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My QH gelding, whom I'd had almost six years and who could jump the moon, had to be humanely euthanized a couple of months ago after he colicked and his cecum flipped. It was all very quick and traumatic and heart-breaking to say the least. He was only 14 with no history of illnesses.
Right now, I'm catch riding various horses at the barn, but I miss having my own horse to ride and spoil.
I've been looking around online and was thinking about taking on a younger OTTB as a project to bring a long, with the goal of eventually moving to the 3' hunters or 1m jumpers. We're going up to Lexington next week to look at the horses at the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center.
Any advice/suggestions on rehabbing OTTBs? Has anyone been to the MMSC or adopted from a rescue group before? I'd love to hear your stories! |
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This is good topic x
So i own a Bay Gelding ottb who i have had for 9 months now. I rescued him from a Group online where i live. Ottbs have the sweetest soul but they are not for Novice riders as they at some points can be quiet hot handed, Rain is the sweetest little man in the world. Thoroughbreds are good all rounders and they would be amazing for hunting and jumping as they have so much to go for its unreal.
i got rain around 3 weeks after he came of the track so it lead to 3 months of trust bonding, feeding and stuff so he was all fit and ready to go for when we start eventing. When rescuing l recommend finding one for you that fits your needs, not to lazy, not to fast and not to hot headed cause its not the best xD. Always take your time with thoroughbreds as like any horse they need time to learn your ways and stuff so if you was to get one don't start riding in the first 4 days as they need to get used to the area and you as it could lead to stress and stuff like that.
Thoroughbreds have a heart of gold and cause racing so early they only know to gallop really so take your time but most likely just enjoy your self. Any other questions feel free to pm and im sorry for ur loss :( x |
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I visited the MM Center! They are wonderful! Great people, great ideas! I follow their instagram and they have some super nice hunter prospects. I have a OTTB hunter. He's great. Has leg/hip issues but that all, great mind, great attitude, affectionate, happy. an overall stellar horse! |
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Moderator
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Over the years here at HEE I have seen many users who had OTTBs and most of them very very happy with their horses.
Sometimes in the beginnings they might be a challange - as they are used to a totally different way of training and riding.
But at the end they are willing, fast learning horses that want to please their owners, IF they are treated the right way.
If you only want to have a underling heeler, you´d better go for a Quarter Horse :D But if you are willing to take them as they are and ask them instead of telling them off, they are really great horses.
The homepage from that rescue center sounds like a great place to get your horse from. This one adoptable Legacy Horse, Arcane, so reminds me of a former horse of mine and would be my choice probably :D
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Thanks for all of the info. Great discussions! Historically, I've only ever known quarter horses. But my last boy had so much thoroughbred in him (and acted like one) that I started thinking maybe I should pursue that as another avenue, instead of going back to what I know.
We have several TBs--off the track and otherwise--that I've ridden (and am currently riding more often), but I've never had one myself. Just wanted to get the experience of people who have had them, either from rescues or other. I know they get a bad rep for being crazy, hot-blooded machines who breath fire and only want to run all day long.
I do plan on taking my time with whatever I get, TB or not, because I feel that that bond and trust is so important. For me, its always been about the horse first and the sport second.
@Twilight - I really love the ideas behind this place. I'm so glad to hear that you had a wonderful time when you went! They seem like genuinely nice people. And I can't stop drooling over all their prospects.
@Kuewi - I agree. Arcane is very lovely! I think, though, that he's going to be outside my price range. Darned responsible adult mentality. I have no issue eating ramen for the rest of my life to pay for my horse habit, but my husband isn't too fond of insta-food. ;) |
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I have a 22 year old rescue TB myself and he is my world. When I got him, he was about 5 and came from a history of abuse and neglect. He did not trust easily and definitely didn't want to bond. That quickly changed once he realized I would listen to him and not just give orders. He was quite flighty and hot blooded as a youngster, but has mellowed in his older-age. I love him to death and we are extremely close.
I highly recommend going the OT/rescue path. Out of the 7 horses I have had the privilege of owning, 5 were/are rescues and there is NOTHING in the world like the bond those horses form. It is completely and totally worth the extra work and time. |
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Sunny
