on hard surfaces or gravel roads may need pads at all times. If your horse comes up lame, your attention should first be directed to their feet!
Making sure that the horse maintains, or gains weight, if necessary, is important!
If weight loss occurs, consult your veterinarian, or call CANTER immediately for specific diet recommendations. We can help! Do not wait too long!
Thank you for your interest in our program and our Thoroughbred ex-racehorses! Here are a few thoughts that CANTER would like you to know about these magnificent horses.
These horses are generally used to the following:
- Daily grooming
- Being stalled most of the day
- High energy feeds (These horses may eat more than your average stock horse breeds do.)
- They are used to the farrier, and wearing racing plates, but they have never been hot shod
- Most of them will load well
- They are used to being hosed off after workouts
- When they are exercised, they are only worked to the left, and may have never galloped or cantered to the right with a rider
- They are used to full out galloping at 38 miles per hour
- "Whoa" to them means to start slowing down
- They grab, and lean into, the bit when they race. Pressure on the bit does NOT mean whoa to them!
- They are used to the crowds, and the excitement of race day.
These are the things that they are not generally used to:
Dogs. They are not allowed at the track. Not knowing the horse’s background, it is unknown if the horse has ever “met” a dog!
Children. Some of these horses may have never been around children and can be spooked by these “little people”!
Cross-ties. You should use care in using this method of restraint until you know that your new horse is comfortable in this situation. Teach him like a young horse, or he could flip over backwards. NEVER leave the racehorse unattended in cross ties until you are sure that he is completely comfortable and familiar with being cross-tied.
Leg cues. Jockey's legs are not dangling at the horse's sides.
Western saddles. Most will adjust easily from their little racing saddle, just use caution when using one for the first time.
Shank bits. These bits have different pressure points than D-ring, O-ring, Egg-butt or similar bits.
Large open spaces to run freely in. Make sure that they know the fence lines before turning them loose.
Lush green pastures. It may have been some time since these horses have been in pastures like this, if ever! Work them into it gradually so that you don't have a case of colic on your hands.
Bending to the Right. They may be stiff when you ask them to bend to the right, remember that they have to go to the left while racing. Horses gallop to the left in the morning, and walk, trot and canter to the right.
Hot wire. Their past is a mystery to us. They may never have felt the sting of a hot wire and may attempt to bolt forward causing severe injury. Use only with extreme care and caution.
Please Remember...
As with any new horse introduced to a herd, do so slowly by keeping the racehorse in a separate area where they can meet over the fence first.
They are very thin skinned and are not used to flies. Leaving them without a run in for protection from flies should not be done until they have adjusted over many months.
They have extremely sensitive soles. They will stone bruise easily if left unshod especially on hard, dry, or frozen ground. Racehorses are normally kept with very long toes and although this must be changed, it should be done gradually. The racing plates should not be left on because of the toe grabs that can cause them injury. After the racing plates have been pulled, front shoes are strongly recommended, and horses that jump or travel on hard surfaces or gravel roads may need pads at all times. If your horse comes up lame, your attention should first be directed to their feet!
Making sure that the horse maintains, or gains weight, if necessary, is important!
If weight loss occurs, consult your veterinarian, or call CANTER immediately for specific diet recommendations. We can help! Do not wait too long!