Never owned an ex racehorse but I did buy a TBX gelding through a dealer, who had been kept for hunting only and clearly hammered by an inconsiderate rider before being chucked in a small paddock and wintered out with s slice of hay a day. You could see his ribs, yet he wouldn’t eat hard feed no matter how the dealer tempted him. Even the dealer was worried, and said he just needed plenty of good grass but his grazing was very limited. I had 5 acres of lush pasture which hadn’t seen sheep for over a year, so I turned him out for the summer, sorted out his feet and started working him gently as his condition improved, Within a year he was unrecognisable, a fabulous looker, even the dapples appeared on his bay coat. Education-wise he never really took to advance flatwork but we persisted with the basics, and he had a ginormous jump, probably a legacy from his previous life. We did some local shows, mainly working hunter classes, but mostly he was a fun horse, a great companion who rewarded me in spades and was still going strong into his late twenties.

LOVE THis !!! I'm in USA and I got my first OTTB mare that raced and won has amazing bloodlines and used as broodmare after 12 years with same family found herself for sale and ended up in the hands of poor trainers that all they wanted to do was jump , jump with no classical training I would disagree with training and told I'm not a trainer they know better than I .I finally had enough after Mercedes had issues with back and hocks and I pulled her out of barns with trainers with my vets help and moved her to private barn were owner has only worked with OTTB Mercedes is going into Dressage program . The amazing part of Mercedes story is her coming into my life changed my life path . I want to move and open my own training barn barn for OTTB not many trainers know how or like working with TB since they are a very sensitive horse . On FB they have a community now OTTB connect and we all share knowledge I will share this . Keep up the great work and education . Like you I believe the TB is like the new black . Mercedes Mystery has forever changed my life .

Hi Kelly. When are you planning to upload Episode 2 of this series? Thanks

I've read Moffett's "Enlightened equitation" and found it very good indeed. Nonetheless, I'm not sure I totally agree with her on the German system being worse than the French since the top level results show the Germans are in top of the world's ranking. I think it is a question of taste more than efficiency. Best regards from The Netherlands. Carlos Fernandez

Thoghrobreds are fantastic horses, many people don't like them, and it is pity, I love them very much because they are sensitive, the horse in the picture is a Thoghrobred 3 day Even.

ottb,(off track thoroughbred) i had a foster horse named sevita who was an ottb, a dark bay, 9 years pedigree named, shesabaynotagrey. i loved her to bits, but just couldnt retrain her in the saddle, i ride western for starters, and do mainly trail competion, or simple trail riding, so she needed to be calmer...second, i dont typically work in the saddle, i prefer the ground.

I worry that this thoroughbred isn’t working enough from behind into the bridle, esp in a double bridle. I’d love to see this guy working in a snaffle, i think he’s work more into the bridle :)

I have a question, but first let me illustrate the situation: I would one day love to own an ex racehorse for several reasons, namely that they're incredible horses; that my instructor retrains them and I adore her TBs that I've been so fortunate to ride; that retrained racehorses are very accessible where I live; and to give it another chance as they are in huge supply and sadly not all find new homes. I don't want to own a horse until I am 100% ready and confident that I could give it the best home I am able to. That might not be for a couple of years or more as I'm currently dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome which obviously makes it hard to put the effort in that a horse requires. I started riding last year and I'm getting weekly lessons. My instructor has a strong focus on proper seat and balance and we spend a lot of time on the lunge. (by the way this is apparently rare in Australia). I do exericses out of the saddle to work on improving my own balance, core strength, ability to move body parts more individually etc. Heather says that for an ex racehorse, you should really learn how to ride like the lady in the saddle. Learning how to ride in such a quiet and effective manner takes a LOT of time and practice and it would likely be many years before I got to the level of the rider on the beautiful chestnut horse, especially without my own horse to work with several times a week. We all have to start somewhere - the lady in the saddle started somewhere, too. So did you Heather. Unfortunately I began riding at 28 years old as did not have the opportunity to ride as a child or before that time despite it being a lifelong dream. With a good instructor who has a strong focus on seat and my own mindset focused on how I can do this better (Rather than blaming anything at all on the horse, e.g. I will readily accept that I asked the wrong question when he gives me the answer I wasn't looking for)... How long do you think a reasonable time it would be to be able to be a decent thoroughbred owner? It would be a first horse but I wouldn't even think of having a 'first horse' without already having an adequate amount of experience and education in order to ensure a good home for it... Additionally I don't want to be jumping from horse to horse if possible and would rather put the effort in building a good long relationship. I also would have regular training for it with my instructor along with lessons... In order to get the experience I intend to volunteer in stables, possibly with my instructor when I am well enough to do so, as well as continuing lessons. Is having such a good seat an unrealistic goal for a 'first horse'? Or is it ok not to be perfect as long as you're prepared to contnue improving yourself and do what it takes to get the help you need? I dream of having an OTTB with a main focus on dressage when I'm better and able to care for a horse, and I'm prepared to be patient, but I really hope that owning and riding one of my own within the next 2-5 years (depending on how my health improves) would be a reasonable expectation...

she got a good home though, one that i belive suited her well.

lol, can you ride him a snaffle :P

Drivning,. And Walk beside,. Rest the s p I n,. That will get hurt , and will breeks down all!!

Full-blooded heavy wright riders ???

You using a cruilty bid,. That's not all right

It's a shame about all the hardware in the mouth!