Supported By
Contact:
Di Arbuthnot (Director of Operations)
T: 01488 648998
E: info@ror.org.uk
Registered Office:
Retraining of Racehorses
75 High Holborn
London WC1V 6LS
UK Registered Charity No: 1084787
View Terms and Conditions
FAQ's
Why should I own an ex-racehorse?
How do I get an ex-race-horse?
- Where do I go if I am interested in having an ex-racehorse?
- What should I consider before purchasing an ex-racehorse?
- What do I need to consider when purchasing an ex-racehorse from a bloodstock auction?
- Should I have a passport for my ex-racehorse and how do I change ownership?
Can you help me look after and educate my ex-racehorse?
- What are the main points to consider when caring for my ex-racehorse, particularly if acquired straight out of racing?
- What do you recommend I feed my ex-racehorse?
- Do you have any tips on riding an ex-racehorse?
- Are there any events where I could learn more about caring for and riding my ex-racehorse?
Can you give me some advice on showing my ex-racehorse?
- How can I prepare my ex-racehorse for showing?
- What is the judge looking for in the Show Series Class when they ride my ex-racehorse?
- What will I be expected to do in the Retraining Racehorse Challenge?
- My ex-racehorse will not settle in the show ring. What calmer am I legally allowed to give him?
- What is the recommended dress in the RoR Showing Classes?
- What is the recommended turnout for my ex-racehorse in the RoR Showing Classes?
- Useful showing related websites
- Why should I register with RoR?
- How do I register my ex-racehorse with RoR?
- What happens after a horse’s racing days are over?
- Can you help find a good home for my racehorse now he is retiring from racing?
- How do I protect my racehorse/former racehorse when I sell it on?
- What is the RoR Series and how do I enter?
- If I enter the RoR Series are there any Rules and Regulations I should be aware of?
- My ex-racehorse has been passed on or passed away, should I tell RoR?
1. WHY SHOULD I OWN AN EX-RACEHORSE?
Whether you enjoy competing or simply hacking around the countryside there are lots of success stories to illustrate that former racehorses can adapt to, and excel in, the equine sports in which you participate.
Whilst every horse is different and some will be more suitable to certain equine pursuits than others, in general thoroughbreds have even temperaments and are athletic, intelligent and durable. These qualities together with the constant handling they experience during their racing career means that with the right retraining, facilities and on-going care you will find having a former racehorse extremely rewarding.
2. Where do I go if I am interested in having an ex-racehorse?
There are several options open to purchasers looking to buy or loan a thoroughbred.
a) Retrainers/RoR Consultant
Some owners and trainers send their horses to a racehorse retrainer to rest and spend time away from the racing environment. These retrainers evaluate each horse and then school them to sell or loan to follow other equine disciplines. This could be to go as a hack, companion, polo pony, eventer, show jumper, dressage horse, show horse or for any other sport horse discipline.
This is a good option for someone inexperienced with a thoroughbred as the horse has been assessed and given time away from racing. In most cases these yards have facilities where the horse can be ridden to see if it is suitable for your needs and the retrainers provide good ‘after sale’ assistance.
b) Loaning from the four charitable retraining centres supported by RoR
RoR supports four charitable retraining centres which act as racing’s safety net for horses that require charitable intervention. These horses are accepted into the centres because of unfortunate circumstances or their owners want them to have ‘care for life’ which the centres provide by loaning them out on a permanent basis.
Contact the charitable retraining centres directly to apply to loan a horse from them. Click here for more details on each centre.
c) Bloodstock Sales
There are regular Horses In Training Sales held around the country of which Brightwells (Ascot), Doncaster Bloodstock Sales (Doncaster) and Tattersalls (Newmarket) have a history of being successful at selling on horses to other disciplines. Many are sold on to continue racing or to go into the breeding sector. Some are exported or bought by purchasers from other parts of the equine sport world.
Before going to these sales, you need to be sure for what purpose you are looking to buy a horse and to have a price in mind that you are willing to pay. Contact the sales company and ask to be sent a catalogue and Buyers Guide. Read the Guide and sales company’s conditions carefully, they will tell you how as a purchaser you are protected. Check if there is commission charged on the purchase and whether it is subject to VAT.
Take particular notice if the horse you are interested in is subject to a veterinary examination or if it is being sold as it stands. Does the horse have any vices, does it windsuck, weave or crib bite? Remember some livery yards do not accept horses with vices. It is possible to find out something about the horse you are interested in before the sale by talking to the horse’s trainer or owner. Most are very willing to tell you something about their horse and contacts can be obtained from the sales company.
View the Equine Directory for contact details of the sales companies.
d) Direct from a racing yard or livery yard
If you are not experienced with thoroughbreds this is not the best course of action and this should be left to professional performance riders. If you have bought or acquired a horse directly from a racing yard or a rest yard, it is important to remember that the horse has been well fed, exercised regularly and has been used to a routine.
