Thoroughly Thoroughbreds - What's the Horse of Your Dreams?

Are all ex-racehorses hot-blooded speedsters? Can a track horse be trained for pleasure riding? Does a racing career destroy a horse for other uses?

A thoroughbred can be an ideal private horse, particularly for a skilled rider, as long as the horse passes a veterinary pre-purchase exam for soundness. In fact, thoroughbreds generally are extremely athletic and trainable horses. With their excellent sense of rhythm and their long, flowing gaits, even retired racehorses can excel at dressage, show-jumping, combined training, fox-hunting, trail riding and other disciplines. Because they have been schooled from an early age, these horses tend to be receptive to learning and eager to please. Most seem to enjoy and appreciate their second careers!

What is a thoroughbred?

Thoroughbreds are hot-blooded horses. The original thoroughbreds resulted from 17th-century breedings of English mares to Arabian stallions for speed and refinement. Averaging 16 hands, thoroughbreds are usually tall, sleek, elegant mounts with excellent energy, courage and heart. They boast powerful muscles on their graceful forms.

These horses may occasionally be excitable, and they can be as fast as lightning. A fit thoroughbred can gallop at a speed of 30 to 50 miles per hour, if he is encouraged to do so. On the other hand, if he is well trained, he may be willing to jog slowly for a wavering novice rider.

Thoroughbreds tend to excel at running and jumping. Their negative reputation stems largely from the widespread practice of pleasure riders purchasing, or even adopting, retired racehorses. A track career can result in specific injuries, vague lameness, and even premature arthritis. (Horses begin racing as two year olds, when their skeletal structures are still forming.)

Also, the thoroughbred tends to be quite a sensitive horse. With high withers and delicate sides, a thoroughbred may not tolerate bareback riders, although some actually seem to enjoy this. Still, most thoroughbreds perform best in well-fitting saddles.

Such an equine is highly responsive. The slightest brush of a leg on his thin-skinned side will elicit acceleration. He may be particularly protective of his mouth as well. For this reason, a young thoroughbred is not suitable for a beginning rider, who is still learning his balance upon a horse and may jostle the horse or tug unwittingly on the reins and bit. As the horse matures and settles in, he may become more forgiving and tolerant to miscues.

"El Santo"

Our thoroughbred is the exception to the rule. A sleek, handsome and elegant dark bay, he comes from the Man-o-War and War Admiral lineage. He carries every bit of his famous ancestors' photogenic loveliness. However, we think he came from the slower end of the gene pool, and that's just fine with us. He is plenty fast; he's just not racetrack fast. Because of this, he faced few track outings, so he is still sound, strong and fit.

He can run like the wind, if we give him a nudge. On the other hand, I have had diapered toddlers bouncing on his back. We call him "El Santo" ("The Saint"), because he is not spooky or excitable, like so many of his breed.) He even tolerates teen girls balancing on his bare back.

Thoroughbreds can be determined horses, devoted to their owners. Of course, each horse must be evaluated individually, based on his conformation, history, experience, and condition. If you ever spot a horse like "El Santo," jump on him. You will never be sorry!