The OTTB

A Second Life

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The off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) is the ultimate athlete of the horse world, and if you understand and manage the transition to his second life properly, you will end up with a phenomenal sport horse. The Thoroughbred really is a wonderfully versatile breed of horse. After a career in racing, Thoroughbreds can be found at the top tier of competitions in almost every equestrian discipline – from eventing to dressage and showing. Thoroughbreds are intelligent, quick learners, with stamina and speed, and are noted for their courage and willingness to do as their rider asks.

AN UNDERSERVED REPUTATION

They do also suffer from an undeserved reputation for being high maintenance and difficult to handle. This perception has slowed down demand for off-the-track Thoroughbreds, which, in turn, has affected pricing and exacerbated the problem of responsible homing of these wonderful horses. This issue has come about thanks to inexperienced individuals taking on these horses, without a proper programme in place for their re-education. If handled incorrectly, any horse can give a rider difficulty – the Thoroughbred is no different.

THE TRANSITION

Although low pricing puts the OTTB within reach of many, the transition from racing to a second life should not be attempted by the inexperienced. If carefully managed, an OTTB can turn into your perfect horse. However, this transition requires knowledge, patience and understanding.

CHOOSING THE HORSE

Horses in training are athletes in peak condition. Their work involves them being pushed – like any athlete – to the limits of their speed and endurance abilities. Therefore, injuries and niggles can and do result. It is important that, when you select a horse, you understand what the condition of that horse is, and the advice of the veterinarian is invaluable in this regard.