How Do You Buy An Ex Race Horse?

There are three main routes through which ex-racehorses are sold on. Either directly from the owner or trainer, via a horse sale, or from a retrainer who has already put in a lot of the hard work.

How do you get an ex race horse?

How, having decided that you want to buy an ex-racehorse for sale, do you find one? There are three main routes. You can obtain one directly from its owner or trainer, you can buy one at the sales, or you can acquire one from a retrainer — either by buying it or loaning it.

Where can I get an ex race horse?

Where to find an ex-racehorse

• Search on Source a Horse.
• Direct from a racing yard.
• Attend an ex-racehorse auction.
• From a retraining centre.
• On loan from an equine charity.
• Horse insurance protection for champions.

Is it worth buying a race horse?

Is investing in a racehorse profitable? As mentioned, investing in racehorses is extremely risky and isn’t likely to be profitable for most investors. However, for a very small number of investors who own or have a stake in a successful horse, the winnings can be substantial.

What is the best bit for an ex-racehorse?

Top 5 Best Bits for OTTBs

• Myler SS Loose Ring Comfort Snaffle.
• Happy Mouth Contour Double Jointed Round Eggbutt Snaffle.
• Happy Mouth Pro King Dee Shaped Mullen Bit.
• Loose Ring Waterford.
• Copper & Steel Roller Snaffle.
• What is the best bit for an OTTB that carries its head high?
• What is the best bit for a fussy mouth?

Can you buy retired race horses?

Racehorse owners
Owners often give retired racehorses away. You can obtain a retired racehorse directly from an owner; this is the easiest. It would be best if you had contacts in the horse racing world, but getting to know people in the horse business isn’t difficult.

What do they do with ex racehorses?

After their racing careers are over, many of the best horses will be retired to stud to breed the next generation of racehorses. However, thoroughbreds are versatile, highly intelligent creatures that can adapt well to retraining outside racing.

How long do ex race horses live for?

This might surprise you, but most racehorses will live between 22 and 28 years. The reason it’s a surprise is that we rarely hear of horses still taking part in races after the age of about 12 or 13.

How much is a good race horse worth?

The Racing horse breed value
In other words, the median price for an average one- or two-year-old racehorse is significantly lower and rarely goes over $20,000. On the other hand, a superior racehorse can be worth $75,000 to $10 million, depending on the bloodline and winning history.

How much does it cost to buy a horse to race?

Racehorses are very costly investments. Just purchasing one will set you back an average of $75,000, though some sell for several million and others can be purchased for just a few thousand. No matter what you paid initially, you can expect to shell out several thousand more each month for upkeep and training.

How much does it cost to own a race horse year?

BUT HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? It’s the question we get asked the most – – and here’s the answer. Championship quality thoroughbreds cost between $100,000 and $300,000 to purchase and about $45,000 a year in expenses. Of course, buying a thoroughbred is competitive and purchase prices can easily exceed $300,000.

How can you tell if a racehorse is good?

Key things to look for in a racehorse

• Pedigree. Both the Sire and Dam’s side of the breeding contribute to a horse’s ability.
• Bone Structure. The conformation of a horse is very important.
• Muscle Tone. Muscle is a sign of a fit & healthy horse.
• Balance.
• Coat of the horse.
• Movement.
• Manners.
• Overall looks.

How much does it cost to own a racehorse a year?

Training and upkeep for a racehorse is expensive. Now that you have bought your racehorse, you can expect to spend an additional $30,000 to $50,000 annually for training, vet bills, and other associated expenses.

How do you calm down an ex race horse?

Expert advice on how to train an ex-racehorse

1. Patience: give them time to settle in.
2. Ride them everyday if possible.
3. Be careful what you feed them.
4. Make the most of long-lining.
5. A “babysitter” for hacking is useful.
6. Give them time to get used to your leg aids.

What do you feed an ex race horse?

SUPER FIBRE CUBES are a good starting point for any ex-racehorse and are a great way to start increasing the fibre content of the diet. The cubes have a low starch and sugar content and are cereal free, helping to maintain an even temperament as well as supporting good digestive health.

Can Thoroughbreds live out in winter?

There is no reason, however, why even a pure bred Arab or Thoroughbred cannot live out all year round with appropriate care. By providing a field shelter, a good quality winter rug and a well thought out diet, the balance between energy intake and energy output should be manageable throughout the colder months.

What happens to most retired race horses?

Successful racehorses that are retired are most often sent to the breeding shed. This is an area on stallion farms that are made specifically for the breeding of brood mares to successful stallion thoroughbreds. It is a safe environment to prevent injury and ensure that breeding has occurred.

How much do retired horses cost?

How Much Does An OTTB Horse Cost? An OTTB horse will cost on average between $1,000 to $3,000. The price of an off-the-track Thoroughbred will vary based on its race pedigree, temperament, height, and bloodline.

Are ex race horses good horses?

Ex-racehorses or “Off the Track Thoroughbreds” (OTTB) are bred to be strong, forward and agile, making them ideal prospects for many riding disciples. The generally have good conformation and are often over 16 hands high.

What happens to racehorses that don’t win?

Horses that do not perform well on the track are sent to slaughter. What most people do not see is what happens to the horses who lose or are too old to race. There are multiple rescue groups throughout the United States, that rescue horses from the track and rehabilitate them into wonderful companions.

Why do they put down race horses with broken legs?

Often the only humane option after a horse breaks its leg is to euthanize it. This is because horses have heavy bodies and delicate legs, and broken leg bones are usually shattered making surgery and recovery impossible.