3. What should I consider before purchasing an ex-racehorse?
It’s important that as well as assessing your future horse you also make an objective assessment of yourself, not only your ability with horses but the time and money you have available. If you want a horse that could live out 24 hours a day and it would make no difference if he wasn’t exercised from one week to the next, then a thoroughbred may not be for you. Owning any horse requires a reasonable budget and with a racehorse you would want to allow at least £3,000 (including feed but not stabling for the first year) for the start up costs:
- Never buy a horse without him being fully vetted first. Even if the problems revealed don’t put you off having the horse, at least you are fully aware what you are letting yourself in for and you are being fair on the horse by being aware of what he is physically capabilities. This should even apply if you are being given a horse (i.e. do look a gift horse in the mouth) you don’t want it coming as a surprise that giving him a short canter means he needs six months box rest.
- Ask if the horse has developed any vices i.e. crib biting, wind sucking, weaving, box walking, this is more common in racehorses because of their sensitivity, combined with living-in many hours a day and high energy diets. You need not reject a horse with vices but just decide what you can live with.
- It’s a good idea to have Veterinary insurance.
- Additional advisable health checks include:
- have a recommended equine dental technician check their teeth and again in six months depending on your horse’s age
- have your horse’s back checked by a recommended chiropractor/physiotherapist or osteopath
- don’t forget your racehorse’s worming and vaccination schedules.
- Racehorses often have backbones like razor blades. Have his first saddle correctly fitted with the fitter prepared to come back within six months to retake the wither pattern which will take into account the musculature changes that should develop in this time.
Ideally buy the horse directly from a RoR recommended re- trainer or loan from one of the four centres the charity supports but if the horse is coming directly from a racehorse trainer or a recognised Sale ask the trainer and perhaps the horse’s ‘lad’ (the person who looked after the horse) something about him. Think about what sort of racehorse you actually want; a youngster (two-year-old?) or older horse, will he have run on the flat or over jumps (hurdles or fences?), what is it that you would actually like to do with him? Is he suitable for the purpose and for your weight, height and experience?
(written by Kelly Marks - a former European Champion Lady jockey and now works full time helping horses and people get on well together. If you would like help from someone in your area with retraining your racehorse or for further advice telephone 01488 71300 or go to her website www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk)
The RoR Consultants Fred and Rowena Cook of Equine Management and Training also have significant experience in ex-racehorses (details on the RoR Consultants Directory), and recommend reading a good article on their website at www.equinetraining.co.uk/pdf/129-ROR.pdf
4. What do I need to consider when purchasing an ex-racehorse from a bloodstock auction?
a) Forward Planning
Like a successful military campaign, this exercise requires meticulous attention to detail long before the event itself! The most appropriate sales for prospective sport or riding horses are ‘Horses in and out of training’ therefore, choose accordingly when and where the next suitable sale is being held. Also consider the transport and approach transporters early for costs and availability.
b) Catalogue
A quick phone call will secure you a Sales Catalogue which will usually be dispatched by post for a small charge. Each horse will be allocated a lot number and a brief description, along with their pedigree and race record.
Take time to read carefully the ‘Conditions of Sale’ applicable to each individual lot of interest. There are different terms regarding the level of veterinary examination pertaining to each horse for sale.
1. As they stand without a Veterinary Certificate – no rights of re-examination apply.
2. With formal Veterinary Certificate which is read out at the time of sale – full re-examination rights apply (one hour time limit)
3. Subject to re-examination – full re-examination rights apply (one hour time limit)
4. Subject to re-examination of wind only – wind re-examination rights apply (one hour time limit)
c) Shortlist
You must do your homework thoroughly and begin to narrow down your search. Ask yourself about the perimeters you need to set in terms of age, height, race form etc. The horses with exceptional breeding or good race records will normally be prohibitively expensive. The catalogue will also flag up any stable vices (such as a ‘weaving’, crib biting’ or ‘wind sucking’) which may have an affect on the horses well being. So be warned! It is possible to find out something about the horse you are interested in before the sale by talking to the horse’s trainer or owner. Most are very willing to tell you something about their horse and contacts can be obtained from the sales company. Finally, you should check the front of the catalogue to confirm the date and time that the sale commences.
d) Sales day
Be sure to arrive at the sale with plenty of time to inspect thoroughly the horses on your short list. At the Auctioneers office there will be a notice board providing plenty of up- to- the minute information and also a list of withdrawals. These are horses that have recently been taken out of the sale, so you should amend your short list accordingly.
e) Inspecting the Horses
Well before the start of the sale you should go to the stables and identify the horses on your short list by finding the lot numbers that correspond to those in your catalogue. You should request that the vendor or their representative present their horse to you. Ask plenty of questions about its history and character. Next, ask they walk the horse up and trot it back so that you can assess how it moves on a firm flat surface. Look at each part individually and then judge how it all fits together to create the animal standing before you. It is a good idea to return to the stable later and see how the horse is coping with the stress of the sale environment and how it behaves around you, providing further clues to its personality. Finally, you should always go to the pre-sale parade ring to watch each horse on your revised short list being walked around in company.
f) Bidding
g) Price
Remember that you will be expected to pay for any purchases ON THE DAY, so it is vital that you speak to the auctioneers prior to bidding to ascertain their accepted methods of payment. British bloodstock auctions are traditionally conducted in guineas. Note that one guinea is equivalent to £1.05. The auctioneers will have a standard minimum bid which is the floor price for each lot, although most bidding will start above this figure. Once you have decided that you want to bid, be sure to check the catalogue to see if it is subject to VAT. At a whopping 17.5% of the sale price, this will greatly affect the maximum price you are willing to pay on each animal, so be careful.
h) Position
Make sure you choose a good seat in the sale ring where you can be seen by the auctioneer. The auctioneer will be assisted by one or two spotters so you need to catch their eye if you intend to bid.
i) Listen
As the lot enters the ring, listen carefully for any announcements that might be made by the auctioneer. It is often at this time that stable vices or other relevant declarations are announced. These are legally binding so you must take note.
j) Fall of the Hammer
If you are the highest bidder, it will be confirmed by the fall of the hammer, at which point the auctioneer announces ‘Sold’ (When a horse does not meet the sellers reserve price the auctioneer announces not sold) the fall of the hammer verifies the sale and denotes the passing of ownership subject to any veterinary re-examination or drug testing that may apply.
k) Acknowledgement of Purchase
As the successful buyer, you will be immediately be presented will an acknowledgement of purchase form by a representative of the auctioneers. Your signature confirms a lot number and the sale price. Now is the time to speak up if you are not happy with the price or think there has been some mistake. If the auctioneer deems it appropriate the bidding may recommence, so don’t get stuck with something you don’t want.. It is at this point that some sales offer a blood test on your new acquisition. It is completely your choice, but it may give you some peace of mind.
l) Congratulations
All being well, you have just successfully purchased your new horse. Remember that the horse is your property from the fall of the hammer. You must, therefore, ensure that the horse is fed, watered, rugged up and generally cared for until it is ready to travel. Sellers will remove all the tack. If you didn’t bring your own horse box, now is the time to arrange the transport with one of the many operators that attend the sales. If you want to INSURE your new purchase straight away, then the staff in the auctioneer’s office will be glad to assist you.
You will need to pay the purchase price to receive a ‘PASS OUT’, which needs to be shown to the gates stewards before they allow any horse to leave the premises.
Now your work really begins, and good luck with your training programme!
5. Should I have a passport for my ex-racehorse and how do I change ownership?
It is a legal requirement that the passport must accompany the horse when you purchase it.
Please check the horse against the markings shown in the passport to satisfy yourself that it is the correct animal, before you finalise the purchase. If you have any queries over the identity of the horse, please contact Weatherbys for advice. If the passport has been lost, you will need to know the official racing name of the horse, the name of the dam and the year of foaling in order to apply for a duplicate passport. Weatherbys can issue duplicate passports for Thoroughbreds foaled in GB or Ireland only. Identity checks will be made before a duplicate passport is issued. If you are buying a Thoroughbred born abroad, you would need to contact the Stud Book of the country of origin for a duplicate. The suffix after the name on the passport indicates the country of foaling eg Sadler's Wells (USA) shows the horse is American bred.
To record your ownership of the horse, please contact Weatherbys for an application form. Under the DEFRA legislation, you are required to record your ownership with the issuer of the passport. This is to ensure that DEFRA can contact every horse owner, in the event of a disease outbreak. A form will be posted to you on request to record your non-racing non-breeding ownership of the horse. Please complete the application form and return it with the passport and the fee of £10.50. The passport and database will then be updated with your details. If the new human consumption declaration pages are not already present in the passport, these will be added in for you at this time. If you decide at a later date that you do wish to use the horse to breed racehorses, please contact Weatherbys Stud Book Dept for advice on how to register for breeding.
Contact: Di Harvey, Weatherbys Group Ltd, Sanders Road, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 4BX, telephone 01933-440077.
CAN YOU HELP ME LOOK AFTER AND EDUCATE MY EX-RACEHORSE?
6. What are the main points to consider when caring for my ex-racehorse, particularly if acquired straight out of racing?
- Although a former racehorse is used to people, noise, lights and traffic from a very young age, it has been well fed and exercised and is probably quite fresh. The horse will need some time to settle and unwind.
- Depending on the weight and condition of the horse and what it has been doing, cut back on the high protein diet and replace with a lay-off, cooling mix. The amount of feed depends on the condition of the horse and what work it will be doing.
- The horse may have not been turned out in the field for some time and could benefit from a small sedative from a veterinary surgeon before going in to the field. Remember in most cases these horses have been well rugged up and stabled, particularly in the winter, unless they have had a chance to grow their coats. They would not appreciate being turned out without a rug during a cold spell. Some thoroughbreds may also be more liable to mud fever and rain scald than the hardier breeds.
- It is likely that the horse has been ridden out with a group of horses and that ‘the jockey’ has been legged up as opposed to putting a foot in the stirrup. If you are not experienced with riding a thoroughbred, call in an instructor who understands thoroughbreds to help you school your horse or speak to a RoR Consultant. Also attend one of our RoR clinics.
7. What do you recommend I feed my ex-racehorse?
Feeding the Ex-Racehorse by Emma Case BSc (Hons)
So many Thoroughbreds are now finding new careers as riding and competition horses and, when they first come to a new home, a new diet is one of the first major changes they face.
Straight out of Training
The Thoroughbred straight out of training will have been used to a high energy, low fibre diet, consuming large amounts of concentrate feed whilst being fed only small volumes of forage. This rather unnatural diet means that an ex-racehorse coming off the track has to become accustomed not only to his new home but also to the, hopefully, quite different feeding practices associated with it. Whether you are feeding a horse straight out of training or a Shetland pony, they both require a balanced diet to meet their requirements for energy, protein, fibre vitamins and minerals, whilst suiting temperament, workload and age.
The first hurdle to tackle nutritionally is to reduce the amount of energy (calories) the horse is receiving. He may well have come out of training being fed in excess of 16lbs (7.2kg) of a high energy racehorse mix designed to provide plenty of fast release energy (with a digestible energy (DE) of 13-14MJ/kg) - probably the last thing that is required at his new home! Although it is necessary to reduce energy intake it is still important that the level of nutrients received is not compromised and offering a handful of pony nuts and chaff will not be sufficient. Choosing a lower energy cube or mix such as Baileys No.2 Working Horse & Pony Cubes or No.13 Oat Free Horse & Pony Mix and feeding it at correct levels will in comparison supply just 10MJ/kg of DE plus the protein, vitamins and minerals that the horse needs. A typical Thoroughbred, weighing 500kg (1100lbs), at rest or in light work will need 2.5kg (5lbs) of concentrate per day alongside 7.5kg (16.5lbs) of forage.
Feeding at Grass For those being turned away on good grass, a balancer, like Baileys Lo-Cal, is a great way of supplementing the diet whilst minimising energy/calorie intake. Balancers provide a concentrated source of nutrients in a small volume which can be beneficial when feeding at pasture. As no more than 1.8kg (4lbs) of concentrate should be fed per meal, Lo-Cal can easily be fed once a day but, where grass quality is not good or the horse requires more condition, correct levels of a mix or cube are a better option as a balancer provides few calories.
Adjusting feeding regimes when bringing horses in after a long period of “down time” in the field, should be done gradually. Grass provides more calories, protein, vitamins and minerals generally than a hay or haylage so, when substituting the grass with conserved forage, it is important that the nutrient content of the concentrate ration is adjusted accordingly. If feeding a balancer, it may be necessary to increase the calorie content of the diet by changing to a high fibre, low energy cube or mix. Where further calories are required, a specially formulated conditioning feed is the preferred option.
Safe Conditioning
Whatever your ex-racehorse is doing, if he needs to gain weight, the most effective solution is a specially formulated conditioning feed, like Baileys Top Line Conditioning Cubes or Mix. These provide a concentrated source of non-heating calories, keeping meal sizes down and ensuring the feed is utilised more efficiently with a smaller risk of digestive upsets or “crabby” behaviour. Cubes tend to contain less starch than a mix of a similar nutrient specification so, if your horse is prone to being a bit fizzy, which is fairly typical of Thoroughbreds out of training, feed a cube rather than a mix.
Providing 2¼ times as many calories as cereals, oil is a useful addition to the diet where further slow release, non-heating energy is required in a small volume. 250 – 500 ml per day is necessary to make a significant contribution so a high oil supplement, like Baileys Outshine, may be preferable as a mess-free, palatable alternative. This provides a blend of soya and linseed plus supporting antioxidants, which are necessary for the efficient utilisation of the oil by the body, and is fed in small amounts from ½ to 3lb per day.
Fibre – Especially Important! Research suggests that 90% of horses in training suffer from gastric ulcers due to the low fibre, high starch diets that they receive during training. This makes it all the more important to ensure that an ex-racehorse is returned to a high fibre diet as soon as is possible. Forage is important in any horse’s diet as they have evolved to consume large amounts of forage eaten over an 18 hour period. Fibre is vital for maintaining regular bowel movement, helping to push out any excess gas that may be accumulating in the gut which can become distended when it builds up, leading to considerable pain and often resulting in colic symptoms.
Fibre is also important for counteracting acidity throughout the digestive tract. When the horse chews, the resulting saliva produced helps to neutralise the acidity of the stomach contents. More saliva is produced from chewing fibre instead of concentrates so acid is neutralised to a greater extent than when concentrates are consumed. This helps to avoid gastric ulceration to the squamous (top) region of the stomach, which is vulnerable to ulcers, and also helps to mop up excess acid in the stomach, aiding the healing process of existing ulcers whilst reducing further risk of ulceration.
Fibre is fermented by bacteria in the hind gut and acids produced from the breakdown of fibre are much weaker than those from the breakdown of starch (cereals). This means that the environment in the hind gut is more hospitable to the bacterial population and, as these bacteria are particularly important to the overall health of the horse, it is important to keep them happy by maintaining fibre levels!
Healthy Mind
Not only does fibre help keep the gut healthy, it also keeps the mind healthy. Providing your horse with plenty of fibre either in the stable or field is beneficial in preventing boredom and also relieving stress. As horses are herd animals, reducing their contact with other horses can cause considerable anxiety and result in problems. It has previously been assumed that boredom was the main reason horses receiving very little fibre started to develop stereotypies, as they had long periods of time doing nothing. However, research is suggesting that in fact, some stereotypies are a response to increased acidity in the digestive tract. Therefore if a horse isn’t receiving much fibre he won’t be spending very long chewing and the gut may remain very acidic. The importance of fibre can never be under-estimated; feed more of it, and keep the volume of concentrates down, and the risk of digestive upsets occurring will, quite simply, be reduced.
Creating a healthy gut If your Thoroughbred has come from a reschooling/rehabilitation centre, the gut should be healthy and already adapted to a new feeding regime. However, moving to a new home or adapting from a life in racing can still take its toll on the digestive system. During times of stress, beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract can become disrupted resulting in an unhealthy gut. One of the most obvious signs of stress is loose droppings which is often a physiological response to the “excitement” or stresses of racing. Although using a prebiotic is unlikely to stop the droppings from becoming loose, it should mean that harmful bacteria are unable to take advantage of the compromised condition of the digestive tract. The use of prebiotics, like Baileys Digest Plus, should help to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea caused by bacterial infections.
Probiotics and prebiotics have been developed to help enhance the bacterial population and are particularly beneficial when the digestive tract is under stress. Prebiotics work by providing ‘good’ bacteria with a food source, maintaining a healthy environment for them to reproduce, expelling ‘bad’ bacteria by competitive exclusion as have no room to develop. Helping to maintain the natural bacterial balance of the gut also promotes efficient feed utilisation, beneficial for the ‘poor doer’ and overall good health.
Normal Horse
With attention to detail and a little care in the early stages, there is no reason why your ex-racehorse shouldn’t thrive on a diet where the ratio of forage to concentrates is kept in a healthy balance. If you are unsure of the right approach for your Thoroughbred, feed company helplines can offer practical advice and help you explore your options. Once settled into their new life, most Thoroughbreds simply need treating as any other individual horse and some even become laid back good doers!
For further information and advice contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247 or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.
8. Do you have any tips on riding an ex-racehorse?
If you are not experienced with riding a thoroughbred, it is recommended that you call in an instructor who understands thoroughbreds to help you school your horse and attend one of our RoR clinics.
Even when just ‘getting on’ a racehorse do remember he will never have had someone put their foot in the stirrup and heave themselves on in his life! In racing yards the lads and jockeys always have a ‘leg up’, often as the horse is walking along. Bearing this in mind makes you aware that there is a fair bit of ‘re-training’ to do. It is not just letting him know that your expectations of what he should be doing when he goes out with you are different from his previous yard. It is also necessary that he physically develops in such a way that he can meet the new expectations i.e. most horse owners take trotting and cantering their horse in small circles for granted, this is something the average racehorse is very unlikely to have done before, as is backing up or the movements necessary to open a gate and they won’t so much as have walked over poles on the ground.
All these things can be taught, of course, but it is necessary to understand your new horse is going to need time and clear training for these movements to become natural to him and he finds his balance.
It is valuable to start off doing some exercises on the ground with your racehorse. This enables you to start to build of bond of trust and respect in relative safety and also starts to develop him physically and mentally in these areas which are strange to him. If you can continue working in a safe, enclosed area long reining is another useful exercise that you could progress to that will help your horse’s development. Keep yourself and your horse in a safe environment in these early stages, remember these horses are very sensitive, they can be exceptionally quick to react and unsure of people’s intentions.
You will need to be patient, consistent and very understanding. Initially when riding go out with a sensible companion on a sensible companion horse, keep to a walk and trot, avoid open grass and canter tracks until much later. Introduce work such as circling or any collection slowly and carefully and initially in short (a few minutes) sessions. Some racehorses will never have been out on their own or asked to lead ‘the string’ (particularly mares) so gradually build your horse’s confidence up to be more independent and this is where the long reining lessons can pay dividends as well.
Remember – racehorses are taught to go faster when you tighten the reins! The more you move your hands to tighten your grip the faster you are signalling your horse to go! Racehorses have been taught to lean into the pressure of the jockey’s hands when they run. They are never asked to stop promptly from a canter (it could damage their legs apart from sending the jockey standing in his stirrups straight over his head) they just steady up gradually with their weight concentrated to the front of their body (none of this ‘hocks underneath’) until they’re at a slower canter, then a trot then a walk. Don’t be tempted to go into severe bits at the early stage as this is likely to cause more problems than it solves. If your horse doesn’t understand your rein aids it’s back to the drawing board with lots more slow work and schooling to help him understand.
Don’t forget you need to go right back to the beginning to teach your racehorse all about leg, seat and rein aids. Remember your horse may never have even felt legs down his sides (some lads and jockeys ride with very short stirrups so their leg doesn’t touch the horse’s sides) never mind know what moving your legs is meant to mean.
(written by Kelly Marks - a former European Champion Lady jockey and now works full time helping horses and people get on well together. If you would like help from someone in your area with retraining your racehorse or further advice telephone 01488 71300 or go to her website www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk)
The RoR Consultants Fred and Rowena Cook of Equine Management and Training also have significant experience in ex-racehorses (details on the RoR Consultants Directory), and recommend reading a good article on their website at www.equinetraining.co.uk/pdf/129-ROR.pdf
9. Are there any events where I could learn more about caring for and riding my ex-racehorse?
Yes, the RoR run a number of clinics throughout the year and across the country.
The clinics cover such areas as:
- A day in the life of a Thoroughbred in training
- How to buy a Thoroughbred at the Sales
- How to feed your ex-racehorse
- Common veterinary problems to look out for
- Practical demos with real ex-racehorses, looking at schooling and first jumping lessonsFor more details of our forthcoming clinics click here.
For more details of our forthcoming clinics click here.
CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME ADVICE ON SHOWING MY EX-RACEHORSE?
10. How can I prepare my ex-racehorse for showing?
The RoR website has details of consultants who will be happy to help you with your ex racehorse, alternativley email our Ask The Experts for specific advice.
It is a good idea to take your horse to a few shows initially before you consider putting him in the ring. This will give him a chance to settle into his new environment and to enjoy his day out without the added stress of competing. Every show ground is open to anyone but I think it is only polite to offer the show a donation for using their facilities.
11. What is the judge looking for in the RoR Show Series Class when they ride my ex-racehorse?
Initially the judge is looking for a comfortable and safe conveyance. They will also want to see what level of retraining your horse has received. They will want your horse to be 'soft and round' and be obedient. They will be assessing whether he has settled into his new job and is accepting of his new show ring surroundings.
Make sure you teach him to canter on either legs and to stand quietly whilst the judge gets on and off. It is a good idea to ask a friend to sit on your horse at home before you enter for a show. All judges ride differently and the more people riding your horse at home the better prepared he will be to give the judge a nice ride. Remember if there is a gentleman judge he is likely to have larger feet than lady riders. Make sure you stirrups are big enough and that the leathers long enough. You can always carry a spare 'judges' pair in your grooming kit if you don't fancy juggling your feet in large irons!
12. What will I be expected to do in the Retraining Racehorse Challenge?
The Retrained Racehorse Challenge has been designed to give horses with racing injuries a chance to compete without being hindered by low conformation marks.
The jumping phase asks competitors to jump 6 rustic fences up to 3'0" and there are 2 optional bonus coloured fences of a larger height up to 3'6". Once the showing phase has commenced you will be asked to perform an individual show to include various movements as outlined in our rules section. Conformation will also be judged but racing injuries will be overlooked. Click here for the full Rules and Regulations.
13. My ex-racehorse will not settle in the show ring. What calmer am I legally allowed to give him?
Some of the calmers on the market would not pass the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) or FEI rules so therefore you must look closely at the ingredients. L'Triptophane is a regular ingredient, this amino acid is considered an illegal substance by the BHA but is not on the FEI prohibited substance list so can be used for other equestrian sports. In addition, RoR can recommend Nuprafeed which is magnesium and calms the brain.
14. What is the recommended dress in the RoR Showing Classes?
a) Bowler hat for men, hunting cap for woman. Properly approved ASTM/SE1 with fitted chin strap harness for Retrained Racehorse Challenge jumping classes MUST be worn. Any suitable hard hat is allowed in the Show Series Classes.
b) For Hack and Riding Horse types, navy jacket and coloured browband. For Hunter types, tweed jackets and plain browbands.
c) Plain fawn or buff coloured breeches - not white.
d) Plain black or brown boots.
e) Any form of leather or string gloves.
f) Plain malacca or leather cane, not to exceed 32" . No schooling or cutting whips.
g) Collar and tie.
h) Ordinary shirt.
i) No earrings to be worn.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRESS FOR THE HICKSTEAD FINAL
In the morning the same as above. In the evening black or blue hunting coat with close fitting black riding trousers with ordinary collar and tie or cravat.
15. What is the recommended turnout for my ex-racehorse in the RoR Showing Classes?
a) Manes should be plaited.
b) Tails pulled or plaited
c) Heels trimmed
d) Any suitable bridle, except in Retrained Racehorse Classes where horses should have ordinary snaffle, double bridle or 3 ring gag.
e) Coloured browbands for Hack types. Plain for Hunters and Riding Horses.
f) Numnahs if worn should be as small as possible and dark of colour.
g) You can fit boots or bandages on your horse for the Retrained Racehorse Class for the jumping section of the class, but please remove them for the showing and conformation section. Dark boots please.
16. Useful showing related websites
Forest Farmacy - natural herbal remedies
T: 0800 970 9421, W: www.forestfarmacy.com
Equine Health Sussex -
Natural Herbal products and grooming products
T: 0773 4217031, W: www.equinehealthsussex.co.uk
Crossgates Bionergetics Ltd - Bioenergetic Remedies
W: www.crossgatesfarm.co.uk
Snuggy Hoods
T: 01225 783399, W: www.snuggyhoods.co.uk
Patey Hats
T: 01285 841250, W: www.pateyhats.com
Bossy Bibs
T: 01442 824033
SEIB
T: 0845 450 0631, W: www.seib.co.uk
Nuprafeed-uk
T: 01438 861900
Baileys
T: 01371 850247, W: www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
17. Why should I register with RoR?
RoR need to know where all these ex-racehorses are and to build a datebase with this information. Many other organisations and RoR need these statistics to prove that former racehorses have a life after racing. Your help with this is much needed and appreciated. When you register with RoR you will receive regular email updates with any news and clinic dates and other events RoR has planned. We recently sponsored a clinic free to RoR members. If we don't know who you are we can't offer this type of event.
If you have registered for the RoR Show Series and paid the £10 fee once you have made your one-off registration for you and your horse you may enter any of our showing classes.
18. How do I register my ex-racehorse with RoR?
You can register and submit the registration form online via the home page on our website, or complete the form online then print a hard copy and send to us. You will need to pay online or send a £10 fee if you wish to enter the RoR Show Series.
Click here to link to the initial registration link on the home page of our website. If you want to register your ex-racehorse and enter the RoR Series simply click the top option after completing your name, postcode and email. If you only want to register your ex-racehorse but not yet compete in the RoR Series then click on the second option. The last option is for those who do not yet own an ex-racehorse but are interested and would like to be kept up-to-date with any email news.
19. What happens after a horse’s racing days are over?
Around 4,000 horses leave Racing every year either because they have reached the end of their successful racing days or because they were not suited to life as a racehorse.
Unless there is some serious problem, ex-racehorses will normally have many years left in them and most adapt well to alternative equestrian disciplines. Thoroughbreds are versatile and highly intelligent creatures that respond impressively to retraining by a competent person. Thoroughbreds are used to human contact from a very early age; they are used to the company of other horses; they are usually familiar with travelling; and, in many cases, they have had the experience of a sales ring. This background lends itself to retraining, but ex-racehorses are not novice rides and retraining should not be attempted by someone with only limited knowledge. That said, properly retrained racehorses can thrive in second careers in the whole range of equine activities.
In the majority of cases, owners and trainers take a great deal of time and trouble to find suitable new homes for horses leaving their care. Sometimes they will place a horse with a professional retrainer for a short period for preliminary assessment and retraining. If no private arrangements have been made, an alternative is the sales ring and all the principal auction houses hold sales of horses in/out of training. The most promising can attract reasonable prices from individuals looking for a Thoroughbred to bring on for themselves or for future sale. The appropriate sales are listed in the Diary Dates section.
At the bottom end of the market, however, ex-racehorses can be bought very cheaply, sometimes outside the ring if the minimum bid is not achieved. This might apply in particular to horses with physical or behavioural problems and the low prices mean that they are vulnerable to being taken on by someone without the skills, facilities or resources necessary to care for an ex-racehorse. This situation can lead to abandonment or neglect. Fortunately few ex-racehorses are found in this state. On the whole, horse owners are responsible to admit when they cannot cope and the isolated neglect cases are usually the result of ignorance or inadequate resources.
There is a number of charitable rehabilitation centres around the country. RoR supports the four largest and best known: Greatwood, HEROS, Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre and the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre. Although their capacity is limited, these centres do an excellent job in providing a safety net for ex-racehorses needing charitable intervention. They also take in some horses from owners and trainers for retraining and rehoming. The important point is that all horses accepted by these centres remain in their ownership for the rest of their lives. They are loaned out to approved homes, but they are never sold. All the centres take great care to match a horse with the right new rider. It is vital that the new pairing forms a successful partnership and that the new ‘owner’ understands the responsibilities of taking on a former racehorse.
With the right retraining, ex-racehorses can shine in all kinds of equine sports including Polo, Eventing, Show Jumping, Showing, Dressage and Endurance as illustrated in the Success Stories. Approximately 900 horses each year go into Polo where a former racehorse won ‘Pony of the Match’ at the prestigious Cartier International. The Hunting field is also a good second career particularly for National Hunt horses, while many have happy lives as a companion, as a hack or in a riding school.
20. Can you help find a good home for my racehorse now he is retiring from racing?
Your trainer may be able to recommend the best course of action, alternatively telephone the RoR on 01488 648998 to discuss your horse and the best options, or contact the charitable centres directly.
21. How do I protect my racehorse/former racehorse when I sell it on?
At RoR we are often asked if there is anything that can be done to safeguard the future of a horse that is about to be sold. The Seller often knows and trusts the Buyer, but what happens if he or she subsequently decides to sell? It is rarely possible to guarantee the future, but a properly drafted written sale contract might help. This could include a clause giving the Seller a right of first refusal on any future sale. Serious problems could be experienced in enforcing such a clause, but it is still one option that a Seller might like to consider.
You may also wish to ensure your horse does not run again in a horserace. See the attached document suggested by the RoR legal team as a guide.
22. What is the RoR series and how do I enter?
The RoR Series is a well established programme of competition sponsorship for ex-racehorses. Those ex-racehorses who have done particularly well in their respective discipline are awarded RoR prizes. Click on the RoR Series relevant discipline for more details of the RoR Series run for that discipline, which include: Polo, Showing, Eventing, Endurance, Dressage, Show Jumping.
You will need to register your ex-racehorse with the RoR to enter the RoR Series’. Click here to link to the initial registration link on the home page of our website.
23. If I enter the RoR series are there any Rules and Regulations I should be aware of?
Yes. RoR Rules and Regulations are on this website under the relevant Series where applicable.
In addition, The Rules of the appropriate Governing Body apply. So when entering your chosen Series, you should obtain a copy of the corresponding Rule Book to ensure you are not in contravention of any of the applicable Rules and Regulations the Governing Body has deemed competitors should abide by.
For showing classes, the Judge will ride your horse, but in the RoR Retrained Racehorse Challenge the Judge will not ride your horse.
Particular attention should be paid by those of you electing for the Dressage Series as there is a dress code for riders. For example, gloves must be worn, but if you have an injury which prevents a glove being worn, this must be drawn to the attention of the Judge PRIOR to you commencing your test.
Whilst for showjumping, there are no restrictions on the bits and nosebands your horse can have, British Dressage has a strict code of what bits may be used - and this is also dependent upon the level at which you are competing. At lower levels of British Dressage competition boots and bandages may NOT be worn during the test although they can be for the warm up. You cannot use a martingale and a neck-strap may only be used in four-year-old classes.
The BSJA allows the use of ear covers and fly fringes, British Dressage does not. Again, for dressage (BE and BD), whilst a horse may be lunged as part of its warm-up (if the venue allows), draw reins are forbidden; the BSJA allows the wearing of these items.
Attention is also drawn to the fact that British Dressage and British Eventing have differing rules with regard to noseband use.
Should you be fortunate enough to qualify for a Regional Final (Dressage), then further Rules becomes applicable with regard to commanders (someone reading your test for you and the use of schooling whips).
British Eventing dressage tests take place on grass, but for British Dressage tests are on a surface although at some venues, the warm-up may be on grass.
Having read the applicable Rule Book please contact the appropriate Governing Body for clarification of any Rule or Regulation which you are not sure about.
24. My ex-racehorse has been passed on or passed away, should I tell RoR?
Yes, please email info@ror.org.uk and let us know if you have sold/given your horse to another person or if your horse has died. It is important for us to keep our records up-to-date and accurate.
25. The answer to my question is not listed, please can I telephone or email an expert?
If you can’t find the information on our website to help you care for and retrain your ex-racehorse, and require more personal and in-depth help, then please contact our Helpline by phone or email.
Telephone 01780 740773
This is the telephone number for the RoR consultants Fred and Rowena Cook of Equine Management & Training. If they are unable to answer your call immediately please leave a message and they will return your call as soon as possible. The helpline is available seven days a week.
Both Fred and Rowena Cook have extensive experience and expertise working with all types of horses from the various equestrian disciplines whether it be ground training, backing, schooling and jumping young horses or re-schooling and corrective training for older horses. Over recent years more and more horses off the track have benefited from their retraining and progressive schooling programmes, subsequently taking up new lives hunting, show jumping, eventing, dressage etc.
Email asktheexperts@ror.org.uk
Email us with any more questions you may have and we will do our best to answer them. The RoR has a selection of professional consultants from all disciplines. Once we see your enquiry we will direct it onto the right person accordingly. Having answered your initial enquiry they will provide their contact details should you wish to continue contact.
RoR accepts no responsibility or liability for any claims, losses or damages (whether direct or indirect) arising out of any dealings between any member of the public and any professional retrainer/RoR consultant, including those listed on the RoR website Directory.
